caution: ran across an issue on a trailer smoker build

seattlepitboss

I have been collecting trailer parts for awhile, in prep for this build. I had decided to go with 12" wheels. My buddy came over yesterday and looked at them and warned me that their load rating was a little low. After I figured out how much weight they'd have to support, I realized he was right! You have to figure in *all* the weight and take into account if more of the weight is on one side, things like that. You also need at least a 10%-20% safety margin. Even my little flatbed trailer (4x7') with a 300 pound tank on it and a 325 pound firebox, once I figured out all the other weights, needs wheels rated for about 1200 pound each, and these were only rated 880. So needless to say I'm redesigning for larger wheels, and I'm posting so you guys building trailered cookers can watch out too.

seattlepitboss

Teleking · Posted: Jul 21 2010 Post subject:

Can't you just get different rubber that is rated for the weight?

Just a thought

Edit:

http://www.easternmarine.com/12-thru-16-Trailer-Tire-Rim-RADIAL/
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k.a.m. · Posted: Jul 22 2010 Post subject:

seattlepitboss, you might want to look at your axle rating as well. Re-sizing tires will not help much if the spindle cannot carry the load. The axle and springs need to carry not only the load but the trailer it is sitting on as well. When I started the R/F build I weighed the entire trailer according to weight per foot of steel to build it, plus the tank and material to build the firebox. My only miscalculation was the owner wanted to increase the size dimensions half way through the build, hence the second axle.
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Hybrid Cooker

ranman · Joined: 02 Aug 2009 Posts: 4

Keep in mind that you entire weight of everything will be split between both tires ans well as your trailer tongue.
For example if you total weight is 1200# that between two tires is 600# each and then depending on your balance the tongue will take 10-20% off that.
I may be wrong but I would say you are fine with the tires you have.

ranman

cody · Posted: Jul 22 2010 Post subject:

and thats why i put 10ply tires on every thing i have Cool

TrailerBuilder · Posted: Jul 23 2010 Post subject:

It really doesnt cost much more to go from a 2000lb axle to a 3500lb axle and if you believe in overkill like me, just a tad more cash will land you a 6000lb axle and you wont have a worry in the world. Spend the money now instead of dealing with the issues later.
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