Trailer Tires to Replace 20.5x8x10 Tires on a Pontoon Boat Trailer  

Question:

Expert Reply:

The problem you are experiencing could be due to low tongue weight and not the tires. Boat trailers generally have lower tongue weight than other trailers. Making sure the trailer is towed level and with adequate tongue weight (10 to 15 percent of the gross trailer weight) could help a lot.

It could also be that something is wrong with the suspension but if the trailer is new that is unlikely. If you have any suspicions that there could be a suspension issue then I would have a shop that works on trailers take a look at it.

Trailer tires should also always be inflated to the maximum psi indicated on the tire. The modern equivalent of a 20.5x8x10 is a 205/65-10. Tire and wheel combos in this size, see link to the right, come in 2 different bolt patterns and 4 different load ranges.

Tire and wheel combos are not balanced. The manufacturer matches the heavy spot on the tire to the light spot on the wheel. Most tire shops are not able to balance trailer tires because it takes a special rig that most places do not have. Trailer tires do not have to be balanced beyond the light/heavy offset because they do not have steering axles.

I am hoping this is a tandem axle trailer because if it is not then 2 tires in the 205 size would not have the capacity for a 4,000 pound trailer. If you have a 5 on 4-1/2 bolt pattern then tire and wheel combo # AM3H390 would be a good choice. It is rated for 1,100 pounds at 50 psi. For a 4 on 4 bolt pattern you could use # AM3H370 which has the same capacity.

I have included some helpful links to the right on determining bolt pattern and on trailer tires in general.

expert reply by: Michael H

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