Harbor Freight Trailer Wheel/Tire upgrade... (Pictures)

[Rexx66]

Picked up a 1720lb weight limit HF Trailer and have it mostly together and was curious if anyone on here had put bigger wheels/tires on theirs without upgrading the axle and hubs?

Looking to put at least some 15s on it with some slightly aggressive/knobby tires. The trailer kit came with a set of 12" wheels but id like something a little more robust than those

I do have a set of stock steelies from my Scion Xb Which has the same bolt pattern but the offset is cutting it close even with some 2" wheel adapters I plan on using. Do you think about 2 inches from bare rim to trailer will be enough room?

if I use the adapters anybody have recommendations on tire and wheel sizes? Trying to get the trailer to have more of a rugged off road look to match my CJ5 a little more

And just an FYI I don't haul anything overly heavy so I'm not overly concerned with using the things I'm using but am trying to be somewhat mindful and safe about things

 

[PaRenegade]

This site may be of some help, but I can't.
Build a Jeep Trailer Dinoot Lightweight Fiberglass Tub Kit - Dinoot Trailers Dinoot Trailers

Also check out their building components page.

 

[Rexx66]

Seems like I just need to find a set of wheels with a smaller backspacing Found a set on ebay with a 3.5 inch backspacing so it will help put the tire and wheel out away from the trailer...

 

[Rexx66]

Also wanted to share this cool blog I found on beefing up a HF Trailer. Seems like all this guy did was upgrade the axle with a 2" pipe, new hubs, and CJ leaf springs... came out pretty cool...

Economical Off-Road Trailer Build - Part IV Photo & Image Gallery

I'm looking to do a similar thing, only not as ambitious as this fella' went.. unless I have to...

 

[Rexx66]

Just picked up a set of new wheels online that are 15x7 and with the 3.75" backspacing it should give me enough clearance to use them.

Now I need to find a set of tires that won't be too big but hopefully have a semi-aggressive tread on them. I may check out some local tire shops to see what they have but wanted to see if you guys knew of any good tire places to check out.

Let me know some good places to check on... thanks.

 

[mtnwhlr]

Discount Tire

 

[jeremy5780]

it's gonna look good with those upgraded rims and tires!

 

[Rexx66]

After some researching and looking around locally it seems like everyone keeps steering me towards a designated "trailer tire"... and I understand why. I know the load ratings are different and tire construction differs also, but as mentioned before, I am not really loading this thing up with 1500+ lbs of weight..

What are your thoughts on putting on a set of regular style tire with a slightly more aggressive tread? Looking at a 205/75-15 tire that doesn't cost an arm and leg.

I feel like I've been looking everywhere and am about to just put some standard trailer 15" tires on it. I see other trailers online with offroad/truck/mud tires on them and no one seems to be smiting them on using them...

So what are your guys' thoughts? Thanks and useful input is appreciated..

 

[Torxhead]

I really don't think you will need anything of an agressive tire since it is not a drive wheel. Just something that will ride over terrain like rocks and thru mud. I like something that doesn't cost an arm and a leg, and large enough to give you reasonable ground clearance.

 

[Rexx66]

I really don't think you will need anything of an agressive tire since it is not a drive wheel. Just something that will ride over terrain like rocks and thru mud.

I agree, I'm going for more of a look type thing to match the jeep. It's not overly important, but I'd prefer it. I really like the look of a rugged tire on a trailer. It helps soothe my manhood for manly things, haha.

 

[Rexx66]

Here is the exact wheel I plan to use.. with the spacers installed I still have about 2 inches from the back of the rim to the trailer. I'm hoping this gives me enough room for a tire the size of 205/75-15 or similar size..

 

[jeremy5780]

Look's good

 

[mtnwhlr]

I agree, I'm going for more of a look type thing to match the jeep. It's not overly important, but I'd prefer it. I really like the look of a rugged tire on a trailer. It helps soothe my manhood for manly things, haha.

Than I say get what works for you and don't worry about what others say it's you trailer and only your opinion counts.

 

[Rexx66]

I found a slightly used set of 235/75-15 Goodyear wrangler radials that hopefully will fit for me. Both of them mounted will run me $100 should know tomorrow

 

[Rexx66]

Well got the tires mounted and everything seems to go together pretty well. Here are some pics... now I can continue on and focus on the rest of the build.

 

[SlowPocono]

That looks perfect.

 

[danray48]

Looks Good.

 

[DHugg]

Lotta ways to modify a Harbor Freight utility trailer, but I couldn't beat the price anywhere else within a 100 miles.

I like your mod of big, wide tires. Gets kinda squishy in some of the places I launch, and the wide footprint would help.

 

[Last Boy Scout]

Hello

I know this thread is old but I was hoping someone could help me with the spacers needed to complete this build?

So far I have purchased the following

Harbor Freight 4x8 1720 LB Trailer
Pro Comp Steel Wheels Series 52 PCW52-5765 Black Wheel (15x7" / 5x4.5")
Goodyear Wrangler Radial Tire - 235/75R15 105S

My understanding is a 2 inch spacer is needed. I purchased one on Amazon but it did not fit correctly. If anyone could provide me with a link it would be greatly appreciated.

 

[mriplaybass]

Be very careful spacing out the wheels on a trailer, especially the cheap box store kind. By spacing out the wheels, you are increasing the distance between the spring and the tire center. This increases the "moment". In other words, by increasing the distance of the wheels away from the spring centers, you are creating a greater leverage, and much more stress where the axle meets the spring, and at the mid-point of the axle. You can do this, but should greatly decrease the load you put on the trailer, especially if your intent is to use it off road. Many years ago, (when I was young and foolish), I had this happen with a trailer that was not even close to it's capacity.