trailer tires

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euphoric1

Well-known member
I recently purchased a 3 year old R&R fully enclosed 2 place snowmobile trailer, seems to be a very nice well built trailer, it has standard narrow trailer tires on it which I didn't think was a big deal as they appear to be what came with the trailer. But one of the guys I go up north with pointed them out and said I would get rid of those and put on the wide tires, just looking for advice on what others think is the better tire, narrow or wide or doesn't it matter, in the past all of my open 2 place snowmobile trailers have had wide tires on them. Thanks
 
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dawolf

New member
Is it a tilt trailer or drive on drive off? It might be easier to operate a tilt trailer with the short/wide tires (shorter deck height = less angle and easier loading).

Ive had both types over the years and they have both gotten me there and back with no issues.
 
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slimcake

Well-known member
Need to know what size you are talking. If comparing the "wide" at 8.5 inch tire vs "narrow" being 12 or 13 inch tire I would stay with the "narrow" The bigger the tire the slower they roll. I would hate to know what MPH those little 8.5's are turning at 75 MPH on the truck....
 
yamadooed

yamadooed

Active member
The width of trailer tire means nothing as more important would be the load range and condition of the tire...

Slimcake little tires would be going 75mph also... :)
 
mezz

mezz

Well-known member
With a 13" tire, the "narrow" / standard width is the best, less floatation keeps the trailer tracking properly behind the tow vehicle. You don't need, or, IMO want a wide tire.-Mezz
 
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euphoric1

Well-known member
Thanks everyone, I appreciate it, think I will stay with the standard tires. they are a stout tire, take 80 lbs of pressure, sure they wouldn't put them on if they weren't sufficient.
 
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groomerdriver

New member
euphoric1 said:
Thanks everyone, I appreciate it, think I will stay with the standard tires. they are a stout tire, take 80 lbs of pressure, sure they wouldn't put them on if they weren't sufficient.
Click to expand...

Keep a close eye on both sides of the tire. Look for any signs of sidewall cracking. IMO...when you start to see that, change the tire. Keep the tire out of direct sunlight....cover them if you have to. As always, proper inflation is key.
 
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EXCESSIVE FORCE

New member
Found out a couple weekends ago even the taller tires don't like speeds in the 90 mph range.....

We've got tire changing down to about 10 minutes after having 2 flats in the last 3 years. Now I pretty much follow the 4-5 year rule on trailer tires...
 
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mrbb

Well-known member
I will disagree about wide/narrow tires
the wider tires help in backing up in snow and not trenching as much, that's the reason the OEM maker's use them on snowmobile trailers

and I agree about the load rating is the bigger issue here,
I personally prefer to run the highest load rating I can get(tend to be more plys, and less flats in my experience)
but also keep an eye on speed ratings, as when your trucks tries are going 75, smaller trailer tires are going a LOT faster, and heat build up
MY 2 place has 18.5x8.5x8 and all are bias ply tires I can get, and at 80 mph I have had several come apart on me over the 25 yrs or so I have this trailer(and never fun there LOL) but I replace mine after a few yrs or when they get to about 50% tread as well, as better safe than sorry in my book, changing tires on the side of a HWY SUCKS!

I NOW limit things to about 73 mph
and have YET to have another blow out since doing so!!


I'll add two more tips here,
in off season jack trailer up and get tires off the ground, prevents flat spots from sitting long

and buy and carry a good portable impact wrench, IF you get a flat it will save you a TON of time on the road side!
 
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fusionfool

New member
All depends on trailer type. An Inline 2 place would be 205/75 R 15 at least that is what came my R&R 714PS.
Not sure about side by side, you should call R&R they will tell you what is recommended.
 
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blkhwkbob

Active member
EXCESSIVE FORCE said:
Found out a couple weekends ago even the taller tires don't like speeds in the 90 mph range.....

We've got tire changing down to about 10 minutes after having 2 flats in the last 3 years. Now I pretty much follow the 4-5 year rule on trailer tires...
Click to expand...
90 mph? I sure hope everyone was going past you at the same speed while you were changing that tire.
 
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ezra

Well-known member
blkhwkbob said:
90 mph? I sure hope everyone was going past you at the same speed while you were changing that tire.
Click to expand...
don't roll out on I80 much ha? u get passed doing 90.
I wont change a flat on a interstate who gives a chit about a trashed rim
 
yamadooed

yamadooed

Active member
I'll repeat this as all trailer tires mfg are only rated at 65mph... If you find a brand that goes over that post it up as I've yet to see one...

If your going to run higher speeds and you have at least a 15" rim switch over to an LT tire that's load rated for your trailer this is common thing to do on fifth wheels and other HD trailers running max loads...
 
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