Can Trailer With 5.30-12 Tires Use 4.80-12 Size Tires as Spares

Updated 09/19/2019 | Published 09/18/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Kenda K353 Bias Trailer Tire - 4.80-12 - Load Range B

(3846)

$47.05

Kenda K353 Bias Trailer Tire - 5.30-12 - Load Range D

(3846)

$63.45

Question:

I have two spare 4.8 - 12 inch tires for a trailer. I am about to upgrade the trailer, and the upgrade comes with 5.3 - 12 inch tires. Is there any mounting difference or other reason I should not use my 4.8 -12 tires as spares for the new trailer? Yes, I realize there is a load bearing difference between the two, but I am not hauling heavy loads.

asked by: John E

Expert Reply:

We highly recommend a trailer's spare tire always be the same size as the current tires. The reason is if you use one tire that is a different size than the others, not only will all of the tires wear quicker and unevenly, but the trailer won't track behind your tow vehicle as well and you are prone to suspension issues on the trailer, which can occur somewhat rapidly.

For example, the Kenda K353 Bias Trailer Tire - 4.80-12 # AM10060 is 4.8" wide and has a 20.5" diameter while the Kenda K353 Bias Trailer Tire - 5.30-12 # AM10068 5.5" wide and has a 21.9" diameter, which is a significant difference and you will notice immediately how much poorer the trailer is going to track behind you.

It will cost a few more bucks in the short run to get the same size tires for spares, but in the long run you could be saving yourself a significant amount of cash just by getting the right size tires. I have added a link to all of our 5.30-12 tires for you, as well as 5.30-12 tire and wheel combos to check out.

expert reply by: Kyle S