Recommended Trailer Tire for a 5 X 8 Carry On Utility Trailer For Long Highway Trips

Published 09/19/2023

Question:

I currently have 4.8-12 wheels/tires on my carry-on utility trailer that is 5 x 8. I would like to put larger wheels and tires on it mainly for safety for an upcoming road trip. Are the existing 4.8-12 tires ok for a 6 hour road trip ? I don’t want to make any other changes and only want an easy bolt on solution. What wheels and tires do you recommend? Thanks !

asked by: Gerald R

Helpful Expert Reply:

The best thing you can do is switch to a Radial Tire # TT48012C if you do not already have them on your trailer. The radial construction is superior to the bias construction on roadways. The radial tires do not heat up as much as bias tires which helps to reduce the chances of a blowout on the road. This tire is also rated for highway speeds up to 81mph while bias tires in this size are typically only rated for 55mph. This tire being the same size will mount onto your current wheel so they will not need to be changed.

expert reply by: Bud M