Replacement 4.80-12 Tires and Spare Tire with Wheel for Trailer with 4 on 4 inch Bolt Pattern

Updated 07/13/2020 | Published 07/09/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Kenda Karrier S-Trail ST145/R12 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range E

(572)

$76.31

Kenda 4.80-12 Bias Trailer Tire with 12" White Wheel - 4 on 4 - Load Range C

(7605)

$93.85

Question:

I have a Harbor Freight folding 4x8 trailer that is rated for 1700 pounds or less. It was definitely less originally when I bought it with 8inch wheels on it. It has HFs 4-on-4, 12inch wheels with 4.80-12 bias ply tires. Someone stole my spare, and HF has stopped the carrying the 4-lug replacement wheel/tire combo that I had. Also I would like to gear up for cross-country travel at 65mph. I realize there are some choices for radial tires that fit these wheels, but Id prefer to buy something more common, so that Im not, as now, unable to find anything locally. For instance, what if I have a blowout in the middle of nowhere? I dont want to wait for 2 weeks for a tire in the mail. So Im thinking I should upgrade: - hubs to the much more common 4-on-4.5inch pattern - wheels to something larger and more common, and for cooler bearings - tires to radial for durability on the highway, and to use one of the most common tire sizes that a tire store is likely to stock What should I be looking at? Clearance to the fender is not a problem, as I can fabricate a new one fender and support. Clearance to the trailer frame may be an issue, but I can get negative-offset rims, right? Or should I get a new axle? And can an axle be changed with the trailer on jack stands? Thank you!

asked by: Liam G

Expert Reply:

The 4 on 4 bolt pattern is still very common so you don't need to upgrade unless you really want to. They are readily available many places so you don't need to be restricted by one brick and mortar store. I recommend staying with your current tires size or going with the metric equivalent.

The Kenda 4.80-12 Bias Trailer Tire with 12" White Wheel - 4 on 4 - Load Range C # AM30620 is a great option and is rated for a max speed of 65 mph. If you want to go faster, the Taskmaster 4.80-12 Bias Trailer Tire - Load Range C # TTWSF48012C is rated for speeds up to 81 mph.

Trading to another hub for the 5 on 4-1/2 bolt pattern will require disassembling your current hubs to get the bearing part numbers printed on the face of the inner and also the outer bearing. It also will require still using a similar tire because there isn't an easy to find offset like you referenced as most trailer wheels have a zero offset.

expert reply by: Jason S