Recommended Trailer Tires Size 5.70 x 8 for Highway Speeds

Published 05/12/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Kenda K353 Bias Trailer Tire - 5.70-8 - Load Range D

(3949)

$47.74

Kenda Karrier S-Trail ST145/R12 Radial Tire w/ 12" White Spoke Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - LR D

(1548)

$124.87

Question:

Hello, I use a Karavan boat trailer to move my Grumman canoe. Loaded weight is 500 to 1000 lbs. Karvavan specs show 4.80 x 8 or 12 for tire size. I have been using Load Master 5.70 x 8 class D for a couple of years with plenty of clearance. My question relates to highway speeds. As this boat is light I find myself going 75 / 80 mph often and I want to buy a quality tire that I can be sure will handle the speed with a safety cushion included. I have a 5 bolt mounting pattern. Am I exceeding the max speed of the Load Masters Im using? Whats the best tire you offer for speed rating and quality in my size? Would a change to a radial tire help my cause? Thanks for the info

asked by: Dale W

Expert Reply:

The only 5.70 x 8 sized tire we carry that is a Load Range D is the Kenda K353 # AM10013. It's a bias tire with a maximum capacity of 1,075 at 100 psi.

The maximum speed rating on this tire is 65 mph. I don't know what your current tires are rated for but they might say somewhere on the tire's sidewall. You will want to stay within the speed rating. Exceeding it will cause the tire to heat up more than it should which can cause the tire to fail.

Radial tires are generally better for highway speeds however at your tire size you may have trouble finding them. The closest radial we have to your tire size is a 145/80 R12 # AM31199DX. It's still limited at 65 mph. You'll also be increasing the tire diameter by almost 3-1/2 inches and the width will be about the same. Before increasing the tire size make sure you have at least 3 inches of clearance between the tire tread and the underside of the fender.

expert reply by: Charles S