Trailer Tire size replacement (capacity upgrade)- Had Blowout at High Speed

SCJeep

Member
May 3, 2016
63
Upstate, SC
Boat Info
2016 21 SPX
Engines
4.3 MPI, Alpha One
Well I had my trailer tire blow out at 75mph on long trip back from the coast. I’m looking to replace all my trailer tires but I want to increase my capacity, I would have thought that these should have lasted longer. Our boat is a 2016 21 SPX on a galvanized Shorelandr. I have approximately 8000 miles on the trailer, and always check tire pressure to make sure it is at full spec (50psi).
Stock tire size is 175/80 r13 load range C (Carlisle Radial Trail RH). I’m thinking of putting on 185/80r13 load range D. My thought is that the increased capacity should give me more safety factor for my long trailer distances. Anyone done similar or have thoughts?
 
75 mph...... long trip......
July.......

Heat is your enemy here.
 
I would think a trailer for a boat that size would have at least 205/14 tires, if not 15". That little 13" is running it's a** off trying to keep up.
 
This is the OEM SeaRay trailer that is custom for the boat, it is a tandem axle. The tire is rated to 81 mph according to spec sheets. I agree that heat is a killer but I am not the only person pulling a trailer in hot weather.

The 13s are what is specd by the mfg for this trailer and load ratings are based on. I agree that I would prefer to have larger size but it would change the CG of the trailer, would not likely fit in the fender wells and would raise the boat, making it need deeper launches.
 
Jeep, I'm surprised that your 21' boat was given a trailer with 13' wheels/tires. Many moons ago I had a 20' open bow boat and the tandem axle trailer it came on from the mfg had 14". Never had a problem with the tires and it towed like a dream.

" I agree that I would prefer to have larger size but it would change the CG of the trailer, would not likely fit in the fender wells and would raise the boat, making it need deeper launches."

It would appear you have 3 choices:
-stick with the 13" tires (this would not be my choice)
-make the changes to the trailer to accommodate the larger wheels and tires. New fenders and likely an adjustment to the axle position (fore and aft) to fix any CG issues, ahd a mental attitude adjustment so you can make deeper launches. There's no issue with deeper launches, and the depth of the launch depends in part on the angle of the ramp.
-sell or trade your trailer in on a new, larger trailer with bigger wheels and tires.

If I were in your shoes, being the cheapskate that I am, I'd probably go with #2.
 
It seems Shorelander has been using that size tire on their tandem trailers for quite sometime. Since Sea Ray spec'd that trailer from Shorelander and Shorelander spec'd that tire for the trailer, I would stick with it. In theory your tires are about 5 years old. You may be in need of a switch based on age alone. Going up in load range can't hurt.

I was always high on Goodyear Marathons but recently switched to Gladiator's based on a recommendation by my tire guy. So far so good with 2 years in. Nobody ever recommended Carlisle's to me. I'm also a big fan of tire covers when the trailer is not in use. It really slows dry rot from UV exposure.
 
I think what I’m going to do is upgrade to the 185/80r13 tires in a D load rating. The trailer load tag lists this size so it should fit. I calculated that going from 175/80r13 C to a 185/80r13 D is a 25% increase in load capacity, I’m thinking this should help. Part comes from the D and the other part from the cross section increase.

FYI my tires should be optimal, my boat and trailer are stored in my garage year round, so environmental (UV) should be minimal.
 
I think what I’m going to do is upgrade to the 185/80r13 tires in a D load rating. The trailer load tag lists this size so it should fit. I calculated that going from 175/80r13 C to a 185/80r13 D is a 25% increase in load capacity, I’m thinking this should help. Part comes from the D and the other part from the cross section increase.

FYI my tires should be optimal, my boat and trailer are stored in my garage year round, so environmental (UV) should be minimal.

I would be interested in the date code on the old tires. You should also check the date code on any tires you plan to buy before you pay for them.
 
+1 on Goodyear Marathons. I have put many miles on mine with good results. I have them on my single axle shorelandr' trailer that came with my 19spxOB. I bought new wheels and Marathons when I bought the boat because we were doing a 1500mi trip in the summer and I didn't want to have issues. I used one of the original tires and wheel for a spare and the other one is in my shed as a backup. There is a large quality difference IMO between premium tires like the Marathons and the stock tires.
 
I went up one load range on the trailer for my 250 Sundancer after blowing a few tires. It worked for me. I also carried two spares on rims and a heavy duty jack. IMO trailer tires don't last long. Especially if they sit in the sun and/or on concrete. My tire guy recommend shading them and putting pieces of plywood under each if stored for long (even without the boat on the trailer).
 
My trailer is stored outdoors at a friends business - I see it about once a year. I laid plywood across the bunks and covered with a tarp. For the tires I bought some old fashion downspout splash guards and roll the trailer onto them.
 
Tow 1600 miles, 18 hours straight on 1 leg at 80, wouldn't consider anything smaller than a 15.
 
I would be interested in the date code on the old tires. You should also check the date code on any tires you plan to buy before you pay for them.
I got into the habit of checking that years ago because of motorcycle tires. Got a front tire that wouldn't stick to the road like it should in corners. I don't remember details anymore but it turned out to be old, stored who knows how, rubber was like hard, not grippy. Scared the crap out of myself a couple times until I figured out the problem.
 
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I got into the habit of checking that years ago because of motorcycle tires. Got a front tire that wouldn't stick to the road like it should in corners. I don't remember details anymore but it turned out to be old, stored who knows how, rubber was like hard, not grippy. Scared the crap out of myself a couple times until I figured out the problem.

Exactly!
 
Also check/repack your bearings - make sure they are made in the usa - bearings from japan are ok too - NOT CHINA - If your hubs are running hot, the wheel heats up and can destroy the tire - A lot of people I know that trailer boats, cars, campers etc keep an IR gun in the truck to monitor temps when taking a long trip.
 

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