Plan to replace trailer tires and rims with Loadstar K550s from easternmarine

[Jack Wallace]

I have a 1993 trailer that has original rims and tires (H78-15ST) that badly need replacing. Seems the new size standards makes that an ST225/75D15 size.

After reading all the scary stories on tires at this and other sites - I'm leaning towards replacing rims and tires with the Loadstar K550s from the Eastern Marine Trailer Parts Superstore -

http://shop.easternmarine.com/index....categoryID=159

I'm assuming that the tires and rims come preinstalled and balanced so I can just replace my existing rims and tires. Before placing the order - I'm wondering if anyone has comments on my plan or experiences (good or bad) with:

1) Eastern Marine Trailer Parts Superstore
2) Loadstar K550's
3) Purchasing tires and rims as a package (vs buying tires and having them installed on rims and balanced)

Also - what about wheel alignment on a trailer - is that even possible.

Note - I only trailer my boat to and from aramp 6 miles each way - so tread life is not an issue.

However, I think I'm lucky that I haven't blown a tire dur to sidewall age and dry rot.

[bobchris]

don't assume that they'll be balanced, if you do not see any wheel weights on the rims when you get them have them balanced.

[CradGen2]

I put (2) new load-rated tires on my Flighty this fall and paid 130.00 installed. They are heavy duty load rated tires purchased from the local tire story. Do you need new rims? I wouldn't spend the money on the rims if I didn't need to.

As for alignment, yes you can do it, but I haven't heard of it needing done unless you did something to the axles. If you have loosened the "u" clamps for the springs would be the only way. Actually I'm wondering if the trailer manufactures ever do this. I'd think in most cases dry-rot would get the tire before uneven wear. Not sure, I only put 40 miles a year on my trailer, but keep tire care product and the load off the tires when the tire is not in use.

Not sure if rim appearance is important to you, it isn't to me, but those Galvanized rims a nasty looking. I'd try sanding and painting the factory CC rims first.


IMO

[Chris4x4Gill2]

I have bought tire /rim packages before for my truck with good results. Like was said before, check for weights on the rims to make sure they were balanced.