Viper Trailer - metric spare tire.

[Simon Thomas]

Does anyone know where I can purchase a METRIC spare tire for the Viper trailer? [and bearings]

[Ben Steinberg]

bennett boat (hull #<70) on a triad trailer?  Rondar boat on a UK trailer or Rondar boat on a triad trailer?  There are a few options and all which could be considered "metric" tire sizes.  the 20.5x8x10 or 205/65-10 is what is on my bennett boat trailer.  the hubs use a 1 1/16 inner and outer bearing.  I've used etrailer.com before as well as gotten parts from places like west marine. 

[Simon Thomas]

Thanks Ben. I need a 145/80 B 10.     with Four hole rim,  the 4 holes are not 4" centered.    E- trailer do not have this size. But I have spoken to Rondar and apparently some are en-route to the US. and should be soon available. The bearings are sealed and  have a long life. I still think it would be smart to get a pair  - Hauling the boat  cross country and getting a problem in the middle of no-where with an odd sized trailer may not be the smartest thing to do.

[Dave Dougall]

A solution to the metric problem with tire rims and bearings would to replace the whole axle assembly with US standard.  Check with a local utility trailer dealer, they should be able to get a size that fits.
Dave D.

[Jeff Jones]

Dave's suggesting might be a good one.

You can get a comparable torsion axle from etrailer  that will bolt back on your frame.  The smaller / wider tires will also drop you rig a little. 

Take the old axle with tires and sell it for spares to someone who wants to keep their odd axle.

[Drew Harper]

[email protected]

He has spare tires and bearings (i think). What part of the world are you in?

We soon will have a strong supplier of all the little 'odd' bits that makeup an English built boat.

FYI...it's a Mini Cooper tire/wheel/bolt pattern. The real ones, not the BMW's.

Metric bearings are actually pretty easy at any bearing house but you're right, better to have it in your boat box, ready to go.

[Simon Thomas]

I have spoken to Tyler and he is going to get me a price. Thanks for all the suggestions.  Jeff, thank you for the article in the GBCA Cannon. Much appreciated.

[Justin Scott]

A spare wheel is my most recommended accesory when you buy a trailer. I have always carried a spare with my Viper and as a result I have never had a flat or any problem.

I didnt carry a spare when I went to the Chicago NAs in a Rhodes 19. One blowout on the way there. A second blow out on the way back (at 2 am in East Nowhere).
Remember Murphy is real and his law does apply to towing boats.

[Drew Harper]

$145 as per the price list attached.

[Brad Dumas]

has anyone done a rondar trailer axle conversion yet? if so what are the measurements and where did you get the parts.

[Jeff Jones]

http://www.trailerpart.com/torsionaxles.htm

Brad, go there.    Measure your current axle - the frame distance is the critical dimension they will need.  

Best pricing i could find, get tires at the same spot.  Delivered to your door via UPS.

And 145 for a spare is crazy!   I think you can get an 8" E-load rated tire / wheel for around 50 bucks.   

[Dave Dougall]

Brad....there is a place down the road from you just off I-87 (Northway) exit 17 that sells all kinds of trailer supplies.  I cannot remember off my head what the name is, but can get if needed.  You should be able to get a US Standard axle to replace the metric one on UK trailers.  Measure face of hub to hub for length of axle required and location of suspension on trailer frame.  
Dave D.
#28

[Jeff Jones]

Good option Dave.

By the way...  if your live in Texas your price for a spare tire is $ 185.00...     Looks like several options are more expensive over here.

Got to love rondar!   

[Drew Harper]

It's a radial tire, seems to be only available here for the original mini-cooper.

Here's the price of a similar wheel in the West Marine site. $189

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=444355&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&storeId=11151&storeNum=10116&subdeptNum=10768&classNum=10769

I'm really happy with my trailer. Have 10,000 miles on it.

[Robert Bernard]

WOW!  I took my trailer to a local trailer shop. Replaced the mini cooper tires with real trailer tires (the skinny kind) and had the bearings repacked for $150! Apparently the bearings are automobile bearings! Luckily these guys are really good and figured that out. My trailer rolls like a champ now.