Will a 5.30-12 Trailer Tire Last Longer than a 4.80-12 Trailer Tire

Updated 09/11/2015 | Published 09/10/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Kenda Loadstar 5.30-12 Bias Trailer Tire with 12" White Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range C

(2701)

$103.45

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

(3775)

$56.60

Question:

If I replace my 480 x 12 tires with 530 x 12 will I get better tire wear? Right now I have the 480 x 12 and get only about three thousand miles out of them. I have noticed that some of my friends have the same problem on their trailers. My trailer carries a 400 pound boat and motor and the trailer weight about 150 pounds.

asked by: Dennis S

Expert Reply:

If you were to go with a 5.30-12 load range D tire # AM10068 it will have a ply rating of 8 which is going to be higher than a 4.80-12 tire. This means a stronger tire and it should not wear as quickly as the 4.80-12.

The 5.30-12 is also going to be almost 1-1/2 inches taller so there would be fewer revolutions of the tire compared to the 4.80-12 over the same distance.

In addition to being 1-1/2 inches taller the 5.30 will also be 0.7 inches wider so you will need to make sure you have enough space all around your existing tires for the larger size.

expert reply by: Michael H