Pros and Cons for Oversized Trailer Tires On a 4x8 Harbor Freight Trailer
Updated 01/05/2026 | Published 09/23/2024
Question:
Have a Harbor Freight 4x8’ trailer that came with 13” wheels and tires. Take it camping off road and on long interstate trips of 1500-2000 miles at a time. I installed a 2” spacer so I could get ST 205/75-R15 6 ply. Also had to raise my fender. I have also had mo bearing issues in YEARS. Came across a trailer “know it all” that tells me what I did is wrong and bad. Not only did he say it puts increased wear and pressure on the bearings and will call earlier failures. Also says it increases the turning radius??? WTH?? I do not overload or stress trailer. Rated at 1700s but I bet I rarely have over a few hundred pounds. I would think the greatly increased circumference of the new tires and wheels would greatly decrease the rpm of the bearings which I would think would prolong them. Up side vs downside of over sized trailer tires and wheels would?? Thx
asked by: Pitt2500
(click to enlarge)
Expert Reply:
Hey Pitt2500, you're correct with the wheels but I'm betting the guy was referring to you using wheel spacers. Using the wheel spacers will put more stress on the bearings which could cause them to wear faster but you said you've been doing this for a while and have had no issues so it's not necessarily the case with you.
The pros and cons with oversized tires is going to be: better weight capacity, fuel economy, stability, and grip; but, you typically lose some ride quality, your steering can be impacted as well as your acceleration since the tires are bigger they take a bit longer to get moving.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Karrier KR03 ST225/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range E
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Tire Only
- Radial Tire
- Load Range E
- 225/75-15
- 15 Inch
- M - 81 mph
- Kenda
more information >
Continue Researching
- Search Results: 118498
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Kenda Karrier KR53 ST205/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire with 15" Silver Mod Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2
- Shop: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Video: Install: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2011 Toyota Sienna
- Video: 2011 Toyota Sienna Custom Fit Trailer Wiring Harnesses
- Video: DIY 2011 Toyota Sienna Installation for the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver
- Shop: EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Coleman-Mach Signature Mach 3 RV Air Conditioner System - 13,500 Btu - Non-Ducted - R32
- Q&A: Picking Out Replacement Wheel/Tire and for Haulmaster 66771 Trailer
- Q&A: Will ST175/80R13 Trailer Tires Fit on the Harbor Freight Super Duty Folding Trailer?
- Q&A: Tire and Wheel Combo for Harbor Freight Trailer with ST175/80-13 Tires with 5 on 4-1/2 Bolt Pattern
- Q&A: Taillight Bracket Recommendation for an Older Harbor Freight Trailer
- Q&A: Replacement Fender for Harbor Freight 1915 Trailer
- Q&A: Can 13" Wheels and Tires Be Installed On Harbor Freight 1720LB Super Duty Folding Trailer?
- Shop: Towing Mirrors
- Video: Breaking Down the 2" Lubed Dust Cap and Rubber Plug
- Q&A: Proper Way to Tighten Trailer Spindle of Castle Nut
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Video: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness Review C56040
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
on Trailer Tires and Wheels
Jameson C.
1/5/2026
Hey Pitt2500, how has your trailer been handling with the larger 15-inch tires and spacers on those long trips? It sounds like the setup has worked well for you so far. Sharing how it’s held up could help others thinking about a similar upgrade.