Rich: I put 12" radial car tires on my M15 trailer last year and it was a very big improvement. The tire shop guy didn't seem to excited about doing it, because trailers sit around a lot; but it isn't a problem. These work great, even though the are snow tires (no studs), all that was available locally! --Gary Hyde N24 'Sailabration' M17 #637 'Hydeaway2' M15 #235 'Vanilla' On Sep 01, 2005, at 11:24 AM, Wilsometer@aol.com wrote:
Rich, Sorry about the delayed response regarding your Hogin and radial tires queries.
First, regarding the 'new' Hogin sails--I have not used them yet. I did talk to them at length at the boat show, and it seemed like they were trying hard to get the kinks worked out and assemble a reliable crew. I heard that it was a bit rocky at the start, but that they are finding their 'groove' now. At some point, I thought I would send a small project their way and see how it goes. I like the idea of having a small, local loft, and I hope they do well. I am encouraged that they are still in business. I would defer to those who have actually used them recently for better info.
As for the 12" radial tires--yes, they are still out there. They will almost certainly have to be passenger car tires, as the smallest true trailer-rated radials I have found are in 13." They will likely be an order-only item for most shops, but I would bet that if you went to a better tire shop (as opposed to Sears or WalMart), they can get them.
I have had good luck with ordering tires from www.tirerack.com. Their prices, including shipping, are usually very competitive. They ship from Reno, and there is usually no sales tax. I checked, and they have 12" radials in at least two profiles:
Yokohama Y372 145SR12: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp? tireMake=Yokohama&tireModel=Y372&vehic leSearch=false&partnum=4SR2372&fromCompare1=yes&place=0
Kumho Euro Metric 771 155/OTR12: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp? tireMake=Kumho&tireModel=Euro+Metric+7 71&vehicleSearch=false&partnum=5TR2EM771&fromCompare1=yes&place=0
I suspect a more extensive search would yield other models from Goodyear, Michelin, etc.
I would definitely *not* mix radials and bias ply tires on the same trailer. Personally, I would replace them in pairs, as different brands/models may well have different sidewall flex characteristics. I carry an identical spare as well.
My 12" Goodyear Tiempo radials show virtually no signs of wear, and will likely last decades at this present rate. I keep them slathered in 303 Protectant, and out of UV.
I am fully aware of the caveats regarding passenger car radials on trailers. It is true that the sidewalls flex *much* more than a trailer-rated radial or trailer bias ply tire, but for purposes of the lightweight M15/trailer, I have found that the passenger radials have worked very well. I have been particularly happy with the *much* softer ride (less road shock transferred to boat).
If I had an M17 or M23 (or for that matter, any trailer with 13" or larger rims), I would opt for a true trailer-rated (ST) tire (radial or no).
Best, Scott M15 #478 'bebe' PSC Flicka
In a message dated 9/1/05 10:22:36 AM, montgomery_boats-request@mailman.xmission.com writes:
Back in the late 90's we discussed trailer tires for
the M15. It was suggested that radial tires are as good a bias tires, give a smoother ride and are less expensive. I purchased three 145 12" radials at Sears for $ 14. each. After many happy miles one of the tires blew while towing to Lake Don Pedro this past week just outside of Modesto. I'm having a heck of a time finding 12" radials. Are they still available? Can you tow with one bias and one radial?
There's a M15 and a M17 listed for sale in this month's issue of Latitude 38. Go to Latitude 38 on the Internet.
Rich Cottrell
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