Car tires on a boat trailer?

Post by **M.T. Livewell** » Mon Jun 28, 2004 8:53 am

OK folks, I've got what is probably a really dumb question, but, can I put car tires onto my boat trailer?

The trailer has 13" wheels and the tires are very worn on the outside from a few too many trips being under inflated. I have 4 radial tires which came off a car that my wife has since written off

. Can I use these tires on my trailer? I know they will fit, I'm just concerned about the wear and tear and how well they trailer.

thanks
M.T. Livewell

Post by **dana** » Mon Jun 28, 2004 9:25 am

well they will fit but radials are not the best for trailers
since there is too much side to side motion

i recommend getting bias ply tires

df

Post by **MichaelVandenberg** » Mon Jun 28, 2004 9:39 am

MT,

I made the choice or mistake of putting on passenger rated tires on my trailer. They are still on there and are holding up but I don't like them.

The trailer has too much sway and bounce to it. The only reason I can get away with it is because my tow vechile out weights my trailer by a lot.

Since I put the investiment in I am going to leave the tires on for now but next year I am going to put trailer tires on.

Final tip, when going to a tire shop DON'T assume they know anything about trailer tires. This is how I got passenger tires on my trailer. The guy had no idea (as did I) and hence the problem now. Read up and know what you are buying before you go in or go to a shop you know will know.

Cheers,

Mike

Post by **Rocky** » Mon Jun 28, 2004 9:40 am

Dana is correct. Radial sidewalls are not stiff enough for boat trailering.
Rocky

Post by **BassAngler68** » Mon Jun 28, 2004 10:18 am

I know its not recommended, but I have car radials on my bassboat trailer and love them. They do bulge a bit more but the ride is great and no swaying at all. Been on there for a few years and thousands of miles. Seem to be wearing good too.

Post by **M.T. Livewell** » Mon Jun 28, 2004 10:25 am

Thanks guys. I just figure I have 4 of these tires sitting idle in the shed, and figured I could make better use of them on the trailer than taking up space.

Great advice from everyone. Sounds like some not so good reviews, and 1 good one. Well, I'm kind of a sucker for punishment, so I think I'll give it a shot. If I don't like them, I'll replace them with trailer tires, since at some point, they need to be replaced anyway.

thanks fellas.

M.T. Livewell

Post by **jammer** » Mon Jun 28, 2004 12:11 pm

MT i hate to give advice to the other team!!! lol I have been running 12" car tires on my boat trailer for 2 years now. No problems, the guy at the trie shop said that they will "last longer and run cooler". Mind you my boat is only a 14' aluminum with a 18 hp motor on it..

Post by **Jale** » Mon Jun 28, 2004 1:52 pm

not sure where fellas but i read somewhere recently that as of next year it would be against the law to have anything but trailer tires on you trailer

I will try to rack my brain and figure where

Post by **TroutSlayer** » Mon Jun 28, 2004 4:39 pm

I would go with the car tires if I had them just sitting there, but I would install them with inner tubes for the extra support and no worries about slow leaks. My dad worked his life at GoodYear Rubber in New Toronto and I know he has used that combination with no trouble.
Cheers,

Post by **MichaelVandenberg** » Tue Jun 29, 2004 7:10 am

TS,

Is that any tire shop can do for you (for the inner tubes)?

Cheers,

Mike

Post by **TroutSlayer** » Tue Jun 29, 2004 9:10 am

I'm sure any tire shop will install them with inner tubes. Call ahead, in case they have to order the inner tubes.
Cheers,

Post by **M.T. Livewell** » Wed Jun 30, 2004 8:08 pm

I had CT slap 'em on. Sorry Troutslayer, I missed your tip in innertubes.

Anyway, 46 bones later, all seems well. I'll let you know if I run into any problems.

MT

Post by **steve-d** » Thu Jul 01, 2004 8:04 am

Just my 2c, if you tube tubeless tyres be careful.

1. some radial tyres are ribbed on the inside, this can wear through the tubes, this is what tyre manufacturers do to stop people tubing tyres.

2. if you get a puncture with a tube installed the tyre goes *poof* flat, tubeless will more than likely be a slow, as long as you dont remove the puncture item

Are the wheel rims designed for tube type or tubeless tyres? if they are designed for tubes, then the tubes have to go back in as there will be no-where for the tyre to sit and seal, so the first time you go around a sharp corner, or hit something in the road the tyre is knocked of its seating and you have a boat on the road!