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Rubber moulding on rim for high vertical load capacity

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TeoAlfa

Automotive
Feb 18, 2008
48
I run a project of a large boat trailer consisting of 32 wheels.
Maximum load of the trailer will be 200 metric tonnes, so in theory each tyre should withstand 200/32 = 6.25 metric tonnes. At this rating i can easily find a tyre that fits into my dimension constraints.
However in practice, the peak loading of a number of tyres easily surpass 10 metric tonnes, even as much as 15 tonnes! This is due to uneven weight distribution as the large boat sits on the trailer.
The tyre should be 820mm max in diameter and 300mm in width. Sidewall height is not a problem as the rim will be custom made.
What i have thought as a solution to the problem is to mould the rim with some type of rubber that can withstand that high loads.
In the same way that drums are moulded, see picture below.


Do you think this could be viable?
Thanks!
 
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The purpose of tires and suspensions is avoid the exact problem you ask about. They cushion the load and conform to irregularities in the ground without causing high peak loads on one tire. You are thinking about this all wrong. Ideally, the goal is to keep the load on each wheel constant, regardless of ground irregularities. The other extreme is to use a rigid steel sled as your trailer, perhaps with steel pipes as rollers underneath.
 
It's probably easier to buy some rails and lay it as track and use railcar trucks.
 
I suggest you talk to a heavy duty tyre technical sales guy at one of the major tyre manufacturers about this application.

forumtowers.com
 
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