Can I Go from 10 inch Tire and Wheel Assemblies to 8 inch on my Enclosed Trailer with Ramp Door

Question:

Currently my trailer uses Kenda #AM3H400. Is there any reason why I could not go to these? Trailer is mostly used for storage. If I trailer, would only be 50 miles round trip. To me, it would lower the whole trailer a bit and the tilt would not be as steep. Your thoughts.

asked by: Gary M

Expert Reply:

There are a couple of things to be aware of it you decide to switch to the smaller wheel and tire combination, # AM3H325, from the # AM3H400, wheel and tire combination.

First, the hub that is on your trailer may not fit inside the smaller wheel center of the 8 inch by 7 inch wheel. The diameter inside, where the hub mounts, for the 8 inch wheel on the # AM3H325 combination is 7 inches, tapering down the last inch to 5-1/2 inches where the studs go through the wheel. You should measure the diameter of your hub at the widest point to make sure this wheel will fit over the hub and bolt up. The # AM3H400 wheel measures 9-1/4 inches tapering down the last inch to 7-3/4 inches where the studs go through the wheel. I produced a short video showing these dimensions for you to see more clearly.

Next, you should consider the capacity rating of the trailer you have. The 215/60-8 bias trailer tire with 8 inch galvanized wheel has a maximum weight rating of 900 lbs, because the wheel capacity is lower than the tire capacity. That makes this combination capable of 1,800 lbs per axle. If your trailer axle or axles are rated for 2,000 lbs or more, you could potentially overload the smaller wheel and tire combination. We do not recommend installing wheel and tire combinations that are rated lower than the axle capacity of the axle it will be installed on.

If your trailer axles are rated at 1,800 lbs or lower, this wheel and tire combination would be just fine provided it will fit on the hub. I have provided links to some trailer tire information that you may find helpful.