Trailer Wheel Recommendation for a Boat Trailer in Saltwater

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Question:

Are these wheels suited for use in predominantly saltwater use or should I consider another wheel? Thanks

asked by: Todd G

0

Expert Reply:

For saltwater boat trailer use it is recommended to go with either a galvanized steel rim or a aluminum wheel.

For a galvanized option I recommend the Americana Steel Spoke Trailer Wheel part # AM20354.

Both these rims have excellent corrosion resistance. The galvanized wheel is coated in zinc that will protect the wheel from all corrosion, whereas the aluminum wheel is made of a metal that does not rust. It can get white flakes from the saltwater but it will not rust.

If the galvanized wheel gets chipped it will be susceptible to rust. Also, some report better gas mileage when aluminum wheels are used due to the lighter weight.

expert reply by: Jameson C

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Answer 1

Although the Dexstar Steel Mini Mod Trailer Wheel #AM20315 has a e-coat primer and black powder coat finish, this is option is much more prone to rust over an aluminum or galvanized rim. The powder coat finish is mainly for common trailer use so it…

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Answer 2

The difference between an load range C and load range D tire in the same size is the capacity and psi rating. The two tires will still have the same dimensions and fit on the same wheel. The D rated tire has a higher capacity. For a ST175/80D13…

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Answer 3

I checked your order notes and you went with the #e84SR three years ago. Salt water is really hard on boat trailers. Even when you rinse everything off the corrosion starts in pretty quickly. If I were you I would stick with leaf springs though as…

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Answer 4

Can you get me the diameter of the axle or the capacity if you can find it? Most likely it's a 2k axle and the kit part #BK1-100 would be the correct kit to use but I'd need to verify that for sure. The correct diameter axle for a 2k axle…

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Answer 5

Load range B trailer tires are going to have a lower capacity than C load range tires. Basically that, psi rating, and the ply rating are the only differences. A higher load range tire would last a little longer than lower load ranges of the same…

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Answer 6

Thank you for the photo and what is causing the ground wire is the aluminum trailer; it's called galvanic corrosion and is an unfortunate side effect of having an aluminum trailer. This happening once every 18 months or so sounds about right and…

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Answer 7

In the galvanizing process, depending on how the manufacturer dries the wheels some of it can pool on one side due to the dipping processed used. That is an issue you are going to run into with many wheel manufacturers. It is an ongoing issue. What I…

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Answer 8

I strongly recommend going with a wheel that has a galvanized finish as opposed to just a silver powder coat for the best protection against corrosion. Even if you are going to only use it on a lake - as opposed to salt water - the Steel Mini Mod…

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Answer 9

You can keep a bias ply spare tire after you switch to Radial #AM10234 tires on your aluminum utility trailer. Since it is only a spare you will not have to worry about the long term differences in wear between the bias and radial tires.

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Answer 10

In general if you are in a situation with atmospheric conditions of moderate to mild humidity, contact between a galvanized steel surface and a stainless steel is unlikely to cause substantial incremental corrosion. Only under extreme humidity would…

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Answer 11

The Kenda Karrier ST205/75R14 Radial Trailer Tire #AM10235 (Load Range D) and the Kenda Karrier ST215/75R14 #AM10229 (Load Range C) that you referenced are simply different tire sizes. The ST215/75R14 tire size is larger in diameter/height by just…

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Answer 12

We don't recommend mixing bias and radial tires on a trailer. They will track and wear differently which can cause premature tire wear and possibly lead to control problems. If your bias tires are still in good shape then I would wait until you…

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Trailer Wheel Recommendation for a Boat Trailer in Saltwater

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