Can I Go From a 4.80/4.00-8 Tire to a 4.80-12 Inch Tire and Wheel on my Boat Trailer

Question:

I have a boat trailer with 8inch wheels presently. 4.80/4.00-8 with 5 lugs. Want to change to 12inch wheels. Would choose Loadstar 4.80-12inch galvanized rim that says 5 on 4 1/2 Load Range B AM30590.....is this an appropriate change? I pull a 13foot Boston Whaler with a 30hp motor.. I put in to salt water. If not do I shift to Range C wheel and tire. I have a very short trailering trip. Thank you

asked by: Robert R

Expert Reply:

You may be able to use the Kenda 4.80-12 Bias Trailer Tire with 12" Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range B # AM30590 but this will depend on the amount of clearance you've currently got between the top of your 4.80/4.00-8 tires and the fenders or trailer frame. The # AM30950 will be about 5 inches larger in diameter than your current tires and you typically will need about 3 inches of clearance to avoid contacting the fenders or frame, so you'll want to make sure that the larger tires won't rub.

If there will be clearance issues then you may want to consider using a tire and wheel the same size like the Kenda 4.80/4.00-8 Bias Trailer Tire with 8" Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range C # AM30070, which are a Load Range C tire with a capacity of 745-lbs per tire/wheel (1490-lbs total). This would likely be the best solution because of the similarity to your current tire and wheels.

I've linked some review videos of these for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Erik B