I AM FIXING TO REPLACE THE TIRES ON MY BASS BOAT AND I WAS WONDERING IF ANYONE USES JUST REGULAR TIRES ON THEIR BOATS, NOT SPECIALTY TRAILER TIRES. IS THERE THAT BIG OF A DIFFERENCE, MY BOAT IS ONLY A 18FT JAVELIN SO IT DOESNT WEIGH A LOT SO THATS WHY I WAS THINKING OF GOING WITH REGUALR TIRES INSTEAD OF TRAILER TIRES TO SAVE A FEW BUCKS. LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU GUYS THINK.

Being stuck on the side of the road carries a larger price tag for me than the cost of good trailer tires.

If that is not a big deal to you, then you can go with cheap ply biased tires. No steel belted.

I don't know if this is true, I once had tire specialist tell me steel belts should not be used on boat trailers that set under water. Belts can rust if tire damage occurs. I never asked anyone if thats a true statement.

I use Discount tires for the boat, I use what they recommend, and they have always verified the tire with trailer rating plate, that works for me. Plus theres enough Discounts across Tx.

Matt

Trailer tires are a thicker ply ,will hold up under the pressure,for the times you have to jackknife in turning or backing.I would recommend the stronger sidewall.

not to highjack the post, but coming home from texoma I got a flat tire, and bent one of the wheels. So now I am in the market for new wheels and tires, where would you guys send me to shop for them?

Guess I need to stop driving in the rain then - huh.

It is all in the load rating. BassCat has used Firestone Firehawks and Cooper Cobra's in the last few years and have had better luck than with the Marathons. But again I cannot stress the load rating enough, that is where you get in trouble with the sidewall strength. The boat will be bouncy and roll more in corners.

The tires for trailers are designed differently then automobile tires, trailer tires are designed to withstand force from the bouncing motion from the weight of the trailer and boat. They are reinforced to make them last longer from this kinda of treatment.


Automobile tires are designed to withstand more force on the side walls, giving it more flexibility to handle corners and things like that.

I would suggest putting trailer tires back on it. It will save you money in the long run. I would hate to hear a story about you going to tourney but couldnt make it because of a blow-out.

Spend a little extra money and get some good trialer tires. It will be worth it...

I had nothing but "bad luck" with the Marathons, had blow-outs on two Marathons, replaced them again with Marathons, on my way to Falcon, had a blow-out on on of the "new" Marathon's--
I now have B.F.Goodrich tire on all four wheels--

I run a transportation department for a large school district and we have dozens of trailers. I promise that the information you seeing about the load rating is the most important item concerning trailer tires. Always go with at least the minimum recommended load rating for your trailer and with my boat I go one rating up just for the peace of mind. There are a lot of rough roads out there going to boat ramps.

Goodyear Marathons.

Go to Southwest wheel Toll Free: 1-800-866-3336 - Local: 214-631-0200
Southwest Wheel 8740 John W Carpenter Frwy. Dallas, TX 75247.

Bought my trailer spare there. Galvanized rim and new trailer tire mounted while I waited about 75.00. These guys seemed to be very knowledgeable.

I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND CARLISLE TRAILER TIRES, I SPENT THREE YEARS CONSTNTLY REPLACING TIRES, THEY ALWAYS REPLACED THEM AT A LOW PRORATED PRICE BUT THE TIME LOST WAS NOT WORTH IT, I NOW RUN MARATHONS WITH NOT A PROBLEM YET, NOT TO SAY I WONT HAVE ONE TOMORROW BUT SO FAR MUCH BETTER THAN BEFORE.

Go with a light truck tire. I have been using them for 20 plus years now!!!

Hook Em
Will discount work on the tires on the trailer or do you have to take them off?
Guns Up!!!!

Buy a trailer rated tire...don't chance your safety (or mine) to a car tire...there are usually not that much more.

Also, Discount sells a Maxum or Maxxis tire, I had good luck with them.

After getting a trailer tire the SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT thing is keeping 50psi in there, anything else they will wear unevenly...

Also, if you read on the goodyear marathon site, trailer tires are not designed to last until the tread wears away, like car tires. Every 3-5 years (depending on where it is stored, sunlight breaks them down) they need to be replaced, even if the tread is brand new looking. I know, I know, they are trying to sell tires, but take it into consideration.

Funny this subject came up on the BassCat owner's board yesterday and here is their response:

http://basscatowners.yuku.com/topic/2610

It is all in the load rating just keep that in mind and if you do no ones safety is a concern.

I would take the advise of those responders who say buy trailer tires, of the proper load rating.

I had bad luck with Marathons (now made in China) and very bad luck with Carlisles. (Blowouts-Separations-blowouts) And I keep them inflated.

Last set I bought was Towmasters, about a year ago. Still o.k.
(made in Canada).

I will not trust tires made in China!

For Forkduc- Discount will work on them on the trailer - they also have or can order the Marathons - just replaced two that they ordered and got in about 2 days. Seems like it was about $200 +/- for tires mounted and balanced.

buy a trailer tire.also get the road hazard replacement.

Those are what I have and have not had any issues. Recommended by the guy at Discount tire a few years back.

So who has the best price for trailer tires?Wal-mart has Carsile for 89.00.

What size do you need?

You get what you pay for.

I buy the best I can afford. One less thing to worry about.

st205-75-14.I have Goodyear Marathons now.