Larger Wheel and Tire Options To Improve Highway Speed Rating For Harbor Freight Trailer 4.8-8 Tires

Published 11/13/2023

Products Featured in This Question

Kenda K371 Bias Trailer Tire - 4.80/4.00-8 - Load Range C

(3998)

$29.33

Kenda 4.80-12 Bias Trailer Tire with 12" White Wheel - 4 on 4 - Load Range B

(7926)

$78.74

Kenda Karrier S-Trail ST145/R12 Radial Tire w/ 12" White Spoke Wheel - 4 on 4 - LR D

(1568)

$139.55

Question:

Do the 4.8-12 trailer have a higher highway speed rating than the 4.8-8 ? ...also will they have the same size 4 lug pattern? I am considering switching my current 4.8-8 wheels to the larger 4.8-12 on my 4x8 Harbor freight 1700lb capacity. I use it to haul my motorcycles. Thanks

asked by: Steve

Expert Reply:

The 4.8-8 tires on your Harbor Freight trailer are most likely like the Kenda # AM10004 tires with a 55mph speed rating. We do have the Kenda 4.80-12" # AM30540 tires which have a higher speed rating of 65mph. Do note the tires are much taller at 20.5" in diameter versus only 16" which you have now so you will have to modify the fenders to make everything fit.

A better option if you can make them fit is to use the Kenda Karrier S-Trail ST145/R12 Radial Tire w/ 12" White Spoke Wheel # AM35351DX. This tire has a much higher speed rating of 81mph but is also larger at 21.3" in diameter and 5.7" wide. As we do not sell these trailers and there are so many different variations I cannot say exactly what spacers or lift/fender modification will be required.

expert reply by: Bud M