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.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Kenda 5.30-12 Bias Trailer Tire with 12" Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range C
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Tire with Wheel
- Bias Ply Tire
- Load Range C
- 5.30-12
- 12 Inch
- K - 65 mph
- 5 on 4-1/2 Inch
- Steel Wheels - Galvanized
- Kenda
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Search Results: 530~12 trailer tires and wheels
- Search Results: add coupon code
- Shop: Kenda 5.30-12 Bias Trailer Tire with 12" Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range C
- Shop: Kenda K353 Bias Trailer Tire - 5.30-12 - Load Range C
- Q&A: What Is The Speed Rating Of The Kenda 5.30-12 Bias Trailer Tire and Wheel Combo AM30850
- Shop: Taskmaster 5.30R12 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range C
- Q&A: Speed Rating of Load Star 5.30-12 Load Range C Tires
- Q&A: Recommended 5.30R12 Trailer Tire for Highway Use
- Shop: Easy Grease Trailer Idler Hub Assembly for 2K Axles - 5 on 4-1/2 - Galvanized
- Shop: 3-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 4,000-lb Trailer Axles - 25-1/4" Long
- Shop: Kenda K353 Bias Trailer Tire - 5.30-12 - Load Range B
- Shop: Repair Kit for etrailer and Ram Channel Tongue Couplers - 2" Ball - 3,500 lbs and 5,000 lbs
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Search Results: accessories and parts
- Search Results: 53~12
- Search Results: trailer d ring
- Search Results: trailer fenders
- Video: In-Depth Review of the Easy Grease Trailer Idler Hub Assembly for 3.5K Axles
- Q&A: Tire Size Upgrade from 4.80-12 on Trailer
- Q&A: When Installing New Coupler on Trailer Can There Be Gap Above Trailer Frame
- Q&A: Does Trailer Coupler Need to Sit Flat Against the Top of Trailer Tongue
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Trailer Hitch that Does Not Line Up to Holes on 2003 Chevy Tracker
- Video: A Closer Look at the MB Sturgis Propane Adapter Fitting
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: How to Measure Your Trailer Wheel Bolt Pattern
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
on Boat Trailer Wheels
