Can 12 Inch Trailer Tires and Wheels be Used in Place of 8 Inch Tires and Wheels

Updated 08/04/2015 | Published 08/03/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Kenda 4.80/4.00-8 Bias Trailer Tire with 8" White Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range B

(7500)

$48.21

Kenda 4.80-12 Bias Trailer Tire with 12" White Wheel - 4 on 4 - Load Range B

(7500)

$81.10

Question:

i have a Northern Tool 48x40inch small trailer with 4.80x8 with 4 lug8wheels. I am transforming it into a kayak carrier. Can I or should I go to a 12inch wheel and if i can will i have to raise the fenders. There will not be alot of weight probably less than 500 pounds total. any suggestions would be helpful.

asked by: Dicky

Expert Reply:

A 12 inch tire and wheel is going to be over 4-1/2 inches taller than a 4.80-8 tire, half of which is applied to the top of the tire so you will need more than 2.3 inches between the tops of the existing tires and the fenders plus the distance needed for the suspension to travel so estimate 3-1/2 to 4 inches at most. If you have that much space above the existing tires then you could go to a 4.80-12 such as # AM30540.

expert reply by: Michael H