Can 4.80-12 Trailer Tires and Wheels be Replaced by 175/80-13 Tires and Wheels

Published 12/15/2010

Products Featured in This Question

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

(1556)

$148.76

Loadstar ST175/80D13 Bias Trailer Tire with 13" Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range D

(7214)

$145.05

Loadstar ST175/80D13 Bias Trailer Tire with 13" Galvanized Wheel - 4 on 4 - Load Range C

(7214)

$119.28

Question:

I currently have a single place atv trailer with 12-4.8 bias ply tires. I would like to put 13 inch radial tires on the trailer with galvanized wheels. I have about 1 and 3/4 inches of clearance between the frame and the tire on the inside and plenty of clearance on the outside. My question is will the ST175/80R13 radial work with this trailer? If I understand the numbers correctly my current tires are 4.8 inches wide and the new ones will be 7. Will the 2.2 inches of difference be split evenly between the inside and outside which will make the tire stick out 1.1 inches farther inside and outside or will it be a different ratio. Any help or suggestions would be great. I would like a larger tire and wheel combo with a higher load rating if possible. I only use the trailer for ice fishing so a galvanized wheel is necessary. Salt has destroyed my current wheels and would like to start over with everything new. The trailer never caries more than 1100lbs. I also see the ST175/80D13 bias ply that is 6.6 inches wide would rather have the radial but if the narrower tire would work I could live with it.

asked by: Tony B

Expert Reply:

The radial tires at size 175/80-13, are going to be 7 inches wide; too wide to be able to fit without incident on your trailer, so you will need to go with a bias ply tire. The wheels that we carry, unless otherwise noted, have a zero offset. This means that the extra width will be split evenly on each side of the tire. However, there will be very little room if you just have 1-3/4 inches of clearance. Make sure you double and triple check the measurements before ordering.

As you are aware, the tire will also be taller; 24 inches for the new size versus 20.7 inches for the 4.80-12. If your trailer has fenders or anything else they may obstruct the tire, you will need to measure to make sure the new taller size will fit.

We have numerous tire/wheel combos for the 175/80-13 size with a galvanized wheel. If you have a 5 on 4-1/2 inch bolt pattern, I would go with # AM31242, with a 1,610 pound capacity at 65 psi. If you have a 4 on 4 bolt pattern, you can use # AM3S130, with a 1,360 pound capacity at 50 psi. For any trailer tire, make sure it is filled to the maximum psi rating for best performance and long life.

expert reply by: Michael H