How to Use an 18 Inch Diameter Wheel on a Trailer

Question:

Hi Guys, Im refitting a homemade tear trailer built on a Carry-on 4X6G Trailer with a 2000 lb. Idler Axle 58/48. Im pulling it with a JEEP Wrangler Unlimited 2015 with Bridgestone Dueler A/T 255/70/18 tires. I want to put the same tires on the tear for both look and performance and to make the trailer somewhat off-road capable. I assume Ill need a new spindle/hub that will accommodate the Bridgestone tires, or perhaps a stronger 3500 lb.? axle as well. Ive also been investigating an axleless approach. What do you recommend? Thanks,

asked by: Don

Helpful Expert Reply:

I understand the look of using the same tire on the trailer as the tow vehicle but there are not going to be any performance benefits. In fact, using a passenger tire on a trailer is actually going to give you less performance than using a special trailer tire. The issue is that passenger tires do not have the sidewall capacity that is needed for use on a trailer. Trailer tires are going to experience much more flex than a passenger tire so the sidewalls need to be much stronger. I can't recommend you use a passenger tire on your trailer as it is very unsafe. If you will be going off road frequently, I recommend using a bias ply special trailer tire.

With that being said, in order to use a 18" diameter wheel on your trailer you would indeed need to upgrade to a higher axle capacity. However, the higher axle capacity is going to create a very stiff suspension. The system we have that will allow you to use a 18" diameter wheel on your trailer is the Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension System part # TASR7KS01 with the Trailer Idler Hub Assembly part # AKIHUB-865-7-1-K which both have a 7,000 lb capacity. We don't have any standard straight axles that will fit your trailer and allow you to use 18" diameter wheels.

expert reply by: Conner L