Can I Replace a 4.80-8 Trailer Tire with a 4.80-12 or 5.30-12 Trailer Tire

Updated 05/08/2014 | Published 05/07/2014

Question:

CAN I REPLACE A 4.80-8 WITH A 4.80-12 OR A 5.30-12 4-4 PATTERN

asked by: THISTLEMANN

Expert Reply:

You can replace a 4.80-8 trailer tire with a 4.80-12 or a 5.30-12 trailer tire, but there are a few things to consider before making the change. First, 4.80-12 and 5.30-12 tires are going to have a larger overall diameter than a 4.80-8 tire, by about 4 inches, so you will want to make sure your trailer has enough room in the fender well to accept the larger tire and wheel.

Also, a 5.30-12 tire will be about 1 inch wider. The width will not make as big of a difference as the diameter, but you will want to verify that the larger width will not hit any part of the suspension or trailer frame once it is installed. The tire will sit approximately 1/2 inch closer to the trailer than your 4.80-8 tires.

The final factor that you will want to consider is the load capacity of the tire. Both tires should either meet or exceed the weight capacity of the axle. I have attached links to all of our 4.80-12 and 5.30-12 trailer tires and wheels with a 4 on 4 inch bolt pattern for you to check out.

expert reply by: John H