Trailer tires?

[Justbass11]

Looking to get my spare tire for my trailer in case I get a flat. (Still don’t know why tracker didn’t add a spare to it but it is what it is.) Anyway, what should I look out for in getting one? Assuming not all spare tires are equal. Any input or advice is as always appreciated thank you.

[MN Fisher]

Same as I do with my truck - the spare is the exact same brand/model as what I'm running.

[gim]

17 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

Same as I do with my truck - the spare is the exact same brand/model as what I'm running.

X2, in case you need to use it, it’s the same as the other tire.

 

I just replaced my trailer tires last spring. I bought road runners at fleet farm.

[Bird]

I grab the cheapest spare I can get as long as the load rating is sufficient and keep it on the back of the truck.......paid 

$78 for rim and tire.

 

If I were to get a flat, the spare would be only temporary until the original got replaced or repaired with a quality radial tire.

[GRiver]

3 hours ago, MN Fisher said:

Same as I do with my truck - the spare is the exact same brand/model as what I'm running.

X3

[Glenn]

Like others, I get the same tire I'm using on my trailer. They're no different.

[WRB]

Your local Tracker dealer should have a spare tire.

Look at the mfr date as age not wear is the issue with trailer tires. Over 8 should replace.

Tom

[HenryPF]

My 2011 Hyundai Elantra came with no spare and that was a car. I'm guessing some manufacturers are skipping "normal" extras to save $$. My boat had no spare either and like others, I bought the matching rim, tire and mount. See this thread on helpful hints to go along with your spare (don't forget a lock):

 

 

[gulfcaptain]

6 hours ago, MN Fisher said:

Same as I do with my truck - the spare is the exact same brand/model as what I'm running.

This.  Why chance getting something to get by. What happens when you're in the middle of nowhere, have a flat, and it's 100+ mi to the nearest place.  And make sure your tires are inflated correct and they are trailer tires. Especially on a single axle trailer. 

[Susky River Rat]

I think you can pick up the exact spare at BPS. When I got mine I think it was around $70. That was pre covid though. I have mine mounted up on the tongue and do drag from time to time.

[GaryH]

Same as most answers. Same spare as what’s on the trailer. Quality depends on amount you travel. I only run Goodyear endurance but I do travel a lot of long distances. 

[Woody B]

I got a spare for mine from etrailer.com.   I don't remember what it cost.  I've got it mounted on the trailer under the bow of the boat.  I used a combination lock so I didn't have another key to lug around.  I haven't but should unlock it occasionally so the lock doesn't seize up.  

[flyfisher]

7 hours ago, gulfcaptain said:

This.  Why chance getting something to get by. What happens when you're in the middle of nowhere, have a flat, and it's 100+ mi to the nearest place.  And make sure your tires are inflated correct and they are trailer tires. Especially on a single axle trailer. 

this is super important.  Man think a normal tire will work and it won't, at least not very long as trailer tires have a stiffer sidewall to accommodate for their intended use.

[airshot]

6 hours ago, Woody B said:

I got a spare for mine from etrailer.com.   I don't remember what it cost.  I've got it mounted on the trailer under the bow of the boat.  I used a combination lock so I didn't have another key to lug around.  I haven't but should unlock it occasionally so the lock doesn't seize up.  

I have padlocks on my spare, my kicker motor and my hitch/ coupler lock...all the same key !!!  Saves a lot of time looking for that one key for each one.  Yes, I do open/ close and lube each lock when put away for winter and sometimes thru the season.

[gim]

2 minutes ago, airshot said:

I have padlocks on my spare, my kicker motor and my hitch/ coupler lock...all the same key !!!  Saves a lot of time looking for that one key for each one.  Yes, I do open/ close and lube each lock when put away for winter and sometimes thru the season.

Locks are a good idea.  I don't have one for my spare but its bolted down and requires a specific size ratchet to release.

 

I have a hitch pin lock and a trailer coupler lock keyed alike.  I've heard horror stories of people returning to the the parking lot after fishing to see their boat trailer stolen.  That thought alone made me think about what an absolute nightmare of a problem it would be if mine was taken.

 

I will admit that if someone really wanted to take it though, and they had the right tools and time, they could do it.  I just hope it never comes to that.

[MN Fisher]

Just now, gimruis said:

Locks are a good idea.  I don't have one for my spare but its bolted down and requires a specific size ratchet to release.

Since I keep the trailer spare in the truck - the lock on the topper suits.

 

1 minute ago, gimruis said:

I have a hitch pin lock and a trailer coupler lock keyed alike.

Same here - makes it simple

 

1 minute ago, gimruis said:

I will admit that if someone really wanted to take it though, and they had the right tools and time, they could do it.  I just hope it never comes to that.

The 'pros' have rings of keys - realize there's only so many variations in key cutting available - and the lock usually has the key-code printed on it. All they have to do is read the code from the lock, and run through their collection to find the matching key.

 

Not to be paranoid or anything....

[gim]

6 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

Not to be paranoid or anything....

 

I see it as outrunning a bear.  I don't have to outrun the bear.  I just have to outrun the other guy.

 

[TnRiver46]

8 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

Since I keep the trailer spare in the truck - the lock on the topper suits.

 

Same here - makes it simple

 

The 'pros' have rings of keys - realize there's only so many variations in key cutting available - and the lock usually has the key-code printed on it. All they have to do is read the code from the lock, and run through their collection to find the matching key.

 

Not to be paranoid or anything....

Here they don’t waste that kind of time, just cut them instead 

[MN Fisher]

Just now, TnRiver46 said:

Here they don’t waste that kind of time, just cut them instead 

Either way, I've made it harder for them

 

I recorded the key-codes on paper - kept with my important files...then used my Dremel with a grinder bit to 'erase' the codes from the locks themselves.

[Kirtley Howe]

No matter what you do, you will not be able to stop a determined thief or thieves. As someone pointed out, all you can do is "outrun the other guy". If someone really wants your trailer or any part of it, you are SOL. I do get a kick out of people who put all kinds of locks on their spare wheel and tire, but don't even have a locking lug nut on any of the wheels on the trailer. Nothing like coming back to the launch and finding the trailer up on blocks with the wheels and tires missing...but the spare still "safely attached" to the trailer. I have seen that more than once. While I prefer to use launches that have minimal traffic (basically, I don't like crowds at any time, much less when fishing)  there is the consideration that a busy launch has more "eyes", so there may be less chance of theft. On the other hand, a busy launch gives the thief more options, and sometimes there is the possibility that all the people and activity can cover up the actions of a thief. All in all, it is a crap shoot, and all you can do is make it more convenient for them to steal someone else's stuff.

[Bankc]

I have a good buddy who was a locksmith for many years.  I got to watch him do his job on many occasions (since he was always on-call).  Trust me, if a thief wants your stuff, they will get it.  He would unlock cars, storage facilities, houses, safes, you name it, in seconds.  Even if the lock was rusted shut, he could cut it off before anyone around took notice.  

 

Here's what he'd say about security.  There are two kinds of thieves, the ones who steal something because the opportunity presents itself, and the ones who intentionally steal something specific.  You can't stop the latter.  They will plan around any measures you put in place and come prepared.  But you can stop the former with literally anything that makes your stuff harder to steal than the stuff next to it.  

 

In the case of a tire, get some wheel lock lugs.  They're easy to remove for a thief, but not as easy as regular lug.  And keep the key in your boat.  That way you'll always have it.  Sure, it'll make it easier for the thief to find it, but having to look for it will move them to the next trailer over. 

[gim]

12 minutes ago, Bankc said:

But you can stop the former with literally anything that makes your stuff harder to steal than the stuff next to it.  

That's they kind of thief I'm trying to stop when I put locks on my hitch pin and coupler.  Let them take the trailer next to me that has no locks.  In other words, let the bear catch the other guy.

 

If I'm the only trailer in the entire lot, and the burglar with the right tools, knowledge, and will power shows up, then I'm screwed.

[Bankc]

1 minute ago, gimruis said:

That's they kind of thief I'm trying to stop when I put locks on my hitch pin and coupler.  Let them take the trailer next to me that has no locks.  In other words, let the bear catch the other guy.

 

If I'm the only trailer in the entire lot, and the burglar with the right tools, knowledge, and will power shows up, then I'm screwed.

Yup.  My answer to that is some good insurance.  Good insurance will make you quickly flip from feeling like a victim to feeling excited about getting a new boat.  

[airshot]

I never use out of the way ramps, and the ramps that I do use have a camp ground next door with security cameras..  I may have to drive a little further but a much better/ safer place to launch.  My padlocks may not stop a serious thief, but he will probably take the next one over that has no locks!!  I ger a good discount from my ins company because my boat is stored inside and because I use locks on all my stuff!  Never had an issue on a claim, only so many steps you can take to prevent theft....