Replacement 8 Inch Tires For Boat Trailer

Question:

I have a 15 aluminum Jon boat with a small 5 hp motor sitting on a trailer with 4 bolt 8” wheels/tires. I am needing new tires and am wondering should I replace the stock 8” wheels and tires with 12” 4 bolt wheels There is a lot of space between the tires and the inside surfaces of the fenders! Can you advise me of the PROS and CONS of going with 12” wheels/tires or are the 8” one acceptable?

asked by: Larry S

Expert Reply:

The reason people go with larger tires is generally for the higher weight capacity; that's really the only pro to it, though with an aluminum Jon boat and small motor, I can't imagine the higher weight capacity would be a positive for your situation. In fact, it may be a con, as your trailer may bounce due to the higher pressure needed to fill a larger tire and not enough weight being on the tire. So I do recommend sticking with your 8 inch tires, unless you need a higher capacity than they provide. You likely have 4.80/4.00-8 or 5.70-8 tires (this should be listed on the tire sidewall), so I'll go ahead and list the options for you by load range (keep in mind the capacity listed is per tire, so double it for the capacity of both tires):

- 590 lb Capacity: Kenda K371 Bias Trailer Tire - 4.80/4.00-8 - Load Range B # AM10002

- 745 lb Capacity: Kenda K371 Bias Trailer Tire - 4.80/4.00-8 - Load Range C # AM10004

- 715 lb Capacity: Kenda K353 Bias Trailer Tire - 5.70-8 - Load Range B # AM10010

- 910 lb Capacity: Kenda K353 Bias Trailer Tire - 5.70-8 - Load Range C # AM10012