Should I Upgrade From a 12 inch Tire to a 13 inch Tire on a Rockwood Freedom 2290 Trailer

Updated 06/02/2011 | Published 05/31/2011

Products Featured in This Question

Karrier ST175/80R13 Radial Trailer Tire with 13" White Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range D

(1561)

$157.81

Kenda K353 Bias Trailer Tire - 5.30-12 - Load Range D

(3835)

$60.02

Question:

I have a 2003 Rockwood Freedom 2290 with 12 tires 5.30-12. The tread is below 2/32, so time to get some new tires. Im wondering if I should upgrade to a 13 radial tire for more stability and capacity. It looks like I have a little over 2 of inside clearance with the current tires top and outside clearance are no problems. Would you recommend a 13 tire? Thanks.

asked by: Karl M

Expert Reply:

I would recommend staying with the 12 inch 5.30-12 tire, like the Kenda K353 Trailer Tire, item # AM10068, for a couple of reasons. First, going with the larger, higher capacity tire will provide a stiffer ride for your trailer suspension and trailer. This will cause wear on the suspension parts.

Next, going with a higher capacity larger wheel and tire than recommended by the manufacturer or axle capacity makes the trailer suspension the weakest link in the system. If a failure occurs due to accidental overloading, a tire is much easier to replace than a spindle and bearings, a spring or other suspension components.

Another possible problem would be clearance, which it seems that you have accounted for. You need to take into account the increased diameter of the tire and the increased width as you have stated.

I have linked an article we put together with some other frequently asked tire questions that should also be helpful.

If you decide to go with a larger, higher capacity tire and wheel combination, just remember to be sure and stay within the trailers axle capacities, but as long as the trailer is within the capacity of the original tire size, and the tire is rated properly for the trailer suspension, I see no real advantage to going with a larger wheel and tire combination.

expert reply by: Robert G