We have a 1971, 13ft. Boler. Before heading out on our first trip I would like to install new wheel bearings and tires. I would like to know if A part number is available for bearings and seals before I take it apart. And also what would be the recommended tire size and type. Thank you. Sid
Hello Sid, thank you for the message
There can be differences in the bearings depending on what axle is installed, The best thing to do is to remove the bearings and races, you will find numbers on each of these and you will find replacements at almost all auto parts stores. I would recommend getting high quality bearings such as Timken or SKF bearings, other cheaper or house brands can be of lesser quality.
For tires there is only one brand I will personally use, I consider them the best and most reliable. The Maxxis M8008 are high quality and have a very low failure rate compared to many of the other ST tires. The size for a Boler is 175/80R13 These tire are commonly available in the USA, in Canada the best place to buy them is online through http://www.tdotperformance.ca/maxxis-tl08696000-trailer-tire-m8008-st-radial-175-80r13.html
I’m the new owner of a ’72 13′, and I would like to install new rims and tires. Is moving to a 14″ wheel from a 13″ a big deal? Princess Auto has a good sale on the 14’s. $119.00 for rim and tire. 13″ are 179.00 for rim and tire. Besides increasing the height of the trailer by 1″, is there a difference I should know about?
In most cases 14″ rims are too large and will not fit in the wheel opening with enough clearance to travel up and down when hitting bumps. Please buy good trailer tires, not cheap ones, if you have a tire blowout on a fibreglass trailer is will result in major damage, I recommend Maxxis M8008ST tires. Also be careful because the store you mention still sells Bia Ply tires, any tire with a “D” in the size is bias ply and should be avoided, use ST Radial and I also recommend sticking to 175/80R13 ST size
Hi Paul
I most cases your trailer tires will age out before they wear out. As a general rule trailer tires should be replaced when the tread wears down to the wear indicator strips on any section of the tire or a between 6-8 years of age. On my Boler the Maxxis tires have many tens of thousands of miles on them and the tread is still in great shape, but I installed them in 2011 so they will be replaced before next years camping season (7 years of use)
Sid Haubrick
We have a 1971, 13ft. Boler. Before heading out on our first trip I would like to install new wheel bearings and tires. I would like to know if A part number is available for bearings and seals before I take it apart. And also what would be the recommended tire size and type. Thank you. Sid
Ian
Hello Sid, thank you for the message
There can be differences in the bearings depending on what axle is installed, The best thing to do is to remove the bearings and races, you will find numbers on each of these and you will find replacements at almost all auto parts stores. I would recommend getting high quality bearings such as Timken or SKF bearings, other cheaper or house brands can be of lesser quality.
For tires there is only one brand I will personally use, I consider them the best and most reliable. The Maxxis M8008 are high quality and have a very low failure rate compared to many of the other ST tires. The size for a Boler is 175/80R13 These tire are commonly available in the USA, in Canada the best place to buy them is online through http://www.tdotperformance.ca/maxxis-tl08696000-trailer-tire-m8008-st-radial-175-80r13.html
I hope this helps.
Sid Haubrick
Yes, That is awesome.Thank you again for this.
Jamie Lacroix
Hi Ian,
I’m the new owner of a ’72 13′, and I would like to install new rims and tires. Is moving to a 14″ wheel from a 13″ a big deal? Princess Auto has a good sale on the 14’s. $119.00 for rim and tire. 13″ are 179.00 for rim and tire. Besides increasing the height of the trailer by 1″, is there a difference I should know about?
Cheers,
Jamie Lacroix
Ian
In most cases 14″ rims are too large and will not fit in the wheel opening with enough clearance to travel up and down when hitting bumps. Please buy good trailer tires, not cheap ones, if you have a tire blowout on a fibreglass trailer is will result in major damage, I recommend Maxxis M8008ST tires. Also be careful because the store you mention still sells Bia Ply tires, any tire with a “D” in the size is bias ply and should be avoided, use ST Radial and I also recommend sticking to 175/80R13 ST size
Paul Williams
Hi Ian, how many km do you expect for the Maxxis tire. We’ve got about 20K km on ours.
Thanks,
Paul
Ian
Hi Paul
I most cases your trailer tires will age out before they wear out. As a general rule trailer tires should be replaced when the tread wears down to the wear indicator strips on any section of the tire or a between 6-8 years of age. On my Boler the Maxxis tires have many tens of thousands of miles on them and the tread is still in great shape, but I installed them in 2011 so they will be replaced before next years camping season (7 years of use)