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?

Reply

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.

Reply

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.

Reply

Answer 1

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 2

Hey Robert, We do have a tire that is the 5.30x12 5 lug pattern that jumps to a 65mph speed rating, the Kenda #AM30859. That would give you the original clearance and at least get up to 65mph for your trailer. You could go with a bigger axle. I did…

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Answer 3

That we are Shane! So since you mentioned you have wires behind the driver's side rear tire, that would indicate that you have the factory tow package, so the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness for Factory Tow Package #118269 is what you'll want.…

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Answer 4

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 5

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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Answer 6

A similar leaf spring that we have is the etrailer 2-Leaf Slipper Spring #e29SR which is 30" long and rated for a 1,800 lb axle. The 30" is measured from the center of the eye to the end of the leaf spring (see attached picture). The spring…

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Answer 7

The Kenda Karrier S-Trail #AM31199DX are going to be a more basic, white spoke wheel which is just going to give basic rust protection. An aluminum wheel that is going to provide you with the best rust protection possible, so I recommend going with…

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Answer 8

Hey Miguel, we do have trailer wiring kits that fit your 2025 Kia Sorento but none that match the 14 in connector you have found. For a 7-way we have the part #TK24FR or for a 4-way part #118269. These use a totally different looking connector. Do…

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Answer 9

Hey Eric, check out the attached install video that is on this page (scroll down to see it) and you'll see exactly how to install the Tekonsha trailer wiring kit #118269 that you have.

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Answer 10

The 5.30-12 tires, being wider, are going to make more contact with the road. This means that the noise, and heat build up will be higher than a 4.80-12 tire but the rolling resistance will actually be less because the tire is larger diameter. The…

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Answer 11

We have ST145/R12 trailer tires with a load range E, the Kenda Karrier S-Trail #AM10140. If you wanted to go to a larger tire and wheel you could do so but you would need to ensure you have the needed clearance of about three inches from your trailer…

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Answer 12

Kenda trailer tires are primarily made in China like most trailer tires. The only Radial trailer tires that I'm aware of that are made in the United States are the Goodyear Endurance line. Carlisle has a bias ply line of tires made in the States,…

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

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