How to Decipher Trailer Tire Size Numebers

Updated 09/24/2024 | Published 04/14/2017

Question:

My tire size written on the side wall clearly is as follows: DEESTONE 4.00/4.80 - 8 400X100 I see many trailer tire sizes that say 480/400 x 8 Id like to know how to define what these #s actually mean. We have 3 apparent numbers in the size.........example: 4.00/4.80 - 8 The proper size i have s NOT 400/480 it is 4.00/4.80 but the one size I keep seeing is 480/400 x 8. The decimals are conveniently missing. That alone makes for disastrous translation. If these are proper ways to indicate a size, then I really need to understand what the #s actually represent 400 likely is the same as 4.00, right? or Wrong? I am not even sure honestly. I have 4.00/480 -8 and all I find on websites are 480/400x8 tires. I can find a tube that is 4.00/4.80-8 on tractor supply website but then I find tires that are 480-8 and then someone says 400-8 is the same tube? Really? I wish someone could clearly define the numbers and what they mean and then give more details as to what the reasons are when one ture tube is compatable with 2 different tires. Im a bit perplexed because I actually understand the way tire sizes on cars and trucks are defined. Buying tubes seems easy since I found one exactly matching the size. But I was also considering the entire tire and rim which is confusing due to the many different ays the sizes seem to be listed. I cannot make a clear choice on my own which is what I prefer. Then I wont have to rely on asking someone every time one of my trailers needs attention

asked by: Dave

Expert Reply:

The size 400/480 and 4.00/4.80are the same tire size. The 400/4.00 designation referrers to an older tire size that is no longer available and the 480/4.80 size will replace the older model sized.

Therefore, a tire like the Kenda Bias Trailer Tire, # AM10004, will fit both 4.00 and 4.80 size tires.

On your current tires, the 4.80 number represents the section width of the tire, or the width across the tread. The second number is the wheel diameter size. You have a wheel that has a 8 inch diameter.

The attached article will give you more information on understanding the tire size numbers and what they mean to your application.

expert reply by: Jared P

Jack V.

6/4/2020

ny small trailrt has 480-12 tires 480-6 tires will they fit wat is the differents

Chris R.

6/8/2020

Did you mean to type 4.80-8 for the second tire size? If so, this would be a pretty big change from your existing 4.80-12 size units. You'd be going from a 12" wheel to an 8" wheel, losing about 4.6" in overall tire diameter/height and just about 0.2" in width.