How to Upgrade Trailer with 45 MPH Speed Rating for Highway Speeds

Question

Question:

Currently the trailer should have 4.80-12 tires on a 12 wheel with a 4x4 bolt pattern.

asked by: Robert K

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

The only trailer component that determines the speed rating of the trailer is the tires. All you have to do is simply replace your current tires with one that is rated for highway use, like the Kenda Loadstar # AM3S120 that you referenced, and you are good to go! I will say that if your trailer itself has the rating stamped on the frame then you would need to contact the manufacturer to make sure that the rest of the components on the trailer can handle the faster speed.

If you let me know what size tire you currently have and what your wheel bolt pattern is, if you are wanting to also replace your wheels, and I can make a recommendation for you.

expert reply by: Jon G

1

Robert K.

8/24/2018

Currently the trailer should have 4.80-12 tires on a 12 wheel with a 4x4 bolt pattern.

Reply

Jon G.

8/24/2018

If that is the case then I recommend going with the Taskmaster # TA89RR. This is a 4.80-12 tire which is on a 12" wheel that has a 4 on 4" bolt pattern. The load range is C (990 lbs at 90 psi) and it has an 81 mph speed rating. I have attached a review video for you to check out.

Reply

Stace

2/15/2020

Similar question but while needing freeway speeds, the one Im concidering fully loaded could max out at 17-1,800 lbs. Would the same tires work and if not what would you suggest.

Reply

Jason S.

2/17/2020

The Taskmaster 4.80-12 Bias Trailer Tire with 12" White Spoke Wheel - 4 on 4 - Load Range C # TTWAA12WS is rated for speeds of up to 81 mph and up to 990 lbs per tire, so 1,980 lbs per axle. These will work as long as the other components of your trailer are still rated for the capacity of your loaded trailer.

Helpful Links

tv-Demo-Taskmaster-Tires-and-Wheels-TTWAA12WS.aspx

Reply

Reggie

4/22/2020

Would you still recommend the Taskmaster over a similar radial tire such as Kenda Karrier ST145/R12 4 on 4? Is a radial tire in this application unnecessary in upgrading the stock 45 mph rated tires?

Reply

Chris R.

4/23/2020

If you don't plan on traveling over 65 mph, I do think moving to the slightly larger ST145R12 like the Kenda # AM35351DX is a really good idea. Radial ply tires just perform much better than bias alternatives for highway applications and they'll likely last longer too.

Reply

David M.

7/19/2020

I bought Northern Tool small jets trailer..I will be pulling a total of approx 100lbs on it..Small fiberless fishing boat (Pirogue)The 12" tires that came with it are rated 55mph.. I will at times be on interstate in Texas ..How fast can I safely go? If I upgrade to one of your 13" tire with 81 speed rating. will the 4 on 4 pattern match with my 4 on 4 12" wheel? Thanks!

Reply

David M.

7/23/2020

@ChrisR Thanks for your reply.. What is the speed rating of the tire you mentioned #TTWAA12WS ? The numbers on the tires I have now are 4.80-12. They are brand new but have a 55mph speed rating...

Reply

Chris R.

7/28/2020

@DavidM The Taskmaster # TTWAA12WS actually has an 81 mph speed rating, so this would provide that upgrade without having to change to larger tires.

Reply

Rhiostatic

5/27/2024

I have 4 lug rims with 4.80-12 tires on a trailer. Just want to be safe at highway speeds. Capacity is 1200. Likely would never have more than 400lbs. What is my current max speed? Or what tire can I get to make it safe? Thanks

Reply

Jon G.

5/27/2024

@Rhiostatic Your current max speed is related to what the tire is rated for. For example, the Taskmaster 4.80R12 Radial Trailer Tire # TT48012C has a speed rating of M which is 81 mph. If you can find the speed rating letter stamped on the sidewall of the tire just let me know what it is and I'll be happy to help you out!

Reply

Jon G.

5/29/2024

@JonG I cannot find a speed rating letter. the tire is called Hi-Run SU02.

Reply

Jon G.

5/30/2024

@JonG I tried looking online but couldn't pin down a speed rating for that tire. I recommend reaching out to the manufacturer to see if they have something. Otherwise it's best to assume the speed rating is the standard 65 mph.

Reply

Scott D.

7/2/2024

I appreciate all the videos and input you offer at etrailer. Very helpful. I'm looking into buying a Haul-Master and will want to make it safe for highway speeds. Is the TA89RR rated for 65mph? Are there any 12 in with an M rating? Would there be any performance issues with replacing the 4.80-12 with the AM32120 as long as there is clearance? Is it possible there would be a need for a wheel spacer? If so, do recommend a certain brand or type? Would you recommend any other trailer brands in the same price range as the Haul-Master? Thank you.

Reply

Jon G.

7/2/2024

@ScottD The TA89RR actually did have an M speed rating, but this tire was discontinued a while ago. The Loadstar ST175/80D13 Bias Trailer Tire with 13" White Wheel # AM3S120 you mentioned is a great alternative as long as you have the clearance - no issues with performance, and this tire has the M speed rating as well! We typically don't recommend using spacers so if that's the only way you'll be able to make this tire fit then it would be best to stick with the same tire size. The Haul-Master line of trailers is just fine and will work out well for you.

Reply

Scott D.

7/2/2024

@JonG Thank you! That makes sense with the spacers. So, you don't see any issues with axle and bearings while driving the Haul-Master at higher speeds as long as I have the right tires and wheels?

Reply

Jon G.

7/2/2024

@ScottD Correct. As long as the tires have the higher speed rating then they will remain cool enough to keep from overheating the bearings.

Reply

See All (4) Replies to Scott D. ∨

Answer 1

Hi Jim! There is indeed a spare tire and mount for the Malone EcoLight Sport Trailer with Post Style Carrier for 4 Kayaks - 400 lbs #MAL63FR. Check out the Spare Tire for Malone EcoLight Trailer - Locking Attachment #MAL33FR. This will sit flat on…

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Answer 2

The Malone EcoLight Sport Trailers like item #MAL43FR have 8" tires with a 5 on 4-1/2 lug pattern. The Kenda 205/65-10 Bias Trailer Tire with 10" Galvanized Wheel item #AM3H490 would work as a replacement but you will most likely have to…

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Answer 3

While I'm sure we have a bearing kit for your Harbor Freight trailer, we don't have any way of knowing off-hand or cross-referencing what bearings you need. So in order to find the correct kit you will need to take apart your current hub…

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Answer 4

From my research on the Harbor Freight 4x8 folding trailer uses 4.80-12 tires on a 12 inch wheel for the 1195 lb capacity trailer and a 5.30-12 for the 1720 lbs capacity trailer. It is a good idea to check your existing tires to see which size they…

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Answer 5

We do not carry a radial trailer tire in 5.30-12 size but there is another option. You can also use a 145/80-12. Both tires will fit on a 4 inch wide rim and can have similar weight capacities. The one size difference is that the 145/80-12 is 0.6…

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Answer 6

Speed is a huge issue with trailer tires actually. Unless otherwise noted trailer tires are rated as 65 miles per hour as their max speed. Exceeding the speed rating will cause the tire to heat up and fail easier. We do have a couple brands that have…

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Answer 7

Hey Coy, You can replace the 8" wheels on your Malone EcoLight Sport Trailer #MAL73FR with ones like the Kenda 4.80-12 Bias Trailer Tire #AM30590. Before doing so you'll want to measure the distance between the tire and fender as well as the…

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Answer 8

Chenchar, I recommend you upgrade your 8" tires on your Malone EcoLight Trailer #MAL43FR to a 10" wheel using the Kenda 205/65-10 Bias Trailer Tire with 10" Galvanized Wheel #AM3H490. These wheels are going to have the same bolt…

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Answer 9

From what I could find, the Harbor Freight trailers do say not to exceed 45 miles per hour in the owners manual. That being said, the tires they use are not rated very high and may be the limiting factor. The trailer you have looks to use a 5 on 4…

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Answer 10

Hey Daniel, I can help point you in the right direction. If I were you I would stick with the radial tires. Bias ply tires use a crisscross pattern for the layers of cord. This make for a more firm sidewall and this is more of an "old…

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Answer 11

The Dexter Trailer Idler Axle w/ Hubs - EZ-Lube - 5 on 4-1/2 Bolt Pattern - 60" Long - 2,200 lbs #20545I-EZ-60-15 is a great starting point to upgrade your trailer. This will give you a standard size axle with good bearings, hubs, and EZ-lube…

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Answer 12

The Kenda trailer tire part #AM10130 that you referenced can fit all standard 12-inch trailer wheel sizes so it would work well on the 12-inch wheel you have on your Harbor Freight trailer.

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How to Upgrade Trailer with 45 MPH Speed Rating for Highway Speeds

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