Trailer Tires

[Toba]

I have a 17" Lund Pike. I bought the boat used and think the tires are under rated for the boat. I have 175/80 13 on and wonder if I should go to a 14" to get a little more beef in the tire. What are thoughts on this topic. My old tires seem to be wearing on the sides and air pressure is checked weekly.

[Jim Almquist]

If you have the room to get them under the fender I would do it. In my case I had to just beef up the tire by getting more plys and going to a radial. If you goto a decent tire shop and explain what is happening they might be able to come up with a idea or two.

[magnum mike]

Most trailer tires are not radial for a reason. The radial tire will allow for much more side to side sway. Your automobile has suspension that is designed to counteract this lateral movement. The better trailer tires are more expensive due to the increase in plys.

[bonehead99]

Had the same issue with my 1750 lund, it had 14 inch tires already. I changed to a higher load rated tire with better side walls. I lucky deal with a tire shop that was knowledgable in trailers and their tire wear. I question if it is not just a matter of load rating and tire quality, not so much diameter.