How to Determine the Correct Wheel and Tire Combination for a 1999 Escort Boat Trailer
Question:
Need wheels and tires for my trailer. Escort trailer 405120BA4XC000520. Trailer weight 650lb. My boat is a 1999 Bayliner Capri 2050 SS and its weight is 2435lbs. Not sure if the engine is included in that weight. My engine is a mercruiser 5.0L V8 and weighs 938lbs. Not sure what size or load rating is required. Also I am never sure what pressure to keep inflation. Any help is greatly appreciated.
asked by: Brian F
Expert Reply:
When selecting a wheel and tire for your boat trailer you should go with the manufacturer recommendation for tire size or, if there is no manufacturer recommendation, you should use the trailer axle capacity to determine the best wheel and tire combination for your trailer.
It sounds as if your trailer axle or axles are going to be rated for 5,000 pounds or more. If you have a tandem axle trailer, it is likely that you have two 3,500 lb axles. The ST225/75D15 tire and wheel combo, # AM3S862, that you mentioned would be rated a bit heavy for these axles.
If your trailer has a single axle, probably 5,200 to 6,000 lb rated, then the # AM3S862, tire and wheel you selected would be rated too low.
For two 3,500 lb axles, I recommend using the ST205/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire and Wheel, # AM32395.
For a single axle rated from 5,200 to 6,000 lbs, you will most likely have a larger wheel with a larger bolt pattern like 16 inches with 6 on 5-1/2 inch bolt pattern and a larger tire like the ST235/85R16, # AM32764, wheel and tire package.
So once you know the trailer axle capacity you can measure the bolt pattern, and select the appropriate size wheel and tire combination on our site. If you select a combination that is larger than the original, make sure there is clearance for installation of the larger combination. Measurements for the tires we carry are on the product pages.
Finally, ST (special trailer) rated tires are designed to be ran at the maximum psi rating listed on the side of the tire. Running the tires at a lower pressure will cause the tire to heat up more and will reduce the life of the tire.
I have added links to some wheel and tire information we put together that should be helpful when determining the proper wheels and tires for your trailer.
Products Referenced in This Question
Karrier ST205/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire with 15" White Spoke Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range C
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Tire with Wheel
- Radial Tire
- Load Range C
- 205/75-15
- 15 Inch
- M - 81 mph
- 5 on 4-1/2 Inch
- Steel Wheels - Powder Coat
- Kenda
more information >
Karrier ST235/85R16 Radial Trailer Tire with 16" White Wheel - 6 on 5-1/2 - Load Range E
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Tire with Wheel
- Radial Tire
- Load Range E
- 235/85-16
- 16 Inch
- M - 81 mph
- 6 on 5-1/2 Inch
- Steel Wheels - Powder Coat
- Kenda
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Loadstar ST225/75D15 Bias Trailer Tire with 15" White Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range D
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Tire with Wheel
- Bias Ply Tire
- Load Range D
- 225/75-15
- 15 Inch
- M - 81 mph
- 5 on 4-1/2 Inch
- Steel Wheels - Powder Coat
- Kenda
more information >
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