Will Changing to a Wider and Taller Trailer Tire Help Reduce Road Shock on a Bumpy Road

Updated 10/29/2012 | Published 10/27/2012

Question:

I have a boat trailer with 4.80 x 12 tires on it with a 4x4 bolt pattern. The roads I travel are rough for long stretches. Can I install ST 180/175/80D 13 tires and wheels with the same 4x4 bolt pattern to smooth out the jolts the boat is rcieving on these rough roads

asked by: Jim M

Expert Reply:

Actually the more surface area of the tire that touches the road, the more you will feel every bump on the ground. An ST175 or 185/80-13 tire is wider than a 4.80 x 12 so it would be worse as far as a bumpy ride goes.

What I recommend adding is some suspension enhancement, see link. Adding some suspension enhancement will absorb road shock and pro-long the life of the suspension. It will definitely help with those bumpy gravel and dirt roads.

expert reply by: Michael H