Recommended Tires for Pontoon Boat Trailer and Speeds Around 75 MPH

Question:

Found the Email you send me back in August and I have not been able to add the second axle, short on cash! I have not done any long trips since then but summer is getting close. Is there a 12" tire with a higher load rating until I get a chance to add the other axle? Thanks

asked by: Alfonso V

Helpful Expert Reply:

For your pontoon boat trailer, I recommend moving to a larger tire so that you can get the speed rating you need. I would only move up one size, so you don't go too far with adding height to your trailer. I recommend the Taskmaster 5.30-12 Bias Trailer Tire with 12" White Spoke Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range C # TA76RR which are rated for up to 1,045 lbs at 80 psi and have a speed rating of 81 mph max.

You will want to be aware of the overall dimensions of the tire so you can make sure you have adequate clearance on the inside to not rub against the frame or other components and have the clearance so you won't hit a fender on the top. Vertically you want 4-1/2 inches to ensure you have proper suspension travel. This tire and wheel combination measures 21.5 inches tall and 5.3 inches wide.

You also want to make sure your tires are always inflated cold to the max air pressure from proper trailer tire function. I've attached a couple articles to help further.

expert reply by: Jason S

Alfonso

8/28/2017

Thanks for the quick response. It took the worries of having to buy another trailer, I will adding the second axle anyway I have a couple questions; Will the new tire fit on the same hub? Can I get a galvanize rim instead of white?

Jason S.

8/28/2017

To get the speed rating of over 65 mph, you will need to move up to the 12 inch wheels, but the bolt pattern on the wheels should fit your hubs. I've attached an article to show you how to double check. You will most likely have a 5 on 4-1/2 bolt pattern. You will want to have matching axles when you make that switch and you will want to split the difference in space from your current axle, so it will require some relocation not just an addition to make this update. I recommend using the EZ-Lube - 5 on 4-1/2 Bolt Pattern - 89" - 3,500 lbs # e43SR which the hubs can be used with hydraulic brake assemblies if you desire, or the universal fit axle-less system that is bolt on and requires no leaf springs or other components for your tandem axle application. For this, I recommend the Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension System w Electric Brake Hubs - Straight Spindle - 3,500 lbs # A35RS545E. This system requires a 2 inch square tube to go between the two assemblies and fits into the integrated holes. These axles will work perfectly with the galvanized wheels and tires listed above.

Alfonso

2/21/2018

Jason S.

2/21/2018

The Kenda Karrier S-Trail ST145/R12 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range D # AM10130 may be a good option but the higher load rating will require reduced speed. This tire has a load capacity of 1220 lbs at 65 psi and a max speed of 65 mph. There is one tire rated even higher at Load Range E. It is # AM10140 and has a load capacity of 1,520 lbs at 80 psi. It has a speed rating of 65 mph max. These tires are available in a combination with wheel. There is only one option for the load range E tire and it is # AM31215. The load range D tire has more wheel options, so I've linked the page to assist.