Wider Tires for Use on Sand for a JetSki Trailer

Question:

I currently have 4.80-12 on a trailer i drag down the beach. these tires are way to skinny and i would like something that floats on the sand a little better are there any suggestions even if i would have to change rim size. The trailer is a jetski trailer converted into a kayak trailer 5 lug hubs.

asked by: Sean

Expert Reply:

You are in luck because all 12 inch trailer tires fit the same size wheels. I recommend going with a 145-12, # AM10130. It will have a section width of 5.7 inches, nearly a full inch wider than your existing tires. You will need to make sure that you have enough space all around the existing tires for the larger size. The new tires will be 0.8 inches taller and 0.8 inches wider.

To go wider than that you would have to step up to a 13 inch and you would have to change wheels as well. We have a 175/80-13 on a white steel wheel with 5 on 4-1/2 bolt pattern, # AM3S050. It will be 3.6 inches taller and 1.7 inches wider than 4.80-12 tires.

If I know how much space there is between the inside sidewall of the tires and the trailer as well as the space between the tread and anything that might be above it, like a fender, then I can determine if you could go even wider.

The widest tire you can get on a 5 on 4-1/2 bolt pattern wheel is going to be a 225/75-15, # AM32459. This tire will have a section width of 8.9 inches and will be 28.4 inches tall. That is a full 4 inches wider and 7.7 inches taller than a 4.80-12.

expert reply by: Michael H