Does Larger Size Trailer Tire Need to be Used for Highway Use

Updated 05/30/2018 | Published 05/29/2018

Question:

I have 4.80 x 12 inch tires on my boat trailer. I am going on a long trip about 4 hours on interstate and highway, my tires are about 4 years old so Im wanting to replace them before this trip in 2 weeks. is this an ok size for that much highway use or should I upgrade to a slightly bigger tire?

asked by: Joel W

Expert Reply:

As long as there is room inside your fenders the Kenda 5.30-12 Bias Trailer Tire with 12" Galvanized Wheel # AM30850 will work just fine for your trip. It isn't as much about the size of the tire as it is just making sure they aren't overloaded and the max speed rating isn't exceeded. This combo has a load range C (1,045 lbs at 80 psi) and a 65 mph speed rating.

The bigger tire (5.30-12) is about 1-1/2" larger in diameter and 1" wider than your current tires. Make sure that you will have at least 2" of clearance inside your fender and that the wider tire will not make contact with your trailer frame.

Although the Kenda option will work just fine, if you plan on towing your trailer solely on the highway then I recommend using a radial tire like the Taskmaster 5.30R12 Radial Trailer Tire w/ 12" White Spoke Wheel # TA78RR instead. Bias tires have stiffer sidewalls that are better for off-road applications (like a farm) while radials have sidewalls with a little more flex and a slightly different construction which does a better job at dissipating heat. This tire and wheel combo has a load range C (1,050 lbs at 80 psi) and a speed rating of 81 mph.

If you are wanting to just stick with the 4.80-12 size tire, then I recommend the Taskmaster 4.80R12 Radial Trailer Tire w/ 12" White Spoke Wheel # TA98RR which has a load range C (990 lbs at 90 psi) and a speed rating of 81 mph.

I have linked some helpful articles that you can check out as well.

expert reply by: Jon G