Tires: 5.7x8" vs. 4.8x12" ??

Carl

Carl

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Trailer under the boat I am buying has 5.7x8 tires on it. They are the only thing that needs replacing when I pick up the boat. Plan to replace the bearings too, maybe put on bearing buddies.
Other than potential clearance issues, see any problems with upgrading to 4.8x12"s for the trip home? Would the 4.8x12' be better for a long trip vs. going back with 5.7x8"s?
Will post a close-up tomorrow morning.

Thanks.
 
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I've always prefered the larger tires. If the clearance is ok that is what I would use. You have lower rpm's on the hub bearing with larger wheels and that can't hurt. I've also found that they will "bridge" pot holes and ruts a little better.

Gene
 
Carl, I replaced my 8" tires on my trailer with 12's and it lifted the trailer up and gave it much more clearance towing my box with the motor on it. Only modification you may need to do is move the fenders up higher. I bought four galvanized fender mounting brackets and it only took fifteen minutes to due, well worth the investment. I would highly recommend doing it.
 
There is always another view. For my 20 ft lund where driving at least an hour each way is the norm I'm running 14" radial tires. But for my duck boats I run the little 4.8 x 8" tires. They've been upgraded to class C rating with the extra plys and capacity but I simply want the trailer as low as possible for some of the areas I launch at. I rarely run long distances but the few times I have (3+ hrs) the hubs have warmed up but never felt too warm. I use grease thru hubs so the bearings run in fresh grease with 15 pumps of the grease gun. In 20 plus years, knock on wood, I have never had a bearing issue or blown trailer tire. My trailer tires always die due to dry rot.

But if long runs and good water at the ramp is normal, I will join the rest in recommending the larger tires. For your long run bringing here home, I would further recommend that you have a complete spare bearing and hub assembly along just in case :^)

Enjoy the new boat!
Scott
 
. For your long run bringing here home, I would further recommend that you have a complete spare bearing and hub assembly along just in case :^)
Click to expand...


I plan to repack the bearings & add bearing buddies before I leave WI.
Might pick up a spare hub, not a bad idea!
 
Another vote for the larger tires and spare hub. I have two complete hubs and an extra spare when I tow more than two hours from home. On my last trip to SC, I used both spares on the return leg due to potholes. I haven't had to do a roadside hub replacement yet (knocking on wood) but I'm prepared.
 
That is a great looking boat but I won't say the same for the trailer tires. I would change them for bigger ones right away. I have never had much luck with the little tires for the reasons already noted.
 
I agree with larger tires too. Scott does point out the only advantage I can see though is the low water issues. One last thought if low water is a problem, run it home on 12s then change back to 8s if you need to. That is a long run.
 
It good to see you are going to drop a few dollars at Fleet Farm. "The mans store" Every thing a man needs is there.

I second the larger tires. Every thing you might need for wiring is at the store also.

 
I second the notion that Fleet Farm has everything and the best part is that in Green Bay there are 2 stores - one on the east side and one on the west side.

Mill Fleet Farm - The mans mall, if Fleet Farm doesn't have it, you don't need it.
 
I do miss them. Used to go into the ones in Wausau, both in Green Bay, Appleton, and the new one when they opened up in Antigo.
Al
 
The Fleet Farm list so far is 3 - 4.8x12" tires & rims, 2 sets of bearings & bearing buddies.
Probably more before I get done!
 
Carl,


I have used these Super Lube Hubs for over 10 years now and have then on both my small boat trailers. My large boat trailer came with grease thru. hubs. If you are already planning on shelling out the money for bearings and bearing buddies these won't cost all that much more. With you use in salt water these are way superior to the bearing buddies. For me the bearing buddies springs didn't hold up to the salt water use and they just compress the existing grease in place with no ability to push the old grease out with new. Believe me it's way easier to use a grease gun to repack your bearings in place with fresh grease then to have to remove and pack each bearing by hand. This would also leave you with the two old hubs for spares:^)

I hope you are having as much fun with your new purchase as we are.

Best,
Scott


Ps last summer I did have to replace the press in grease fittings on the 14-ft’s trailer. I simply drilled out and tapped the existing holes for 1/8” grease fittings.
 
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Scott,
Thanks for the link, I had similar hubs on my old offshore boat, they worked well.
 
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