OT: Trailer tire question... Does size matter?

[BoneDigger]

On my boat trailer I have 8 inch rims. I have been debating upgrading to 12 or 13 inch rims. This would lift the trailer by about 4 inches.

The advantage of the small tires is that I don't have to back the boat into the water as far.

My question: Do small tires cause more wear and tear on the hubs/bearings than larger tires? I would think that the smaller the tire, the more rotations it has to make in a given distance. Am I off here?

Todd

[Burnadell]

Bonedigger, you are correct...the smaller tires will make probably twice the revolutions and will wear quicker. I always thought they traveled faster and, therefore generated more heat, but I'm not sure about that the more I think about it!

[Cottonfish]

The smaller overall diameter tires will produce faster bearing speeds, larger diameter tires will slow that down. The question is, will your fenderwells accommodate the larger tires and allow the same suspension travel?

Stu

[Shadow]

I wouldnt' worry to much about the tire making more revolutions then a larger tire or heat. The amount that you gain by upgrade won't mater that much.

Just keep your bearings greased and serviced good and you shouldn't have any troubes. I used bearing buddy's on my boat trailer which let you pump grease in via a grease fitting on the outside so you don't have to take the hubs off all the time to get fresh grease in.

Upgrading trailer tires you run the risk of bottoming the fenders on the top of the tires on hard bumps which could cause fenders to come loose or even worse damage.