Cross country towing questions

[JIberty02]

I searched, but really couldn't find anything to answer my specific questions.
Hoping I can get the answers here...
I have a 3000 trip coming, I want to tow a trailer and I am thinking about a 4X8 utility trailer. I choose this because I have too much for the Liberty to carry but too little for a large U haul.. I can also use the trailer at my destination. So.......

I have the tow package, and Liberty is in top condition .
I have towed a trailer like this many , many times but always only local.

What size tires should I have on the trailer and WHY?

this is a typical 4X8 utility trailer, steel mesh but with wheel options

 

[tommudd]

A lot depends on what axle you have under the trailer
Most of that size come with a 1500-2000 lb axle which is good for say a 20-24 inch tall tire at most, any bigger and you put more stress on the bearings and will fry them after a while on the road.
Reason you see a lot of heavy laden smaller trailers sitting along side the highways.
So just go with what comes on the trailer / what they suggest and you'll do fine

 

[JIberty02]

Even if the wheels are like 10's ?
I sure don't plan on a hell fast trip, just tooling along seeing the country as I go. I'd say it will probably take me about 10 days .
It won't be loaded heavy, I would assume about 500lbs if that.

Also, I'd rather buy a trailer here since the cost to rent is very close to the cost to purchase a decent used one ..

 

[ThunderbirdJunkie]

For what it's worth, in ThunderbirdJunkie's KJ, he towed a 5,000ish pound trailer for 2,000 miles and averaged 15mpg. So, basically....what are your concerns? 500lb is nothing...

 

[JIberty02]

Wow, OK... then I guess I shouldn't worry

Thanks

 

[tommudd]

Ok confused as to trailer tire size and now OK ?
:happy175:

 

[JIberty02]

My thinking was that the smaller tires would give me issues.. I've seen utility trailers with 4.8x8 tires.. Last little trailer I had only hauled camping gear into the mts of Pa. all short trips and I had (I think) 10" .. I never ahd any issues with that and never loaded it to spec.

So I guess basically my question was should I worry about tire size, if my load no where near trailer loading specs.. For any tire size. I'm thinking the smaller the tire, the more revs. the hotter it becomes .... BOOM.. need more tire! Yes/NO// I don't know

 

[sota]

8" tires I'd avoid, just because they're tiny and will spin like crazy bees at any kind of speed. HF and most others sell 4x8 trailers with 12" wheels and appropriate tires. that'd be the only size I'd run. plus make sure you have at least 1 spare wheel/tire with you. you'll probably be able to get a blowout fixed anywhere along the way but you'll need to at least get that far.

also you should already know this but you run them at MAX inflation all the time. it keeps the heat down and heat is what kills trailer tires.

 

[surfRenegade]

I towed an 8'x10' uhaul enclosed trailer from pittsburgh to los angeles. it was packed to the gills and i zig zagged up and down the country on my way across. probably around 5000 miles. I had no problems.

 

[Ohio-white-kj]

Get at least one with 12" wheels, get a spare. Get a longer drawbar as the spare makes it rough to get to on a Libbey. You may need to open the tailgate to drop on the ball if you don't get a long drawbar. I have a 5 x 8 - it recommends 60 or 80 of air at max. Unless you have it at max weight you do not need to inflate that high. With 500 lbs you are more like 40-45 - at max that thing will bounce and beat itself to death. Drive 10 miles and just lay your hand on the tire, it should be close to ambient or maybe just a little warm.

If you can find one of those hitch clamps that people use for bike racks to stop the rattles get it - otherwise duct tape or have some one weld your drawbar to fit as tight as possible or the rattles will drive you crazy.

If you are looking at one with the ramp tailgate - that will also rattle and shake like crazy - I cut mine off and made a tailgate - have real ramps for when I need it.

You also can barely see one when it's behind you, I added 2 of the fiberglass driveway markers to mine.

 

[Ry' N Jen]

We just pulled a 12 foot boat on a trailer with 12 inch wheels about 600 miles.
It was loaded with coolers, fuel, and other assorted shit.
I'd guess about 400-600 lbs. total.
Didn't even feel it behind our rig.