I tried to respond to a thread titled the same as this that was posted in 2012 but for some reason I am getting an error. Anyway, trying a new post.......?
Going to upgrade all 3 tires on my C16. All three that came with it when I bought it are different....different load ratings, plys, etc.
One of the tires is "5.70-8". I thought the "8" meant it was an 8" tire but when I put a tape measure across the rim to measure the diameter, it was 9".
So, can someone:
- Explain the number on the sidewall and how to tell what size I have.
- I wanted to go to larger tires/rims. Perhaps 10" if these are 9". I saw MacGyvers suggestion on etrailer and think I am gonna go that route but would listen to other suggestions.
In case it is important, the trailer is a Magic Tilt and I have Bearing Buddies on it.
Thanks,
Saluki
all wheels are like that i think. the 13" tires on my catalina trailer are actually mounted on wheels that have a 14" diameter but are stamped 13". a guy at a tire store near me said that all wheels measure one inch more diameter than the tires. back to tires for your 16's trailer. when i had my 16 i upgraded to 5.70 12s. what a difference that made. all that was needed was to drill new holes in the fender brackets to get enough clearance. it always felt safer with the 12s
Thanks Kickingbug. I figured that out when I went to Walmart with my tape measure and measured the rims and wheels on display.
Thanks for the recommendation. That is exactly the size I ordered.
Saluki - When you get the tires you've already ordered (I assume your getting the 8"), please make sure that you got load range "C", at least. Your C-16 weighs in at about 1100-1200 pounds plus all your "stuff". And the weight of the trailer, as well. Better would be load range "D" and no (hopefully) worries. I have load range "C" on my Magic Tilt and they get inflated to 75 psi to achieve maximum load capacity (910 lbs x 2 = 1820 lbs. @ 75 psi)(the critical info is molded into the tire side-wall).
Please don't put load range "B" on your trailer, they won't be safe. Also, check your tire pressure every time you tow. They have a propensity to loose air. Probably because of their small size and high pressure.
Happy trailer sailing,
Marty K.
81 CP16 Pegasus
Marty,
Thanks for the tip. Yes, they are load rated "C" at 1045lbs each.
Yes, I was paranoid about my old tires and would ALWAYS check the pressure before a tow. Some winter weekends that was an "excuse" to my wife (gotta go check the tires) just so I could go love on my C16 a little. I think checking before each tow is a good 'pre-sail' checklist item.
Sal