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

Oversize Trailer Tire
(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.

expert reply by: Bryce D

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.

Pitt2500

1/5/2026

@JamesonC Held up FABULOUS!! Almost NO wear on tires and bearings feel tight as ever. Also since trailer now rides higher, easier to not drag when off road AND seems like less wind resistance as now it rides UP behind the rear bumper of truck and not down below bumper where it seemed like a sled or a drag.