Can Utility Trailer with 12 inch Wheels/Tires be Replaced with 14 inch Diameter Wheel

Updated 06/05/2020 | Published 06/03/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Kenda 5.70-8 Bias Trailer Tire with 8" White Wheel - 4 on 4 - Load Range C

(7487)

$70.45

Karrier ST205/75R14 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range D

(2230)

$170.35

Question:

Hi, I just purchased a small 4’x6’ utility trailer. It came with 12” rims, 5 bolt pattern. There seems to be room to accommodate 14” or perhaps even 15” rims. Will larger tires make for a smoother and safer ride? Also, I want to build a cargo box which would be 3’ high and fit in the trailer. The trailer bed is 6’ long. Is it safe to build the box 7’ long so it overhangs by 1’? I would still be able to have the correct weight distribution with cargo. Thanks,

asked by: Chip

Expert Reply:

The difference between the tire diameter you'd have now and a 14 or 15 inch trailer tire size would be about 6 inches. This would take up about 3 inches of your current fender to tire clearance so you'd need to make sure that wouldn't be an issue. You want at the very least 3 inches of clearance. Larger tire diameters do make the ride quality arguably smoother but it's not going to be a night and day difference. A 7 foot wide cargo box like you are considering building would not be an issue either.

In the 14 inch trailer tire size we have the Kenda Karrier # AM10235 which would be a really great option.

expert reply by: Jameson C