What Clearance do I Need to go From a 4.80x8" Tire to a 4.80x12" Tire

Updated 12/23/2020 | Published 12/20/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Kenda 4.80/4.00-8 Bias Trailer Tire with 8" White Wheel - 4 on 4 - Load Range C

(7200)

$56.93

Question:

Hello, I currently have a 4x4 lug with 4.80 x 8 trailer tire on my Dilly boat trailer. I want to up it to increase the tire to a 12. I read where I need to measure from the top of the tire and add 4.4 to see if it clears. Is this correct? My wheel hubs also have the lug bolts that screw into the hub instead of studs with lug nuts. I am looking at your Kenda tire and wheel Item# AM30677. Would this wheel and tire work with a lug bolt style hub?

asked by: Pete D

Expert Reply:

It is feasible this can be done as long as you have the room. The Kenda 4.80-12 Bias Trailer Tire with 12" Aluminum Wheel part # AM30677 that you looked at is 20.7" in diameter compared to a Kenda 4.80/4.00-8 Bias Trailer Tire with 8" White Wheel part # AM30040 that is 16.1" in diameter the tire will be 4.6" larger.

Only half of that will be between the fender and tire so 2.3" or about 2-3/8" plus a couple of inches for suspension travel. With that said I think 4.4" would be a good number to use which includes the travel margin.

The rim is fine to use with studs rather than lug nuts as well.

expert reply by: Randy B