Will 12" Aluminum HWT Wheel Rust if Exposed to Salt Water

Question

Question:

Hi folks - Im looking for a replacement wheel and tire for my small boat trailer the trailer and boat weigh 1800 lbs all up. Im currently running 5.30x12 tires, which need replacement due to age prior to our next 1000 mile highway trip. My current steel rims have significant rust issues, as this boat has been frequently launched in salt water on remote ramps w/o running water to rinse the trailer. How would these aluminum rims fare under the same conditions? The radials with their additional load capacity would be a nice upgrade for our long highway trips, but resistance to salt corrosion is a requirement. I dont have clearance to run a significantly larger tire. Thanks!

asked by: Bart S

0

Expert Reply:

Thanks for reaching out, Bart!

The Kenda KR25 Radial Trailer Tire with 12" Aluminum HWT Wheel # AM31208HWT will do excellent when exposed to salt water. The aluminum won't rust, but I've been told it will get white specs from the salt water that will rinse right off so it's still a good idea to try to spray down the trailer as well as the wheels when you're able to.

expert reply by: Jon G

0

Jesse M.

12/22/2025

Hey Bart, how did the Kenda KR25 tire and aluminum wheel hold up after your saltwater launches? It’d be great to hear if the aluminum stayed clean and resisted corrosion as expected. Your update could make it easier for others trailering boats in similar conditions.

Bart S.

12/22/2025

@JesseM Hi Jesse - These wheels have worked very well so far; no signs of corrosion in salt water this summer & fall. They look sharp; switching to radials from the old bias ply tires seems to offer our wooden boat a smoother ride as well.. Recommended - - Bart

Jesse M.

12/22/2025

@BartS Thanks for the update, Bart. That’s great to hear the wheels are holding up well in salt water conditions and that the switch to radials gave you a smoother ride. We appreciate you taking the time to share your experience, and we’re glad they’ve been a solid upgrade for your boat setup.

Answer 1

Although the Dexstar Steel Mini Mod Trailer Wheel #AM20315 has a e-coat primer and black powder coat finish, this is option is much more prone to rust over an aluminum or galvanized rim. The powder coat finish is mainly for common trailer use so it…

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Answer 2

Typically when it comes to replacing a trailer tire I recommend sticking with the same size. Although I do not know the weight capacity of your current tires, we do have the Taskmaster 5.30R12 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range C #TT53012C. This radial…

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Answer 3

Trailer tire sizes ST145/80R12 and 5.30-12 both fit on 12 x 4-inch wheels and when mounted both will have similar overall diameters; 21.9-inches for a 5.30-12 like Kenda #AM30820 and 21.3-inches for an item like #AM31215. We offer both of these tire…

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Answer 4

The actual weight of aluminum wheels versus steel wheels will depend on the design. For instance the Aluminum Sendel Series T02 Machined Trailer Wheel - 15" x 6" Rim - 6 on 5-1/2 #AM22654 will weigh 20 lbs and the Aluminum Lynx Trailer…

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Answer 5

Hey Charles, for a 12" trailer wheel with a 4 lug pattern than can be used at highway speeds you can use the Kenda KR25 Radial Trailer Tire with 12" Aluminum HWT Wheel #AM31208HWT which measures 12" x 4", has a 4 on 4 bolt…

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Answer 6

We have the tire size 145R12 by itself. For that you would want the part #AM10140. I attached a review video for this tire for you to check out as well. If you happened to need it on a rim with a 5 on 4-1/2 inch bolt pattern you'd want the part…

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Answer 7

I can end this debate for you real fast! Trailer tires, which will have an ST in front of the size, should always be inflated to the maximum psi indicated on the tire. Trailer tires usually do not have a recommended and maximum psi indication so I am…

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Answer 8

Hey David I do believe such a beast exists. It sounds like you're looking for something like the Kenda Karrier S-Trail ST145/R12 Radial Tire #AM35351DX. These is a wheel/tire combo that is white in color, measure 12" x 4", works with a…

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Answer 9

The Taskmaster 5.30R12 Radial Trailer Tire part #TT53012C is our best radial trailer tire option in this size. The radial plies will keep the tire cooler on the highway which reduces the chance for blowouts. It also has a higher speed rating than the…

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Answer 10

Yes, the Kenda Karrier S-Trail ST145/R12 Radial Trailer Tire #AM10140 referenced in your question will fit the same 12 inch wheel with a 4 inch width that your existing 4.80-12 size tires are mounted to. Just note that the ST145/R12 tire will be…

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Answer 11

Hello Michael. You may be able to size up the hubs on your trailer without changing the axle, but it completely depends on the spindle size and what bearings your hub uses. Once we know the bearing sizes, we can determine what hubs will fit your axle…

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Answer 12

The Kenda Karrier S-Trail ST145/R12 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range E #AM10140 and the Aluminum Lynx Trailer Wheel - 12" x 4" Rim - 5 on 4-1/2 - Silver #LH45FR is the wheel and tire that you want. There is very little difference between…

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Will 12" Aluminum HWT Wheel Rust if Exposed to Salt Water

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