Can I just swap out my 12" drums (6 lug) for 8 lug drums??

I want the higher weight rating of the 16" tires.

Thanks

Two 5200# axles on a 3H GN rated for 8800#

Deff not going to overload my axles, I will be right at 8000 pulling 3 horses and gear.

I just want a LARGE margin with my tires. The 15' tires are rated at ~2500# and the 16" are running 3500-3900#.

Will a 3900# rated tire have less chance of a blow out than a 2500# rated tire? if they are supporting 2000-2200# each?

Thanks,

Slack

Will a 3900# rated tire have less chance of a blow out than a 2500# rated tire? if they are supporting 2000-2200# each?

Absolutely. The extra reserve capacity of the larger tires will allow them to run cooler and at a slower RPM than the smaller tires. The larger tires should give you an  enhanced life span. You will also enjoy a much larger selection of tires from many manufacturers, something that is lacking with the 15 inch tires. With your change in drums, you also have to consider the differences in brake shoes and backing plates.

Gard,

The "8 lug" drum I am looking at is a 12" x 2" as is my 6 lug.

both drums use the same dis seal, the same inner bearing, and diiferent outer bearing.

both outer bearings have the same "inner" dia (that rides on the spindle).

It looks like a direct swap, the only thing I can not tell is the distance between the bearings, I am assuming it is the same?

Slack

Just my feeble opinion here- but I think you are going way overboard. The concept of the 16" is fine. But to get to that kind of capacity you are looking at a G rated tire at 110 PSI, and even then you are only @ 3,750#.

 I would seriously consider keeping the drums you have, acquire a set of 16" wheels with the 6 lug pattern (readily available) and install a LT235/85R16 Load Range E tire which has a weight rating of 3,042# each. Still way more than your axle is obviously designed for. An easy to find, affordable & durable tire. And you pick up roughly 500# rach over a ST225/75R15 LR D tire.

Using the logic that more is better can be good- to a point. I need to drive up to 50 MPH to work. That doesn't mean a Ferrarri with a top end of 185 MPH is better than my Dodge truck just because it has lots of unused capacity. You've gotten some good advice based on how your question was asked, I just think that your potential investment as originally stated may be much greater than you'll see benefit of. Just my thoughts.

The 16" tires a "glanced at" are all rated at ~3400-3900# @ 110psi,, all the 6 hole 16" rims are only rated for 90-95psi, while the 8 hole 16" rims are good for 110psi ???

Thanks,

Slack

Not all 8 lug 16" wheels are rated at 90#, they have the weight rating stamped on the wheel. I got several trailers that have the same style wheel, the 110psi wheels are alot thicker... I for one don't think you need that much tire and wheel, your horses probably don't think so either. That heavy of a tire with that much pressure on that light of a trailer and you'll beat your horses down on a rough road... You ever ridden in the back of a trailer at highway speeds...?? What does your trailer weigh loaded?

A little over 8000# loaded, max is 8800#.

The 15" tires are rated at ~2400#, I dont feel like changing blow outs every trip cause I am running the tires close to the max.