Big tires on tiny axel

[Stumpalump]

Im converting a single jet ski trailer rated for 1000Lbs. Best I can tell it has a 1490Lbs axel. 5 lug with tiny 12" rims and 20" tall tires. My load will be canoe and gear box at 150lbs or 200 max with a few miles of off road to get up the creeks. Since I'm not overloading it can I get away with 27" tall tires or will it be too much tire weight and leverage for the axle? I could run a 13" rim with 23" tire. Looking at basic replacement wheel/tire combos from TSC since they stock them and are reasonable. How big would you go?

 

[Petrolburner]

I'd put 33" tires on. Big sidewall to make up for the lack of suspension travel. A couple extra pounds of wheel and tire wouldn't worry me, even considering the extra leverage with a larger diameter.

 

[IdaSHO]

Also, the bearings on those little axles love larger tires, as it dramatically reduces the RPM that they run on the highway.

 

[Stumpalump]

I thought it would help more folks if I stuck the build thread in the water sports section. Let me know what you think.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/159299-Fitting-an-18-canoe-on-a-jet-ski-trailer