snerkman
Pro
So the trailer my brother and I picked up in the spring is a single axle aluminum enclosed with a 2990 gvwr. It currently has 175/80-13 tires on it. I'm thinking about getting 205/65-10 (the old 20.5x8x10) to lower the deck height and ramp angles. Other than the hubs turning more rpm, is there any downside to the shorter tires? I don't tow any long distances and will probably put less than a 1000 miles a year on it. Another plus would be getting it down more behind the Suburban should tow a little easier and improve mileage.
ROCKERDAN
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normally a taller tire is always considered an upgrade from all the trailer manufacturers.....personally i would never go to a 10 from a 13,just makes no sense whatsoever....much more heat and much less tire life,you run the risk of flats much more with the small tires,been there done that.
this is why i would only ever buy a enclosed style 7 or 7.5 wide,since they are not DECK-OVER style,and are much lower height with 14 or 15" tires outside the deck,which works well for my harley and sleds.
Dan
this is why i would only ever buy a enclosed style 7 or 7.5 wide,since they are not DECK-OVER style,and are much lower height with 14 or 15" tires outside the deck,which works well for my harley and sleds.
Dan
ahicks
TY 4 Stroke Master
If I were stuck on the deck over design, and not using it much could easily justify that (I don't use mine much either!), I would go with the 10" wheels in a heartbeat - for the exact reasons you're talking about. If you decide on going that route, you might check to see what kind of tire to deck clearance you have - and check for a shim between the axle and frame that might be changed or removed completely to lower the deck even further....
In fact, if this is a new rig, I'd be asking the dealer about this mod. If you can get the factory to build it your way, you'll save some money not having to buy the extra set of wheels and tires?
An inline, or something like Dan is talking about, are nice trailers - but they tend to be heavier - and expensive. In my book, for my usage, harder to justify owning for both those reasons - but that's just me.
In fact, if this is a new rig, I'd be asking the dealer about this mod. If you can get the factory to build it your way, you'll save some money not having to buy the extra set of wheels and tires?
An inline, or something like Dan is talking about, are nice trailers - but they tend to be heavier - and expensive. In my book, for my usage, harder to justify owning for both those reasons - but that's just me.
snerkman
Pro
ahicks said:
Trailer is used and was a fantastic deal for all aluminum. There are actually monster brackets welded to the axle to lift the box above the 13" tires. I'd have to have them cut and re-welded to lower it more. Maybe something to consider next summer.
grizztracks
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The difference in trailer height will only be 1.5" which will result in a small change in ramp angle. Years ago it was common to find 12" to 13" tires on cars and now 16" to 17" are more common. Taller tires result in less ware and result in better handling. If your looking to lower the trailer profile I'd first start with the suspension. If the axle is mounted under the springs you can move it on top and then install smaller tires. This normally can be done with minimal work and will result in a much lower profile.
snerkman
Pro
grizztracks said:
Torsion axle. I fully agree that taller tires are better for something that gets lots of miles. My tires are going to need replacing due to age long before they will be worn out no matter what size. I just don't trailer that far or often. Nor will it be heavily loaded. Since I need new tires anyway, I thought I would do this to gain that 1.75". It may not be much but it's more than nothing and requires zero work.
LoneViper
Pro
I've never had any luck with the 10" tires. I had a tandom axel trailer and I still always had a flat somewhere. I put 13" tires on and never looked back. Those 10" I had nothing but bad luck. Never again.
