Recommended Replacement Wheel/Tire For Existing 4.80-12 Tires on Boat Trailer

Updated 01/02/2021 | Published 12/30/2020

Question:

Hi, I am looking for replacement wheels / tires for my trailer. It currently has 12 Inch / 5 on 4 1/2 inch lug / 4.80 - 12 tire size. What will the fitment difference be between the 4.80 - 12 and the 145/80 - 12 tire? The trailer is used to trailer a boat, I primarily go with in 30 minutes or so but occasionally travel multiple hours. Is there a recommendation of which one to go with?

asked by: John O

Expert Reply:

The 145/80-12 tires would be about an inch wider and an inch taller than your current 4.80-12 tires. The 1 inch height difference would raise your ride height by a half inch, and the wider tread would provide more pavement contact for greater stability. Generally speaking, you'll want to see at least 2 inches of inside clearance between the tires inner sidewall and any portion of the trailer. If a 1 inch wider tire (which would move the sidewall 1/2 inch closer to the trailer frame) and the 1/2 inch less clearance between the top of the tire and the inside of the fender would still leave about 3-4 inches of clearance, I'd recommend going with the larger 145/80-12 tires.

For a boat trailer, you'll want to go with a corrosion resistant wheel. The # AM31202 you'd looked at is a 145/80-12 radial tire mounted on a 12x4 inch Galvanized Spoke wheel with a 5 on 5-1/4 inch bolt pattern. The tire carries a D load range for a 1220lb per tire/2440 lb per axle weight capacity. This wheel/tire combo would perform very well and look good while doing it.

I've linked to a product description video for the wheel/tire combo.

expert reply by: Mike L