Do Trailer Tires Need to be the Same on Small Trailer

Updated 10/15/2019 | Published 10/14/2019

Products Featured in This Question

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

(3982)

$40.79

Taskmaster 5.30R12 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range C

(308)

$120.01

Question:

Wondering if it is an issue that on my single axle small trailer that the tires are different load rated? One is 990 lbs and the other is about 1160? Should I buy another one to match or is it ok?

asked by: Eric M

Expert Reply:

It is highly recommended that you have the same tires on your trailer and the reason is that tires with different load ranges will almost certainly have a different tire pressure, or can even be a different size.

For example, your trailer may have a Kenda K353 Bias Trailer Tire - 4.80-12 - Load Range C # AM10062 which has a 990 lb load capacity when inflated to its max 90 psi, and a Taskmaster 5.30R12 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range C # TT53012C which has a 1,050 lb capacity when inflated to 80 psi. Both of these tires fit a 12" trailer wheel, but the air pressure of the latter tire is less, and it is also wider and has a larger diameter. This is a problem because the trailer is going to track differently behind your vehicle, which will lead to your tires wearing unevenly, poor ride quality and potential trailer suspension issues to arise.

So the bottom line is that you will be saving yourself a ton of potential headaches with a set of matching tires, so I highly recommend doing so. I have added a link to our entire selection of tires that fit 12 inch and 13 inch wheels for you to check out, as these are the tire sizes that go with the load ranges you mentioned.

expert reply by: Kyle S