Upgrading trailer Rims

[Razzman]

Unfortunately they are right, load rate C, D in an 18" tire don't exist and if they did they'd proabably be an "LT" or light truck tire. What all of these people are doing is using high performance tires on the trailers. They have the weight capacity to safely carry the load but do not have the heavy duty sidewalls. 18" trailer wheels don't exist either, they are just 18" car wheels put on trailers. Having been in the tire biz for 15 years of my youth and knowing what i know about tires & wheels, you won't see me doing it on my trailer that's for sure.

[stretch55]

I am looking at 17" rims. What off set do you need to use so you don't have to add the bigger fenders?

[Razzman]

I have no clue on the offset, alot will depend on the tire as well.

[Suprahunter]

Contact Owen at boatmate I think you will be very surprised at the deal he can make you,

[newty]

They need to be a zero off-set. I agree with Razz I was strongly cautioned against larger wheels and tires by more than on tire/wheel shop because of load rating issues.
I mulled over finding 17-18" wheels for a long time and was really worried about the look when I ordered my 14"s but I'm really happy with the look. The other thing to consider is curb rash. With the 14"s there is a lot more rubber and you are less likely to damage the rims. No matter how you drive, at some point you will end up in a pickle and scrape the ish them.
I have yet to find someone with 17's or bigger on a trailer w/o curb rash.
Again you don't have to buy tires either.
Straight Sexy if you ask me!

[Razzman]

That's the way Newty and your right, you WILL hit something sooner or later. The thing about that is the load range D tires have real beefy sidewalls that will endure those hits. The designer tires don't and won't.

The other thing that bothers me is that very few wheels are actually forged, most are cast. Cast wheels will break under undue pressure and can actually bust the outer bead right off the wheel. Some cast wheels can also be porous and leak as well and can be a real biatch to balance some times.

I'm not saying don't do it, it's everybodies choice but be prepared is all.

[moombadaze]

Newty, what do you have for center caps?--hard to tell in the photos

[newty]

They are a standard wheel cap but they are open enough to let the hub stick through.

[mmandley]

I will say Newty has a bad ass set up. He really does. Every-time i see his boat in person i see something else hes done and say dam man. Thats Cool.

Someday my boat will be as bad ass as his but until then i have something to work towards LOL.

Straight Sexy Newty

[moombadaze]

mmandley, I agree with ya-Newty's boat is just plain boat porn! I allways feel a little guilty after looking at it