Is a 4-Lug, 4.80-8 inch Tire and Wheel Adequate for Trailering a 400 lb Ariens Garden Tractor

Updated 01/09/2012 | Published 01/08/2012

Question:

I presently have a 4-lug- 4.80-8inch tire and wheel assembly on a small trailer. I transport a Ariens Garden Tractor that weighs over 400lbs about 300 miles round trip every two weeks. Should I move up to a 9 or 10 inch wheel and tire.wheel assembly?

asked by: John

Expert Reply:

It really just depends on the weight capacities of your rim and tire. The tires we sell that are the same size as yours have capacities of 590 lbs and 760 lbs depending on the load range of the tire. One of these tires would be adequate for your setup.

You will need to check the weight capacity of your tires and wheels to determine if your setup is adequate. The weight capacity of the tire should be stamped on the sidewall along with the maximum psi recommendation for the tire. You always want to run the recommended tire pressure in your tires to ensure the best tire performance and tread wear.

The wheels weight capacity might be harder to find, but at one point it should have been stamped on the inside of the wheel most likely. In most cases the wheel capacity is more than what most tires compatible with that rim are capable of. Basically, wheels will usually have higher capacities than tires most of the time.

I attached a couple tire and wheel FAQs for you to check out also.

expert reply by: Jameson C