How to Measure a Trailer Tire to Determine the Correct Replacement Tires

Updated 06/24/2010 | Published 06/23/2010

Question:

I was going to buy this tire. The outside diameter of this tire is 16.1. I measured the tires I have and they are 46 around the outside and 27 around the bead. How do I know if this tire will work for my trailer?

asked by: Brian

Expert Reply:

Your current tire should have some type of code on it that indicates its size. The Kenda K371 Bias Trailer Tire, # AM10002, is size 4.80/4.00-8. It fits on 8 by 3-3/4 inch rims. It sounds like the 46 and 27 inch measurements you have given are the outer and inner circumferences around the tire, and not the diameter across the tire.

The diameter of the Kenda tire is 16.1 inches from the bottom, center of the tire to the top center of the tire. The section width is 4.6 inches. The section width is the distance between the edge of the rim and the top of the tire.

To determine if this tire, or another tire, will fit, you will need to measure the tire in a different way. I have included a link to an FAQ article on measuring trailer tires below.

expert reply by: Michael H