Motorcycle Trailer Tire Recommendation for a 1997 Starlight Jupiter Trailer

Question:

TRAILER IS SMALL 14 CUBIC FT PULLED BEHIND MOTORCYCLE TYPE. TRAILER WEIGHT EMPTY IS 125 LB AND LOADED 275 LB TTL. TIRE SIZE IS 4.80-8inch WITH Binch LR. TRAILER IS 1997 STARLIGHT JUPITER MFGD BY NEOSHO FIBERGLASS. NO PROBLEMS WITH CONTINUOUS SPEEDS WELL ABOVE 65 MPH OVER PAST 200K MILES AND USING MFGs +/- 17 PSI RECOMENDATION. TIRE HEIGTH NEEDS TO BE BELOW 16.5. RIM IS ORIGINAL MFGs STANDARD 8inch 5 BOLT. 1 WHAT TIRE DO YOU RECOMEND? 2 WHAT IS DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 4.80-8inch AND 4.80-4.00/8? 3 WHAT PROBLEMS MIGHT I HAVE WITH 4.80-4.00/8? 4 ANY CLEARANCE PROBLEMS I SHOULD LOOK FOR WITH 4.80-4.00/8? 5 ANY SPEEDinch PROBLEMS WITH 4.80-4.00/8inch VS USING 4.80-8? THANK YOU, ROD

asked by: ROD

Expert Reply:

The tire size you referenced, 4.80-8, and 4.80/4-8 tire are interchangeable. The width is just slightly different, the width might be 1/2 - 3/4 inch different, but will fit the same size wheels.

I have linked a tire size FAQ that shows the different tires sizes and what wheels they will fit.

The tire I would recommend would be the Kenda K371 Bias Trailer Tire # AM10002. This tire is the correct size and has a towing capacity that would be more than adequate for your trailer.

You should note that unless otherwise noted trailer tires are limited to 65 miles per hour. Even though you have gone faster than that in the past without problems it does not mean you will not have problems in the future.

I also attached an FAQ on trailer tires for you to check out.

expert reply by: Jameson C