Can Adding Larger Tires to a Trailer Increase Its Capacity
Updated 01/20/2020 | Published 04/20/2013
Question:
I have just recently bought a 4X8 trailer from a person and drove away with trailer in tow on the tongue of my 4X4 Explorer. The size of the tires on the trailer are 4.80X8.00 and there is roughly a 20 degree angle when the trailer is hooked up. Im wondering if this is okay? Secondly, the trailer was purchased for my families move to Arkansas and have calculated our load to be around 1200 lbs. The load range on the tires is 590, which I believe I should get another set with a higher range. I want to get a overall larger tire to lessen the angle, and be able to stand the load. How big of a tire can I put on the rims for the trailer, and what rating should the tires be?
asked by: David
Expert Reply:
I am glad you asked these questions. First, to tow a trailer level you need only a ball mount with the proper rise or drop. I have included a link to our FAQ article that explains how to measure for rise/drop and a link to our ball mount main page.
For the tires, going to a higher capacity tire does not increase the capacity of the trailer itself. The trailer capacity is set by the axle capacity. There should be a plate or sticker on the trailer tongue or frame somewhere that lists the capacity. That is the limit that you can put on the trailer.
If you cannot find the axle capacity information on the tongue or frame then it may be on the axle itself. If it is not there then you will need to pull off a hub and get the inner and outer bearing numbers stamped into the metal of the bearings. With this information I can confidently identify the capacity of the axle.
After we know the axle capacity we can determine if there is a higher capacity tire in 4.80-8 or 4.80/4.00-8 tire that will work. I would need to know the bolt pattern of the wheel also. It will either be a 4 on 4 or a 5 on 4-1/2 bolt pattern. I have linked our FAQ article on how to measure bolt pattern for you.
And finally, going to a larger tire will also raise the center of gravity on the trailer some. This will increase the likelihood of trailer sway and can cause some traction problems.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Kenda 4.80/4.00-8 Bias Trailer Tire with 8" White Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range B
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Tire with Wheel
- Bias Ply Tire
- Load Range B
- 4.80/4.00-8
- 8 Inch
- K - 65 mph
- 5 on 4-1/2 Inch
- Steel Wheels - Powder Coat
- Kenda
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Video: A Closer Look at the MB Sturgis Propane Adapter Fitting
- Q&A: Does Larger Size Trailer Tire Need to be Used for Highway Use
- Q&A: Recommended 11-14 Water Column (WC) Rated Propane Regulator for a Generator
- Shop: Loadstar ST205/75D14 Bias Trailer Tire with 14" Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range C
- Shop: Karrier ST205/75R14 Radial Trailer Tire w/ 14" White Spoke Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range D
- Shop: Kenda Karrier ST175/80R13 Radial Trailer Tire with 13" Black Mod Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - LR D
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Shop: Curt Powered Tail Light Converter with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: Lug Nut Torque Chart for Trailer Wheels
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: Installation Time for Blue Ox BX1128 Flat Tow Base Plate Kit for 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: etrailer Anti-Rattle Hitch Collar for 2" Hitch Receivers
- Q&A: Which is Better for Highway Use 4.80-12 or 5.30-12 Trailer TIres
- Article: How to Measure Your Trailer Wheel Bolt Pattern
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Shop: Power Mountain Tallboy Off-Road Bottle Jack - 8-1/2" to 37-3/4" Lift - 6 Tons
- Video: Measuring To Choose The Right Trailer Axle
- Search Results: trailer jack
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between Load Range C and D ST175/80D13 Trailer Tires
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Q&A: Instructions to Wire a Trailer for Electric Brakes
- Video: Review of Kenda Trailer Tires and Wheels - Tire with Wheel - KE34TJ
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
on Trailer Tires and Wheels
Paul
1/19/2020
so if increasing tire size does not increase trailer capacity why use bigger tires