Small Sailboat Trailer Wheels and Tires

 So you have bought a used sailboat with a trailer - have you check the tires, hubs and wheel bearings?

Many used dinghy sailboats come with a trailer that often have tire size 4.80-8 with 4 or 5 lugs.

At time of post - here is the link for this trailer: https://tinyurl.com/mr2pmk2j

I recently replaced the original tires on my Precision 16' sailboat (dinghy) trailer. Here the the specifications:

• Pre-Mounted Trailer Tires and Wheels
• 2-Pack Trailer Tires & Rims Bias Ply 480-8 Load B 4-4" White Conventional 8"
• Tire size: 480-8
• Aspect ratio: 8
• Section width: 118
• Load range: B
• Tire weight rating: 590 Lbs.
• Maximum pressure: 60 PSI
• Tire composition: 4 Ply
• Tread depth: 4/32"
• Sidewall description: BSW
• Speed index: M
• Load index: 62/M
• Internal tire type: tubeless
• Rim size: 8" X 3.75"
• Bolt configuration: 4 Lug 4" Center
• Offset: 0"
• Center bore: 2.83"
• Rim construction: steel
• Rim style: conventional
• Rim color: white
• Lug value hole: 0.45"
• Hub stud size/nut requirement: 1/2"-20 60 Degree Cone Nut

Here is an example of typical 4 lug trailer tires and related information.

Typical 4.80-8 4 lug trailer tires

How to find the lug spacing

Tire markings

AT time of post - here is the link to the chart: https://tinyurl.com/yckp6za8

The original trailer tires had a speed rating of J so I wanted to upgrade to speed rating of M for normal highway speeds. My sailboat, with trailer weight, gear and boat weight about 500 LB so load rating is within limits.

Changing the tires to new ones (with rims) is a safe bet to make sure I don't have any road troubles. At the time of this posting here is the link for the Walmart deal - $84 with free shipping: https://tinyurl.com/5c3rzm49 

The next thing I had to do was deal with the wheel bearings and seals. Here is an example of a five lug with tapered spindle. My trailer has a straight spindle as do most of the smaller trailers. While this graphic shows a tapered spindle the other parts are similar for most trailer hub bearings.

At time of post - Here is the link: https://tinyurl.com/4vde96fs 

After removing the bearings from the hub, it was clear that the bearings and races had rusted and not been taken care of. Inspecting the bearings, I found the part numbers and then searched online. I found the set of bearings, seals and races on Amazon! In order to pack the wheel bearings I also ordered this wheel bearing packer. 

I removed the old bearing races, installed the new ones, repacked the new bearings, installed the rear bearings, installed the rear seal, and mounted the hubs. Then I installed the front bearings, tighten the axle nut, backed off a 1/4 turn, and installed the lock washer and cotter pin. The final step was to install the dust cap and mount the tires. 

Here is a link to a great site that will give you more details about the process and tools needed.

https://www.familyhandyman.com/project/repacking-trailer-wheel-bearings/

Now I am ready for the sailing season!

So to wrap up, when you get your deal on a budget sailboat don't forget to inspect the tires for wear, check the load and speed rating, and repack your wheel bearings. Nothing can ruin a sailing outing more than being stuck on the roadside with tire or hub problems.