Installing Wider Tires on a Karavan Boat Trailer For Driving on Sand

Updated 02/17/2014 | Published 02/15/2014

Question:

Hello, I have a Karavan boat trailer with 4.80 12inch H188 5 on 4.5 1100lb. Tires 4inch wide diameter about 19. I launch a 14ft aluminum boat from a sandy beach. Boat +motor = approx. 375lbs. Hub is 2 3/4 Im looking for a wider tire8inch wide maybe to ride over the sand easier than the current tire. Not opposed to go with 8inch or 10inch tire. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

asked by: Bill

Expert Reply:

Before installing wider tires and wheels on your trailer, you will want to make sure you have enough space to go to a wider tire and wheel. If you went to an 8 inch wide tire and wheel like the Kenda Tire and Wheel Combo, # AM3H390, the overall diameter will be the same, but the tire will sit approximately 2 inches closer to the trailer frame than your 4.80-12 tires. You will want to make sure you have enough room between the inside wall of your tires and trailer frame for a wider tire.

The Kenda tire and wheel combo uses a 10 inch wheel with a 5 on 4-1/2 bolt pattern and a 2.8 inch pilot hole diameter. The weight rating of 1,100 lbs at 50 psi also matches your trailer, so it will fit just fine as long as there is room for the tire width. At this time we do not have an 8 inch wide tire for 12 inch rims.

expert reply by: John H