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Trailer tire size for 17' Montauk
BDBinWV	#1  Posted on 03/19/13 - 6:53 PM
Member Personal Page Posts: 14 Comments: 0 Joined: 01/11/12	Just curious what size trailer tires people have for their Montauks. I purchased my Montauk last year with P215x15's on the trailer. Not sure why the previous owner installed passenger tires but it appears that dedicated trailer tires are hard to find in that exact size. I read on a past thread that some people are even using 13" rims....seems kinda small for a Montauk. I'll probably go with 205x15's. Just curious what other owners are using and if anyone else utilizes passenger or light truck tires as opposed to trailer tires.
Petrus	#2  Posted on 03/20/13 - 1:10 AM
Member Personal Page Posts: 179 Comments: 0 Joined: 10/08/12	I have 195/70 R 14 on my trailer. No problem at all. Max allowed load is 2250 pounds. I have a suzuki 4-stroke 342 pounds plus boat 950? Maybe total weight of 1600 inkl fuel, two batteries and anchor. 1997 Montauk 17, Suzuki DF90A
cwk6	#3  Posted on 03/20/13 - 5:23 AM
Member Personal Page Posts: 175 Comments: 0 Joined: 10/04/11	Passenger tires don't have the sidewall strength necessary to overcome trailer sway. Trailer tires are nessecary for safety and will save you money in the long run as they will last longer on a trailer than a passenger tire.
Phil T	#4  Posted on 03/20/13 - 9:49 AM
Administrator Personal Page Personal Album Project Albums Posts: 7043 Comments: 6 Joined: 03/26/05	15" are oversized for that load. Look at 14" trailer sized.
Marko888	#5  Posted on 03/21/13 - 7:45 AM
Member Project Albums Posts: 413 Comments: 10 Joined: 05/26/08	I'd suggest doing an online search for 15" trailer tires, then read the tire specifications, paying attention to load capacity and ply rating. I suspect most 15" could easily carry a Montauk. I think 15" wheels on your trailer, though bigger than necessary, would be great, due to all the advantages larger wheels bring. Lower RPM at highway speeds, more capacity, better ride etc. However, this being said, try to confirm if the trailer axle and spindles are designed for 15" wheels, as the side load forces will be higher with larger tire diameters.
one4uf	#6  Posted on 03/21/13 - 8:03 AM
Member Posts: 4 Comments: 0 Joined: 05/20/12	I have ST175 80D 13's on mine. My trailer is a little overkill for my Montauk as it was originally made for about a 18' Sea Ray bowrider. I tow all over at highway speeds without any swaying or problems. The debate over whether trailer tires or standard passenger car tires is as old as whether black, silver or white outboards are better. Plenty of people use passenger car/light truck tires on their trailers without any problems.
Marko888	#7  Posted on 03/21/13 - 10:46 AM
Member Project Albums Posts: 413 Comments: 10 Joined: 05/26/08	For sure, as long as the load rating (x2) exceeds the total load, the tires will work. Swaying doesn't usually come from the tires themselves, but more from unbalanced loads, such as too little tongue weight. If the trailer tows true, then the load is likely balanced properly. Many prefer larger diameters, me included, for reduced rpm, ride, and teduced wear and tear.
NJjohnmontauk17	#8  Posted on 04/05/13 - 6:38 PM
Member Personal Page Posts: 126 Comments: 3 Joined: 06/02/11	I have 205/15's, probably hauled 2,000 miles in several trips without any probs. 1984 Montauk