Trailer Tire Size Question

StickPigBBQ · Posted: Mon Oct 17 11 6:38 pm Post subject: Trailer Tire Size Question

I found a killer deal on a homemade trailer but it only has 12" wheels on it presently. I can pick up this trailer for under $100 and it is 12' long and has a 42" wide frame on it. I just want to use it to put a small offset and my cabinet smoker on. I believe it has a 2000lb axle under it right now.

My question is, how safe/roadworthy would tires that small be traveling long distances and interstate speeds? I just worry that those wheels may be too small for alot of travelling. Your thoughts?

Josh
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k.a.m. · Posted: Mon Oct 17 11 10:37 pm Post subject:

Josh, with the weight your speaking of it would probably work. Personally I would change to a 3500lb axle with 15" tires and call it a day. I do not care for 12" tires they make to many revolutions per mile.
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StickPigBBQ · Posted: Tue Oct 18 11 1:37 am Post subject:

Kevin, thanks for the reply. The major issue I have is that the trailer frame is only 42" wide. So I would basically have to weld on extensions to the frame in order to fit the width of a 3500lb axle, or cut and extend the frame. Would you do it for the price? Or do you think Id be better off just finding a deal on a bigger trailer? Im gonna make my own decision but Im just looking for your advice since youve dealt with this kinda thing before. (trailers that is lol)

thanks,

Josh
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"The Mustang"- http://www.thesmokering.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=54065

Offset Smoker Build....In the planning stages.....
......if you cant drink it, SMOKE IT!

k.a.m. · Posted: Tue Oct 18 11 1:57 am Post subject:

Josh, I would love to help but I just do not have the time to take on a trailer refurbish right now. You could buy the tube and spindles to fit your own axle but if your not comfortable with the project then I would use the 100.00 towards a trailer more suited for the task. Probably by the time you fit out this trailer with a new axle you may find a better deal ready to go.
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StickPigBBQ · Posted: Tue Oct 18 11 2:05 am Post subject:

sorry for the confusion Kevin, I meant, if it were you would you take on the task and do it for this deal, I didnt mean to ask you if you would do it for me lol.
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"The Mustang"- http://www.thesmokering.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=54065

Offset Smoker Build....In the planning stages.....
......if you cant drink it, SMOKE IT!

Hell Fire Grill · Posted: Tue Oct 18 11 3:36 am Post subject:

You should be able to buy a complete axle already built to the length you need, from any trailer parts supply house that stocks alot of axles, they can order one for you to. New idler axles are fairly cheap also. If the axle on the trailer your looking at was built out of 2 1/2- 3" pipe you can simply buy the 3500# springs and be good to go (most likely), most manufacturers use a standard idler axle and upgrade the suspension to get a heavier rating.

But like KAM said you might be better off putting the cash toward a better suited trailer.

Wreckless · Posted: Tue Oct 18 11 10:47 am Post subject:

I worry about homemade trailers for $100 period. This may be fine but do your homework and inspection well. I have seen the aftermath of a trailer gone wild and have been on the cautious side ever since. Add anything more than a uds on it and you are talking about a decent amount of mass to be doing interstate type travels. The 12" are going to be busier than a hummingbird at 65 mph. Hint: 12" tires on a homemade trailer are not a bad omen given but should be suspect.
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k.a.m. · Posted: Tue Oct 18 11 11:15 am Post subject:

Josh, i am up to speed now. Laughing

Like HFG said check the tube and axle and there may be a chance you can upgrade the tire size and springs. I know on my homemade utility trailer the axle is a 2000lb it was an old boat trailer. The axle is actually a U shaped channel so I watch my weights closely. I did bump the tire size from 14" to 15".
As far as tackling the job if it were mine. I did a lot on mine and spent more than I should have but at the time it was worth it. Now a days with the pricing of components like they are I would do my homework first on my costs, trailer parts have gone through the roof and it may be cheaper to spend a bit more on a new utility trailer of that size. It is hard to compete with the trailer manufacturers.
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ToolBoxTavern · BBQ Fan Joined: 01 Aug 2011 Posts: 106 Location: TEXAS

I prefer 15" but those pop up camper trailers got itty bitty wheels and some of them are gettin down the road in a hurry. Also my definition of interstate speed is between 60 and 65mph.

You see me going over 65 then there is a hunk of money involved.

I say if you inspect it well and there is no rotted, rusted spots then I would probably buy it, but I am a junk man. It would probably sit and I would find something else for the cooker to go on and resell the trailer or build something else on it. My opinion junk is better investing than stocks now days.

TrailerBuilder · Posted: Tue Oct 18 11 9:42 pm Post subject:

Your going to be sitting quite of bit of weight on there, Id run, use the $100 towards something larger and more durable or build. You can find 3500lb axles that will fit that size or you can have them special ordered, but you will tie quite a bit of money up into the trailer in a hurry so why not buy something a bit bigger and heavier??

Just my 2c worth
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StickPigBBQ · Posted: Wed Oct 19 11 2:27 am Post subject:

Troy, I couldn't agree with you and Kevin more. I have started just looking into a pipe top trailer to build a cover on and go from there. I don't wanna risk it. I think the trailer could be useful for something..... Just not for what I need it for. And I added up the costs of a new axle and bigger wheels and at the end of the day, I'll pay the same for a bigger trailer. Thanks for all the advice guys!

Josh
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A proud member of da WHO DAT NATION!!!
NB Offset Smoker-Modified
"The Mustang"- http://www.thesmokering.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=54065

Offset Smoker Build....In the planning stages.....
......if you cant drink it, SMOKE IT!