I would say put 12 inch tires on it. I have a set you can try and see if you like them.

That's a good idea. I always check mine at every stop. I figure if they were cool when I got home from the last trip they should be ok to the first stop on the next trip out. Knock on wood I've never had a problem but I think I'll add that 10 mile stop into my routine.

I don't check them before every trip and whenever we stop for a breaks.

I bought a very small Jon boat with trailer and while taking it home the hub came apart and the wheel hit an on coming truck. Nobody hurt and insurance paid it all but the funny part was it hit my neighbors truck while he was going to the store. The Jon boat was so small I couldn't even see it behind my Suburban. This was before cell phones so he couldn't stop me and I drove two miles at 60 MPH before I realized it came apart. Followed the grove in the road to where it came off and found my neighbor. $1400 in damage way back then and not a scratch to be found on my tire. It rolled under his truck and came out the back. Bought a new hub and used it for a couple years then sold it. We till get a good laugh about it. Can only imagine the sparks flying off that thing and it took years before they fixed the road.

Good idea about checking the tires at each stop and early in the trip. I also like the idea of taking spare parts just incase. I'll start doing that.

I just got home with a pair of 13" tires. I'm really looking forward to putting them on. Might have to modify the homemade deck to get them to fit.

Todd,
That's hilarious! Sounds like my wife back when we were dating. She got a bad flat and didn't realize it. I saw it when she backed out of the driveway..couldn't catch her attention to get her to stop. By the time I could get my keys and get in my car, she was gone. I chased her over 5 miles before I finally caught her. She was thumping down the road and didn't even notice. She said, "I thought I heard an odd sound."

i try n check tires & double check hitch b4 pulling out. I too put my hand on the hub when i pull over and check for grease uderneath/behind the tires. when i roll off without an extra tire when flat, i run the risk of having to go back for something later. multi ply trailer tires will run for
a long time under less than ideal conditions. when they finaly go they blow. ive damaged several trailer finders and one rim beyond repair because i couldnt get off road safely in time.