Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by akimbeau on 10/04/21 - 6:04 PM

Hello,
I have an 1983 Montauk 17 on a 2008 Karavan trailer. The trailer has a Boston Whaler decal on it and a folding trailer neck. I bought the boat recently and put 2 new 185 80 13 load c tires on it. I took the boat on an extended trip, 1500 miles thru Arizona, and blew out one of the new tires( I think it got a puncture and I ran it flat for a few miles...destroyed it.) I was told I would be better off going to 15" wheels for better load handling. I had a couple hundred pounds of camping gear in the boat when towing and want to do the same on an upcoming trip down to Baja Mexico were the roads are even worse. Any recommendations for what wheels and tires to put on the trailer to make things more durable? Thanks!

Kim

Posted by Phil T on 10/04/21 - 6:26 PM

A wider tire will help but you will want to ensure it has the proper load rating, somehere around 2,000 lbs.

Being you are in very warm areas, you should look for a very good temperature rating.

You will want a radial trailer tire.

Something like this:

https://www.easternmarine.com/loadsta...re-rim-ptd

You will need to verify that your fenders can handle the new size. You can order larger fenders, mounting brackets with or without marker lights.

E.G. marker lights:
Right - https://www.easternmarine.com/karavan...6-00088-wh
Left - https://www.easternmarine.com/karavan...6-00087-wh

Karavan parts - https://www.easternmarine.com/karavan...iler-parts

Edited by Phil T on 10/04/21 - 6:33 PM

Posted by akimbeau on 10/05/21 - 7:17 AM

Thanks for the great info Phil! I see you recommended the 14" wheels and tires, any added benefit to jumping up to 15"? I lost one of my plastic fenders with the blow out so I need to replace one. The fender I have will fit a 14", I believe, but not a 15". I don't mind replacing both fenders if there is an added benefit.

I have not heard of a tires temperature rating, is this something listed on the tires sidewall? What rating would I be looking for?

Thanks again!

Kim

Posted by butchdavis on 10/05/21 - 7:31 AM

If Goodyear Endurance trailer tires are available in the size and load rating you want I recommend you use them. I little research on various boating web sites will verify they're widely recommended.

Posted by Phil T on 10/05/21 - 7:59 AM

Kim -

For a boat of the size and weight of the Montauk, a 15" tire is not necessary. There is a point where added width increases resistance (heat) and the ride gets stiffer.

A full service tire center should be able to offer the various brands. Online dealers are also price competitive.

Temperature ratings- With further research it appears this is for only vehicle tires and not trailers. See: https://recstuff.com/pro-tips/trailer...explained/

Posted by akimbeau on 10/05/21 - 9:29 AM

Thanks for the replies...Ill be getting the 14" load D tires. I'm trying to source them locally as my trip is coming up. Thanks for your help!

Kim

Posted by gypsmjim on 10/05/21 - 4:25 PM

I've run 13" tires for 40+ years now and never had a problem. If indeed you got a puncture and didn't respond, THAT was the source of your failure, and thus a radical change may not be needed.

The main things to consider are that you have the proper load capacity for your rig. Over loading a tire isn't good. Secondly, ST tires only have maybe a 3-4 year service life, so old tires won't fly either. No matter when you bought them, its the manufacturing date that is important. Thirdly, buy cheap china tires and you're on your own.

But, most important is keeping the tire pressure where it belongs. Under-inflation is probably the #1 cause of tire failure.