could someone explain why an 18.5 x 8.5 x8 tire with a load rating of about 900lbs be better than a 5.70 x 8 with the same load rating? I'm looking to by a used Karavan alum trailer. The current owner did not haul anything heavy so he just has the 4.8 x 8 tires on it. What does the wider tire gain you. The 5.7 tire is about $45 at wally world and the 18.5 is about $70.
it's an open trailer and I'll be hauling an F7 and a ZR 600.

Thanks,

The wider contact patch will generally run cooler, which in turn should lead to a longer tire life....
Those poor trailer tires really rev a lot at highway speeds! :crazy:

I could be wrong, but I don't think the wide tire is supposed to be used on the rim you have?

If replacing just the tires/using the rims over, I wouldn't be shy of going the 5.70 route. Those are some pretty sturdy tires.

If buying rims and tires, I would likely go with the 18.5 setup. Don't remember all the specifics, but they have a much better reputation for staying in one piece. Maybe because of the larger air volume, they aren't as critical on air pressure? Dunno, don't remember.

I don't know if you want to get into it or not, just a thought. The 10" (20.5x8.00x10)will bolt onto that same hub. If you have enough clearance and don't mind the bed running a little higher, those are an exellent plan too. FWIW

I would agree the the poster above, the wider tire will handle the heat generated by being towed, better. And as mentioned, if you can fit a TALLER tire under a trailer, it will spin less for each distance travelled, and be easier on your bearings, etc. We just swapped hubs and tires out on my friend's trailer last season, from the narrow tires, to the 18.8x8.5x8 pair, and went up to the higher load range as well. trailer now pulls much better with 1 sled & 1 quad, or with 2 sleds.

There are several online stores that sell tires. But my sister and her husband were very pleased with: www.clicktire.com as they cater to specific needs and budgets at their online store. They also offer the provision of writing to them so that they can find the size of the tire according to customers’ specifications.

If you wait til fall when all the shows start you can find them cheaper then the tire store. I bought a set at hastings mi sno show 35 bucks ea ...and that was with new rims too.

Torsion axle trailers are hard on tires, they tend to cup them on one side.
There's been dicussions on this in the past and has been blamed on the torsion axle rubber in side the axle.
Apperently they breakdown over time letting the wheel bounce during travel wearing 180* of the tire.

I have to buy tires every 2 seasons , im running a 99 trition lt10.

mutt