Recommended Skid Wheels for a 43' Canoe Trailer

Updated 02/07/2024 | Published 02/06/2024

Question:

Hello, I was hoping for a recommendation for trailer skid wheels. I have a homebuilt 43 canoe trailer built by someone else that is having issues with dips as the rear of the trailer is almost 15 behind the rear axel. The trailer is relatively light Ive never weighed it as it is just the steel frame and racks for canoes. The only load on the trailer is canoes, oars, and other lake day stuff popup tent, tables, etc.. My question is should I get fixed or caster wheels. Caster wheels would be helpful if the trailer wheels stay on the ground as the rear of the trailer will be moving sideways if Im going around a corner, but if the wheels are completely off the ground, the casters would allow the rear of the trailer to swing sideways. I can send photos of the trailer if it would be helpful. Bryan

asked by: Bryan F

Expert Reply:

Bryan, if it were me I'd go with caster wheels over fixed wheels. Mainly because a fixed bearing wheel can only be moved in a vertical direction and are not able to turn in a direction parallel to the wheel path. The only leg up I can think of is that fixed wheels are going to be a bit easier to steer since they only go forwards or backwards, other than that I think caster wheels take it.

So something like the Ultra-Fab Skid Wheels for Class C RVs up to 34' Long # UF48-979012 would work great. These wheels are a bit beefy measuring 5" in diameter but are made of high quality 1/4" urethane which provides an excellent anti-skid barrier.

expert reply by: Bryce D