Will 12 Inch Radial Trailer Tires Last Longer Than Bias Tires
Updated 02/17/2026 | Published 06/20/2024
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Question:
My question is about how to make my boat trailer tires last longer. Currently Im running 4.80x12 bias ply tires. Theyre lasting about 2 years and they wear as if over inflated. I have checked and they are not. Would I be better off running 5.30x12 in a radial tire? Approximately 75 of the mileage is on hard surface. But almost every trip involves some gravel. The boat is a 1987 16 foot Lund with a 40 horse Johnson. I dont think the trailer is overloaded as it pulls nicely. Thank you and I look forward to your answer.
asked by: Joe T
Expert Reply:
Hey Joe,
Good question there, and a trailer being overloaded is certainly a possibility, so you need to ensure the tires you have are rated properly (they should have a load range on the side wall). But to answer your question, radial tires are 100% the better option that will last longer than bias tires, so I'd definitely switch to 12 inch radials.
Reason for that is radial tires run cooler and flex more due to how the cords inside the tires are positioned compared to bias tires. Heat buildup leads to the rubber in the tires wearing and less life. You don't have to go to a 5.30x12 though, you can stick with 4.80x12 so long as they are rated properly.
For example you can use the Taskmaster 4.80R12 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range C # TT48012C which has a 990 lb per-tire capacity (so 1,980 lbs total. Or you can go to the Taskmaster 5.30R12 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range C # TT53012C which has a 1,050 lb per-tire capacity (2,100 lbs total). Just be aware the 5.30R12 tire will add be about 1/2" taller and 1/2" wider than the 4.80x12 tires.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Taskmaster 5.30R12 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range C
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Tire Only
- Radial Tire
- Load Range C
- 5.30-12
- 12 Inch
- M - 81 mph
- Taskmaster
more information >
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Jesse M.
2/17/2026
Hey Joe, how did things go after switching to the radial trailer tires on your Lund’s trailer? Did you notice any improvement in wear or how the tires handled on gravel? Your results could really help others trying to decide between bias and radial tires.