Replacement Wheels and Tires for Pontoon Boat Trailer With 6.90/6.00-9 Tires on Split Rims

Question:

I have an old pontoon trailer. It has 2, bolt together wheels. They have a 5x5.5 bolt pattern. The tire size used is a 6.90-9. The guys at the tire shop can reorder that tire but cannot find a 1 piece wheel. They also cannot find a bolt together replacement wheel. Ive seen your 5x5.5 wheel. What size tire will fit on it and does it require a inner tube like my bolt together wheel? Also, the tire you recommend, does it match the 6.90-9? Thanks

asked by: Rick W

Expert Reply:

The bolt together wheels on your pontoon boat trailer are split rims. You definitely want to replace these since they are dangerous and can explode under pressure. Split rims use tires with tubes, but a modern wheel like the # AM20053 you're referencing uses tubeless tires. A 10" wheel like this works with 205/65-10 tires.

I recommend getting the Kenda Loadstar 205/65-10 Bias Trailer Tire w/ 10" Solid Center Wheel # AM3H454. This matches your existing bolt pattern, but you will need to measure for clearance. When compared to a 6.90/6.00-9 tire you will actually gain about 1/2" of clearance on the top. However, the 10" tires will be wider.

These have a section width of 8.4" so you will lose approximately 1" of clearance on the inside of the tire. I recommend measuring to be sure. Typically you want at least 2" of clearance on the inside to be safe.

expert reply by: Robin H