Can 18x8.50-8 Trailer Tire And Wheel be Replaced With 12 Inch Wheel With 5 on 4-1/2 Bolt Pattern

Updated 03/22/2021 | Published 03/18/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Kenda K500 SuperTurf Tire with 8" White Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range B

(42)

$82.88

Kenda Karrier S-Trail ST145/R12 Radial Tire w/ 12" Galvanized Spoke Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - LR D

(371)

$132.94

Question:

I currently have 18x8.50-8 tires on 5 x 4.5 rims. They need replacing but Id like to put a larger tire/rim assembly on the trailer. I was thinking about putting a 12 tire and rim assembly on it. Is this possible and if so do you have any recommendations? Id like to have a radial tire and aluminum rim if possible. Its just a small golf cart trailer and I haul a side by side UTV on it. Thanks for your time.

asked by: Brian S

Expert Reply:

So long as you have the needed clearance, you can go from a size 18x8.50-8 tire and wheel to a 12 inch wheel; the general rule of thumb is you want at least 3" of clearance from the top of the tire to your fender (if your golf cart has one) and at least 1" of clearance between the inside of the tire and your frame rail.

A 18x8.50-8 tire and wheel measures 8.5" wide and 17.8" in diameter, so you'll want to keep that in mind. We do have 12 inch wheels and tires with a 5 on 4-1/2" bolt pattern, and the only combo with an aluminum wheel and radial tire is the following from Kenda:

- Kenda Karrier S-Trail ST145/R12 Radial Tire with 12" Wheel # AM31202

This wheel and tire measures just 5.7" wide, so you'll have plenty of space in that regard, but it is 21.3" in diameter, so you'll need to ensure you have enough height.

If you don't have quite enough room, we do have an option to replace your current 18x8.50-8 tire and wheel with the Kenda K500 SuperTurf Tire with 8" White Wheel # AM89992.

I have added links below to video reviews for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Kyle S