Trailer Tire Size

I noticed the Trailex (Hobie) trailers have 8" rims, the Malone trailers have 12" rims, and some kayak trailers use motorcycle type tires.

What are the advantages or disadvantages to these size differences?

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I'm having a trailer built right now, and asked the same question. I don't know if this is a complete answer, but it's a start. The larger tire has less revolutions per mile, meaning that it should wear slower, also the wheel bearings will be making less revolutions per mile. Less revolutions means that it should wear slower as well. It also could stay marginally cooler.

What I've been told is that the smaller 8" rims are fine for light weight loads, but the larger 12" rims are usually also built for heavier loads. So if you think you might be carrying a little more weight, go with the larger tires.

Proper inflation is very important too. If the tire is low on air, the sidewall flexes, giving the flat tire look, that sidewall flex will happen more times per mile on a smaller tire, meaning you run the risk of a blowout because the tire gets too hot with all of that flexing.

The motorcycle tires, like the ones on Yakima's trailers should offer lower rolling resistance, but they can't take heavy weight, and my personal opinion is that they might not wear as well as a traditional trailer wheel.

Hope that helps!

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The key with any tire (regardless of wheel size) is that they are rated for a weight rating superior than the load they carry. If you don't know the combined weight of the trailer plus load, use the trailer's GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating).

For example, if the trailer has a GVWR of 800 lbs, each tire should be able to carry 400 lbs. Technically a little less because some of the weight is carried by the trailer tongue/hitch, but for light weights like the difference is negligible.

Proper inflation is also important.

A taller tire usually makes for a smoother ride and it's easier to roll over obstacles.

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Marc...
1978 Hobie 16 Keoke, sail# 36 84

Trailex advises against a larger tire for the trailers we carry. They are light weight trailers. A larger tire will cause the load to bounce they say.

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Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

I have a Trailex with the 8" wheels. I believe what Trailex told Matt is exactly correct. Both the trailer and an Oasis come in under 200# total. That is absolutely nothing to pull with practically any vehicle. I'm thinking seriously about getting a three wheel bicycle with some gearing, having a hitch attached and using it to tow my kayak to some of the ramps close to my home. It's that easy and light to tow. I have used the trailer several times as a dolly to bring the kayak across a sandy beach by hand by removing it from my vehicle. However, I also know that larger wheels do not spin as fast on the highway. If you are going to be traveling a long distance that may pose as a consideration for bearing wear.
I have a set of bearing buddies which I regularly grease before I take the trailer on any longer distance trips (about 30+ miles). Usually when I arrive at my destination I feel my trailer wheels to see if they are overheating. So far no problems, even at freeway speeds. As far as I'm concerned and based on the light weight, resistance to corrossion and easy towability, I'm sold on the Trailex. The choice is definalely yours as I have no experience with the other trailer company and I can only speak from what I know. Good luck! - Roger

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Roger
2010 Oasis
Lucie Belle

I recently built a trailer from a Chinese kit with welded modifications. It is designed for two kayaks and a Yakima box or three kayaks. I asked my local long-established tire dealer what he recommended. His advice was to get at least a 12" wheel, with 13" better. His experience has been that tiny wheels and tires are always the ones to come in with problems: the tires go so fast that they are more likely to disintegrate if they develop any flaw, and the wheel bearings are far more likely to overheat on a long overland journey. In particular he said it can be very hard to find a replacement tire for very small wheels outside of urban areas. And are you carrying spare wheel bearings?

These considerations may not be relevant to your situation if you are carrying only one kayak and travel primarily in urban areas, but for me with two Oases and living in Utah, a long, hot way from the water, they are crucial. I finally went with 13" wheels, easy to find at most tire stores. I air them down to a slight bulge to reduce bounce. Last year we crossed the Mojave Desert in 115 degrees, no problem. This year it's Oregon (two trips).

Airing them down to a slight bulge may reduce the bounce, but be VERY aware that it's that bulge that creates a LOT of heat in the tires, and risks a blowout. The bulge is the sidewall flexing and straightening all the way around with each rotation. You probably run less risk if you run the risk of having the trailer bounce a little bit. No matter who I asked about trailers, they all said the same thing, "Make sure the tires are properly inflated!" So, just because you didn't have problems, doesn't mean that you won't.

I heard all the arguments for and against small and larger tires before getting my trailer built. I went with 12" tires. Trailer guys HATE the smaller tires. I'm towing the Bravo. I pick the trailer up tomorrow, and will be driving with the boat on Thursday, then taking a short weekend trip. I'll let everyone know how things went.

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