Can 12 Inch Trailer Tires and Wheels be Replaced with 13 Inch

Question

Question:

In changing from a 12 to a 13” wheel, how tall is the 13? Probably have to change fenders, just double checking

asked by: Bob

0

Expert Reply:

The smallest diameter 13 inch trailer wheel and tire will have a diameter of 24.1 inches (ST175/80-13). There are 3 common 12 inch trailer tire sizes: 4.80-12 has a diameter of 20.5 inches, 5.30-12 has a diameter of 21.9 inches, and 145/80-12 has a diameter of 21.3 inches.

So basically the overall difference between the two sizes, depending on the specific 12 inch size, is between 2.2 inches and 3.6 inches.

Half of the difference applies to the bottom of the tire from the center of the spindle to the bottom of the tire. The other half will apply to the top half of the tire. That means that the 13 inch tire will be 1.1 to 1.8 inches closer to the bottom of the fender.

You also have to consider the travel of the suspension. You could need as much as 4 inches of space between the tops of the tires and the undersides of the fenders. Going to a larger size will reduce that clearance.

I have included a link to all of the 175/80-13 tire and wheel combos we have. Most have the 5 on 4-1/2 bolt pattern but there are a few with a 4 on 4 pattern if that is what the trailer requires.

expert reply by: Michael H

0

Todd

7/26/2024

Can I increase my trailer tire 4.80x12 to a 13" tire?

Robin H.

7/28/2024

@Todd as long as you have the clearance for it. Depending on the exact size a 13" tire is going to have an outer diameter approximately 4" larger than your 4.80-12 tire. That means you're going to lose 2" of clearance on the top. It will also be about 1-1/2" wider. You want at least 2" on the inside and 3" on top for proper clearance.

Bill D.

8/16/2025

Raised stock OEM (jeep style) angled 12" wheel/4.80 tire combo fenders mounting position by adding 4" longer vertical fender mounting brackets on 5x8 Carry On trailer when changing to the 13" wheel/175/80 tire combo. Don't know if this repositioning would work on a curved fender, though. The angled type fenders seem to have plenty of clearance at the tires mid-point (3 and 9 o'clock) outer diameter/tire, being higher up, and no clearance problem from the trailer side frame.

Answer 1

Hey Dean. Unless your trailer already has brackets, you'll want to use the CE Smith Galvanized Steel Step for Trailer Fender item #CE26212G to attach the CE Smith Single Axle Trailer Fender w/ Top and Side Steps item #CE19504 to your trailer. The…

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Answer 2

Hey John, since you have a 5 lug 12 inch wheel currently and want to upgrade to a 13 inch wheel what you really only need to do is match the bolt pattern of what you have to the new wheel you are looking for. Most likely it's the very common 5 on…

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Answer 3

If you are wanting a metal fender and you can verify your tires are 13 inch or 14 inch I recommend the Single Axle Trailer Fender w/ Backing, part #HP79VR. This fender is constructed of 16 gauge steel and will mount to your trailer after you drill…

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Answer 4

Hey Mike, I would need more info to pick out replacement hubs for your boat trailer. Since we know they are Dexters you could look for a part number on the hub somewhere. You could find the axle capacity on the axle tag, you could get me the diameter…

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Answer 5

The #84 spindle is just a common way to identify the spindle dimensions typically used for 3,500 lb axles. So instead of listing out the parts, people can just say they have #84 spindles and it's easier to know what fits it. The CE Smith Trailer…

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Answer 6

Based on the dimensions you listed the seals part #RG06-050 that you referenced will work great. These are close enough and are a double lip seal as well.

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Answer 7

Generally speaking, it is not a huge deal to upgrade one size (12" to 13") so long as you have clearance but the other thing to make note of is the surface area on the hub. If you have a 2,000 lb trailer axle then your hub is likely only…

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Answer 8

It's fairly common for trailer wheel/tire combos to be changed like you asked about. Assuming you have the additional fender clearance you could replace your current 5.3-12 tire that is mounted on a 4 inch wheel with a 4 bolt pattern with a…

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Answer 9

Since both a ST145/R12 size tire, like the Kenda Karrier S-Trail #AM10130, and a 5.30-12 size tire, like the Kenda K353 #AM10068, fit a 12 inch wheel, a ST145/R12 size tire can replace a 5.30-12 size tire. Keep in mind that these tires do have…

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Answer 10

Hey Greg, great question! The Kenda Karrier KR53 ST205/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire with 15" Black Aluminum Wheel #KE76JV does not come balanced. Since trailer tires are designed to support the trailer, and not provide a smooth ride for passengers,…

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Answer 11

Load range B trailer tires are going to have a lower capacity than C load range tires. Basically that, psi rating, and the ply rating are the only differences. A higher load range tire would last a little longer than lower load ranges of the same…

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Answer 12

Finding the correct replacement axle and leaf springs will require measuring and knowing your axle capacity. 2,990 lbs is not a typical axle capacity so I'm assuming that is the GVWR of the trailer. Try checking on the axle to see if you can…

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