This may seem like a dumb question but I've never had to change tires on my boat trailer. Now that I've watched a video saying they should be changed about every 3-5 years I think I should do mine.

Do I buy rubber tire and take it to a car mechanic to put on or is it cheaper to buy a whole tire and rim and just change them out? What do you do?

Go to your local gasoline station that repairs cars and they can order and install them.

 

Fastest and less expensive method than going to a boat dealer.

I always go to the local Plaza Tire station and they set me up.

And buy the tire, not the rims, etc. unless you need them.

 

I paid $171 for two Trailer King tires with no balancing or installation fee at my local BP station.

 

Left trailer at 1, went home to shower from fishing, and it was ready to be picked up by 2:30.

 

Ask the guys at your local gasoline station what they think about your rims, bearings, grease, etc. They will tell you the truth.

I get my tires from a local place. Bring in just the rims normally. Walk in, get them mounted and walk out. Generally it's quicker than waiting with the boat, etc. Like Sam mentioned, check out the bearings, etc at the same time. Never hurts to give them a look.

Last time I did it I ordered them online and had them shipped to my local NTB. The manager didn't charge me to put them on the rims, just told me to tip the guys doing the work.

I take mine to discount tire and have them do it. 

I would take my trailor to the tire dealership... And they would do it out in the parking lot....

If you don't have a full size spare, you may wish to consider it...

Check out etrailer.com. They have galvanized wheels with tires for very reasonable prices.

I got my new tires recently on-line from the trailer store. 

Try a local tire dealer.  Many will provide a road hazard guarantee with the sale, free tire rotation, and repairs for the life of the tire.  Their prices are usually competitive.

 

They may not match the price of tires you purchase online, but the services they provide with the sale more than makes up for the few extra dollars you might save.

 

If you have a BJs Wholesale Club near you, check them out.  They usually have a better price and also may provide the road hazard guarantee, rotation and repairs with the sale.

Check out etrailer.com. They have galvanized wheels with tires for very reasonable prices.

 

X2

 

 Yup ~ just changed out the whole deal.  Tires came mounted on the galvanized rims.  Hubs came with seals & bearing ( back seals were already pressed in)  All I had to do was pack the bearings, drop them in and mount the wheels / tires.

 

 Sweet.

 

A-Jay

X2

 

 Yup ~ just changed out the whole deal.  Tires came mounted on the galvanized rims.  Rims came with seals & bearing ( back seals were already pressed in)  All I had to do was pack the bearings, drop them in and mount the wheels / tires.

 

 Sweet.

 

A-Jay

 

 

 

Seals and bearings? I've never heard of that as part of the wheel/rim? I thought that was part of the hub assembly?

Seals and bearings? I've never heard of that as part of the wheel/rim? I thought that was part of the hub assembly?

I thought the same thing. Ive only ever seen it where the hub is a totally different piece than the wheel and tire.

 

For the OP, I took my boat and trailer to the tire shop (after making sure they had the tires), they had me back it in and I stood there while they jacked it up and replaced the tires right on the spot for me. Didnt take half an hour from the time I got there. Much easier than trying to jack it up and leave it in your driveway while you go

I am glad this thread is still around. I wanted to pass along this info. Yesterday I was at the tire shop to get a car tire patched. While the technician was working on the tire. This thread popped into my head. I asked him what is the minimum trailer tire size, where you can replace the tire and still utilize the rim. He told me, that at about the 13" size it's still possible to change, however anything less than that, you have to replace both the rim and tire. Just passing the info along. It may be helpful to someone. 

Just an idea, you may want to look into getting regular steel belted radial car tires. As long as you can get the right weight or load bearing it could save you money. Trailer tires are normally inferior in ride and wear, and usually cost more. I was able to switch and it was amazing. The trailer rides better and quieter. It also pulls easier so the mpgs have improved. So far, no noticeable wear. I like them better.

Just an idea, you may want to look into getting regular steel belted radial car tires. As long as you can get the right weight or load bearing it could save you money. Trailer tires are normally inferior in ride and wear, and usually cost more. I was able to switch and it was amazing. The trailer rides better and quieter. It also pulls easier so the mpgs have improved. So far, no noticeable wear. I like them better.

Good point.

Just an idea, you may want to look into getting regular steel belted radial car tires. As long as you can get the right weight or load bearing it could save you money. Trailer tires are normally inferior in ride and wear, and usually cost more. I was able to switch and it was amazing. The trailer rides better and quieter. It also pulls easier so the mpgs have improved. So far, no noticeable wear. I like them better.

Most tire shops will not mount car tires on a trailer. If you take your rims in without the trailer this can be done.

Be careful about using passenger car tires on a trailer.  Trailer tires have stiffer sidewalls and are designed to reduce the sway of the trailer while it is under tow.

I jack the trailer up, put it on blocks. Take both tires/rims off, take them to the local tire place, and have them put new tires on my rims. Simple as that. I got 6 years use out of the set that came with the trailer, and 2 years into the second set and they look like new yet, even though they have quite a bit of mileage on them already, I think they are a better tire, then what came on the trailer. IIRC, my total, out the door for the 2 new tires, mounted, and disposal of the old ones was  approx. $160ish.

I jack the trailer up, put it on blocks. Take both tires/rims off, take them to the local tire place, and have them put new tires on my rims. Simple as that. I got 6 years use out of the set that came with the trailer, and 2 years into the second set and they look like new yet, even though they have quite a bit of mileage on them already, I think they are a better tire, then what came on the trailer. IIRC, my total, out the door for the 2 new tires, mounted, and disposal of the old ones was  approx. $160ish.

Keep an eye on your spare as well. When I had mine replaced they were all 8 years old and the spare was cracked worse than the used tires and needed replacing. Sun plays havoc on rubber. Also, rotating them can add a lot of life between all 3