I have a fully decked 14' Jon boat. My question is I was thinking about making a trip to fish in Virginia it is about a 6  1/2 hour trip from were I live. My trailer is in very good shape new wheel bearings and tires, but the tires are only 4.80 X 8 size. Right now I really don't travel more then 30 miles to go fishing.  My concern is at highway speeds the small tires will be spinning twice the speed of the truck and I don't know if the bearings will hold up. So if any of you out there have any input on this matter it will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Walking Horse

You have a legitimate concern, but I see pop-up campers being pulled on interstate highways a lot with the 8" wheels. Rarely do I see one on the roadside with a wheel/tire problem. I see several N.J. trailers with 8" wheels at Briery Creek Lake in early Spring.

I think your biggest concern would be the tires, not the bearings-carry a spare or two.

Wayne P. speaks the truth. Your bearings, if properly lubricated and installed, can spin a heck of a lot faster than you could ever go (example: 1400 rpm bearing speed @67MPH with 8" radius tire).

Insure your tires are in good shape and properly inflated to their maximum (printed on tire), and go for it.

Don't think you will have a problem. My Uncle Bob, ok not really my uncle, but we call him uncle Bob has been pulling a 24 foot pontoon from Pittsburgh, Pa. to just west of Ottawa Ontario about 1,200-1,300 mile round trip. Every year since 1991, it runs duel axil trailer, but they are 8inch wheels and tires (they are the really wide tires you seen on pontoon trailer,) but they still are only on 8inch rims.

He sets the cruise at 72mph and has never had any bearing problems. He does repack them every two years.

With new tires and bearings, you should be fine.  The load is really light, and they're built for heavier hauling.  Just stop every now and then and feel the hubs for exessive heat.  If they get really warm, or they're throwing grease, then you have a problem.

Usually trailer tires are a low turnover stock for most dealers. Even though you buy as new, check the mfg date on them to verify that they are not already 5 or more years old.