Small Trailer question...

A question about a trailer…

I have an Ultra-Tow 4’x8’ folding aluminum trailer. It’s got a 1170lb payload limit. It has served me well for the time I’ve owned it, but there is one detail I’d like to get around… the recommended 45mph speed limit. For reference, the trailer has 4.8- 12 tires.

Does anyone know if that speed limit is determined by the tires, the hubs, or an overly cautious lawyer?

I’m not looking to increase payload, just make it highway speed capable.

 

Probably all of the above. Look on the side of the tires and see if it says anything about max speed. Kinda like a donut spare that says 45 max yet some people still use them as an everyday tire and go 90 down the highway. Also kinda like some bigger tires, some of them specify max speed rating.

 

I have the same trailer for several years. No issues towing at highway speeds (70mph).

 

Probably determined by the tires, but they aren't going to explode at soon at you hit 45, shit I've had a donut spare up to 110 just to see what that speed rating was really all about.

 

Thanks. I know one time hauling a 700lb motorcycle, I inadvertently got up to about 65mph with no issues. I'm just looking to see which components, if any, need to be upgraded.

 

If I am not mistaken all uhaul trailers say 45mph maximum. You won't see one going 45 down the highway. Me thinks it is a lawyer thing.

 

I have heard of no problems with 12" wheels on a trailer. A coworker blew several tires on a trip on a small camp trailer that had 8" wheels. He found he had to limit his speed to 55 mph.

 

Question, do you happen to work for a company that is based in southern california and specializes in entertainment/movies?

 

No.

 

Small boat trailers have used 12" tires for years, hundreds of thousands of miles. I doubt 45mph max was the norm. That said, tires today are most likely a different (off shore) compound.

 

I thought maybe based off of your username. Nvm me lol

 

I converted an old boat trailer to a utility trailer once upon a bizillion years ago.

I changed the wheels from 12" boat skinnies to 13" wheels from a Vega (same bolt pattern) and put on some worn A-70 snow tires for an 'aggressive look'.

Overall dia was much larger and felt much more reliable off road to canoe trail heads and such because of the increased axle clearance.

OTOH, I left the 12" setup on my 14' Boston Whaler trailer, kept up with the bearings/tire condition and never had an issue at highway speeds.

 

I checked the tires on the trailer ("Journey" brand) and there's no markings about a speed rating, but the are load range B. From what I can find on other brands, same size and load range, they're rated for 65mph. Before I pick up another project bike, I'll upgrade from the 4.8x12/B tires to a set of 5.3x12/C.