Trailer Wheel and Tire Recommendation for Size 4.80-12 with Higher Speed Rating
Published 01/23/2019
Question:
Hello, I have a Load Rite boat trailer with 4.8/12 bias, 5-4.5 bolts, high speed ?, load range C tires. I was looking to upgrade to a radial tires as I have been told that the radial tires are better for highway service. I see some of your tires are rated for a max. speed of 65 mph, some 81 mph max. speed, and most with no speed rating. I will be driving some load distances 2000 miles on highways with speed limits of 70 mph. Would the 5.3/R12 tire provide better service ? Do you have a recommendation for this service ? Thanks
asked by: Michael S
Helpful Expert Reply:
Whenever available I always recommend going with trailer tires that are rated for higher than 65 mph. It's too easy to accidentally go faster than 65 on the highway even when pulling a trailer so it's always a good idea to have some cushion there.
So for your tire size of 4.8R12 I recommend the Taskmaster 4.80R12 Radial Trailer Tire w/ 12" White Spoke Wheel # TA98RR. This has the 5 on 4-1/2 inch bolt pattern you need as well as has a Load Range C tire that has an 81-mph speed rating. This is also a radial tire which in general is preferred over bias ply tires.
The main difference between a radial ply and a bias ply tire is how the tire is constructed. The cords inside a bias ply tire run at a 32-degree angle to the direction of travel, and the cords on a radial tire run at a 90-degree angle to the direction of travel, or across the tire from wheel lip to wheel lip.
A radial tire flexes more than a bias tire, giving it better ground contact, traction, stability, and tread wear.
A radial tire will normally run cooler than a bias ply tire, especially when the tire is under a load. A tire that runs cooler will last longer.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Loadstar 4.80-12 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
- 4.80-12
- 12 Inch
- 5 on 4-1/2 Inch
- Steel Wheels - Galvanized
- Kenda
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Shop: Loadstar 4.80-12 Bias Trailer Tire with 12" Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range C
- Shop: Kenda Karrier S-Trail ST145/R12 Radial Tire w/ 12" Galvanized Spoke Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - LR D
- Q&A: Can a 4.80-12 Trailer Tire Be Replaced with a 145/80-12
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: How Much Clearance Do I Need Between My Tire and Fender?
- Q&A: Recommended Spacing Between Trailer Tire and Inner Fender
- Shop: CURT 7-Way/4-Way Trailer Connector and Relay Kit
- Shop: Taskmaster 4.80R12 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range C
- Shop: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Shop: 7-Way Round RV Style Trailer Connector - Trailer Side
- Shop: Pollak 7 Pole to 4 Way Connector Adapter
- Video: Curt Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring - Trailer Hitch Wiring - C56366 Review
- Q&A: Highest Speed Rating for a 4.80 x 12 Trailer Tire
- Q&A: Capacity and PSI Rating for 4.80-12 Load Range C Trailer Tire
- Search Results: am30670
- Q&A: Can Fulton Fold-Away Coupler Hinge Kit be Used to Extend Short Trailer Coupler
- Q&A: Can 41" Extension Be Added to Fulton Fold-Away Coupler Hinge Kit on a 2,990 lb Gross Weight Trailer
- Search Results: 2x3 tongue
- Search Results: trailer wire extension
- Search Results: trailer tongue
- Search Results: am31202
- Search Results: ce smith trailer
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Video: How to Choose a Trailer Brake Controller
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Video: Measuring To Choose The Right Trailer Axle
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
on Boat Trailer Wheels
