Needing a Trailer Tire That Can Handle a Long Trip at 60 to 65 MPH

Updated 01/04/2017 | Published 01/03/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Kenda 5.70-8 Bias Trailer Tire with 8" White Wheel - 4 on 4 - Load Range D

(7492)

$71.20

Kenda Karrier S-Trail ST145/R12 Radial Tire w/ 12" White Spoke Wheel - 4 on 4 - LR D

(1484)

$145.94

Question:

Im wanting to trailer my 14 foot jon boat about 5 hours at about 60 to 65 MPH average speed. Is this wheel and tire combination sufficient? If not what would you recommend? I currently have 8inch tires now but would like to replace them.

asked by: Tom

Expert Reply:

The Kenda 8 inch Tire and Wheel, # AM30153, that you referenced can travel at max speed of 65 mph. This wheel and tire has a 4 on 4 inch bolt pattern and can carry its maximum load of 1,075 lbs at 100 psi. The tire has a bias construction and an 8 ply rating.

If your trailer and boat fall under these weight capacities and the bolt pattern is the same, then this wheel and tire will work for your trip with your jon boat.

If you have the clearance on your trailer, I recommend upgrading to 12 inch radial tires. The Kenda Karrier S-Trail Tire and Wheel, # AM35351DX, is a 4 on 4 inch, 5.70 inches wide on a 12 in wheel with a radial tire. The bolt pattern, the width of this tire, and the max speed rating is the same as the Kenda bias tire, but the wheel will be taller and the tire is a radial design.

The radial tire will take heat and ride cooler than a bias tire. Heat is the major killer of trailer tires and radial tires are made to dissipate the heat better. A radial tire in turn will last longer than a bias tire.

The only issue with the Kenda Karrier radial tire is the height of the wheel and tire. The wheel measures 12 inches and with the sidewall of the tire the added diameter will be close to 21-1/8 inches tall. This tire and wheel will be the same width of your current tire, but will be 3 inches taller over all. The tire will be an 1-1/2 inch taller in your wheel well. If you have enough clearance for this wheel and tire on your trailer, then the Kenda Karrier radial tire and wheel would be the best option.

I have linked a few articles that on trailer tires for you to view.