Replacement Trailer Wheels and Tires for Water Bug Jet Ski Trailer

Question:

Hello and thank you for your time. I have acquired a jet ski trailer that is in need of new tires. It is a water bug trailer with short fat tires size 16.5x6.5-8...it also has adjustable fenders. I am looking to get new galvanized wheels and tires. What is the biggest wheel /tire combo I can fit? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

asked by: Joe

Expert Reply:

Thank you for the photo of your newly-acquired jet ski and Water Bug trailer. This shows that it uses 4-on-4 bolt pattern wheels. Your tire size 16.5 x 6.5-8 is the same as the metric size 165/65-8 and we have an item that will work for you.

In this tire size and wheel bolt pattern we offer pre-mounted Kenda wheel/tire combination part # AM3H200. This consists of a white-powder-coat 4-on-4 wheel and a 165/65-8 bias ply tire. The combined product has a weight capacity of 800-lbs at the required 70-psi inflation pressure and it is rated for 65-mph. We do not have a pre-mounted galvanized version in this size but wheels and tires can be ordered separately if you wish to pay a local tire shop to mounted them together.

For a galvanized 4-on-4 wheel use part # AM20013 which is 8 x 5-3/4 width. For a mating tire use

Since the trailer has adjustable fenders you may be able to install larger wheels/tires. The overall diameter of your current tire size is 16-1/2-inches, please note. You might check the maximum amount of fender adjustment to see how large an overall diameter wheel/tire you can safely fit. Keep in mind also that trailer suspension travel can be 3 to 4-inches and this amount of clearance between the tire and fender should be maintained. Changing to a larger tire that reduces tire-to-fender clearance is not recommended.

The next larger tire size is a 10-inch, size ST205/65-10, such as AM3H340 which is galvanized. This tire diameter is 40mm (1.57-inches) wider and it has a much larger diameter of 20-1/2-inches. To use this size you will need to maintain the required tread-to-fender clearance AND also have room for the increased tire width. Between the inner sidewall and the nearest part of the trailer you want no less than 1-inch clearance.

expert reply by: Adam R

click to enlarge

Edgar

8/2/2020

I purchased some Kenda 165/65-8 Bias Trailer Tire with 8" White Wheel - 4 on 4 bolt pattern What is the hub that I need it has a 1 1/16 axle

Chris R.

8/12/2020

If your axle features a straight 1/16" diameter spindle then you're looking at hubs that use the L44649 inner and outer bearing - although it's still a good idea to verify this. If this is the case and it's a 2,000 pound axle, the etrailer Pre-Greased # AKIHUB-440-2-EZ-2K will work perfectly.