Input on wheels and tires

[alosix]

Its finally getting time for me to get a spare time for my M101 trailer. The XLs have been good to me, but I know I've been pushing my luck.

I really like the 6.5R16 XLs on there now, but I'd like to swap the hubs/brakes to 5on4.5 to match the Jeep.

I've been having trouble finding wheels in that bolt pattern narrow enough to fit XLs, not to mention XLs are kinda hard to find.

I was thinking of puttng 33x10.5s on there, wanted opinions of anyone running that size on their trailers.

The Jeep has 35x12.5s on it. I'd rather not go that big, or that wide on the trailer. I'd think that would be asking for trouble pulling it.

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Jason

 

[Robert Bills]

All the information I have indicates that new Michelin XLs are impossible to find. Maybe in 2-3 years after the troop draw down in Iraq.

33x10.5 tires should work fine on your trailer.

 

[ntsqd]

Might even consider the 33-9.50's if BFG A/T's are considerable.
I can see an advantage in diameter for a trailer tire, but I don't see a trailer weighing enough to need the flotation of a wide tire. Even then, I see a stability limit to going with too large of a trailer tire.

 

[alosix]

Might even consider the 33-9.50's if BFG A/T's are considerable.
I can see an advantage in diameter for a trailer tire, but I don't see a trailer weighing enough to need the flotation of a wide tire. Even then, I see a stability limit to going with too large of a trailer tire.

Exactly

I keep forgetting about that size BFG..

I guess there's no real need for an MT on the trailer. I could see going to the 35x12.5 to match the Jeep to share spares a little easier, but the Jeep will be running Stauns, and has a spare. So if I am that bad off on the trail to be pilfering the trailer spare.. I'll just limp out on the 33. If anything adjust the air pressures to get the diameters on the Jeep to be similar.

Not to mention.. $300 a pop for the KM2s on the Jeep would be way too much for my littler trailer.. I only paid $600 for it.

Jason

 

[Robert Bills]

Might even consider the [BFG A/T] 33-9.50's. . . .

I agree. Although I run 35x12.50 BFG M/T tires on my CJ-7, I run a 33x9.50 BFG A/T as a spare to cut down on size and weight. Going this route would allow you to use the spare from your tow rig for both tow rig and trailer.

The 2" smaller diameter spare isn't much of an issue offroad. I tried it to be sure, and it worked fine even with my rear Detroit locker and front LockRight. However, on the highway I can imagine that running the smaller spare on the rear axle along with a 35" tire would be exciting to say the least, which is why I would move a good 35" tire to the rear in the even of a highway rear tire failure and put the smaller diameter spare on the front (since my front locker is inoperable with the hubs disengaged), then drive slowly.

The only real problem with the BFG A/T 33x9.50 tire is expense and availability. Few, if any, tire shops will carry them in stock rendering this size a special order (which usually means you can't get as much of a discount). Also, there are many brands of 33x10.50 tires vs. the 33x9.5, which is manufactured by BFG only.

And Jason, you are correct. There is no need for MT tires on a trailer. For driven tires perhaps, but not free wheeling tires.

 

[R_Lefebvre]

A full on MT probably isn't necessary, but I think a good AT is a minimum. You want some traction on off-camber areas, as well as the sidewall toughness.