How To Choose Boat Trailer Tires

Several trailer tire options are available, but some have left consumers wanting more. Therefore, you should know how to choose boat trailer tires.

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Several trailer tire options are available, but some have left consumers wanting more. Therefore, you should know how to choose boat trailer tires.

Besides normal wear and tear, dust, debris, road conditions, UV rays, water, and moisture can impair your tires. Sooner or later, you will need to replace them, which might put you in a difficult position as you will want to get a long-term solution within a budget.

Boat trailer tires have special tires known as ST. These are small tires highly sturdy with a unique design with extended load capacity. You should also consider the load range of the tires. The load range or capacity is classified as B, C, D, or E, with B being the lightest and E being the heaviest.

The tires are among the vital parts of the trailer that can be very dangerous if they are not suitable or have been neglected and are near to tearing apart. You should keep checking your tires' tread wear, especially if you ride more on rougher patches.

However, it should not be so hard to select boat trailer tires. As trailer tire experts, we have put together this guide to help you make a quicker and wiser decision choosing your boat trailer tires.

Table of Contents

Boat Trailer Tire Size

If you have a boat, you will need a trailer to haul it around. And if you have a trailer, you're going to need tires. But what size tire do you need for your boat trailer?

When looking for the right boat trailer tire size, there are a few things to consider. First, you'll need to know the width of your tires. The width is usually listed in inches, and you'll want to choose a tire that's about 2-3 inches wider than your trailer's wheel wells. You'll also need to know the diameter of your trailer's wheels. The most common sizes are 12, 13, and 14 inches.

A good rule of thumb is that the right tire size for your boat trailer will be able to support at least 50% more than the actual weight of your boat and trailer. So, if your boat and trailer weigh 4,000 pounds, you'll want to get tires that can support at least 6,000 pounds.

Boat Trailer Tire Type

There are different types of boat trailer tires, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Radial tires are the most common type of boat trailer tire. They offer good fuel economy and a smooth ride, but they can be expensive. Radials have Kevlar or steel belts that run perpendicular to the tread. This gives the tire strength in both the sidewall and tread.

Bias-ply doesn't have belts; instead, the tire's body is crisscrossed with nylon cords. This gives the tire strength in the tread but makes the sidewall weaker. Bias-ply tires are less expensive than radial tires, but they don't provide as smooth a ride. However, bias-ply tires are more durable and can handle heavier loads.

Finally, solid rubber tires are the most durable option, but they don't provide as much traction as other types of tires. When choosing boat trailer tires, it's important to consider your specific needs to select the right type of tire for your application.

When choosing which type of tire is right for you, consider how you'll be using your trailer and what type of roads you'll be traveling on. If you'll be going offroad or on rough terrain, bias-ply may be a better option since they can handle more abuse. But if you'll be doing a lot of highway driving, radials will give you a smoother ride and better fuel economy.

Boat Trailer Tire Load Capacity

When shopping for boat trailer tires, it's important to pay attention to the load capacity. This is because the tires need to be able to support the weight of the boat, plus any additional gear that might be loaded onto the trailer.

The load capacity will be listed on the tire's sidewall, and it's essential to make sure that the tires you select can handle the boat's overall weight. This is especially true if you have a larger boat, as the overall weight of the boat and trailer can quickly exceed the load capacity of standard tires. Keep in mind that boat trailers are often loaded with extra gear, so it's always a good idea to err on the side of caution and choose tires with a higher load capacity than you think you'll need. The load range categories define the tire's load capacity.

What are Tire Load Range Categories?

Load range is a categorization system for boat trailer tires that indicates the maximum weight that the tire can safely carry. The load range is usually stamped on the tire's sidewall, and it is important to choose a tire with a load range that matches the weight of your boat and trailer.

Boat trailer tires typically have load ranges ranging from Load Range B to Load Range E. The exact load range will depend on the size and capacity of the tire. For example, a Load Range B tire may have a capacity of 1,980 pounds, while a Load Range E tire may have a capacity of 3,970 pounds.

When selecting boat trailer tires, it is essential to choose tires that have a load range that is appropriate for the weight of your boat and trailer. Failure to do so could result in dangerous blowouts or other accidents.

Buying New or Used Boat Trailer Tires

Many boat owners wonder whether buying new or used boat trailer tires is better. There are pros and cons to both choices. Used tires are often less expensive than new ones, but they may not have as much tread and may be more likely to develop leaks. New tires typically have full tread and a warranty, but they can be expensive. Ultimately, the decision to buy new or used tires depends on the needs and budget of the boat owner.

However, If you're buying used tires, be sure to inspect them carefully before you buy to make sure they're in good shape. Even if you save a few dollars upfront, it's not worth it if you end up having to buy new tires sooner than you would otherwise.

Read Reviews to Get the Best Boat Trailer Tires

Boat trailer tire reviews can be a great way to figure out the best boat trailer tires for your needs. You'll want to keep a few things in mind when reading boat trailer tire reviews.

First, pay attention to the type of boat trailer tires being reviewed. There are different boat trailer tires for different kinds of boats, so you'll want to make sure you're getting the right type of tire for your boat.

Second, pay attention to the size of the boat trailer tires. Boat trailer tires come in different sizes, so you'll want to make sure you're getting the right size for your boat.

Third, pay attention to the load capacity of the boat trailer tires. Boat trailer tires have different load capacities, so you'll want to ensure you're getting the suitable load capacity for your boat.

Fourth, pay attention to the tread pattern of the boat trailer tires. Boat trailer tires have different tread patterns, so you'll want to ensure you're getting the right tread pattern for your boat.

Finally, pay attention to the price of the boat trailer tires. Boat trailer tires come in different price ranges, so you'll want to ensure you're getting the right price for your needs.

By taking all of these factors into consideration, you can be sure that you will be able to find the best boat.

Best Boat Trailer Tires

Boat trailer tires are a vital part of towing your boat. They provide the necessary traction and support to keep your boat safe and secure while driving. But with so many different boat trailer tires on the market, it can be tough to know which ones are the best for your needs.

To help you out, we've put together a list of the best boat trailer tires based on customer reviews. We considered factors like durability, traction, and price when making our recommendations. So whether you're looking for a budget-friendly option or the absolute best boat trailer tire on the market, we've got you covered.

Here are our top picks for the best boat trailer tires:

  • Good Year Endurance Tire - Get this tire from Good Year's online store for $127.
  • Hi-Run Boat Trailer Tire -  Get this tire from Walmart for $41.98.
  • Carlisle Radial Trail 12-Ply Boat Trailer Tire - Get this tire from Walmart for $218.19
  • Kenda Carrier Star 15 in. Bias Ply Trailer Tire and Wheel Assembly - Get this tire + wheel assembly from Northern Tool for $164.99.

Happy shopping!

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