Can Loadstar 4.80-12 Bias Trailer Tire with 12" Galvanized Wheel Fit with Brakes on Trailer

Updated 03/25/2025 | Published 03/24/2025

Question:

Will this tire fit on an axle with drum brakes installed? My customer is want to make his trailer a flat deck so we need tires that are shorter overall, but doesnt want to lose the brakes.

asked by: Nate

Expert Reply:

Hey Nate, yes the Loadstar 4.80-12 Bias Trailer Tire with 12" Galvanized Wheel # AM30670 can be used with a hub/drum but the drum would have to be smaller. Basically it would need to be a lower capacity than a 3,500 lb axle to fit as those drums are going to be too big. Do you know what capacity axle you have?

expert reply by: Jameson C

Nate

3/24/2025

They are 3500 lb axles. Do you have lower profile (shorter) wheels that would fit a 3500lb axle with drum brakes?

Jameson C.

3/24/2025

@Nate You'd have to move up to a 13 inch wheel setup like the part # AM31951 which would be overall diameter of 24.1 inches.

Nate

3/25/2025

@JamesonC My current tire size is 205/75-15 which has an overall height of 27.1" so that one being 3" shorter overall would only get me 1.5" shorter on the top side. That probably isn't enough. :( Thank you for your help!

Jameson C.

3/25/2025

@Nate Is the axle currently above or below the leaf springs? If below, you could use an over under kit to lower the height pretty significantly.

Nate

3/25/2025

What axle rating would we need to go down to to fit a smaller 10" or 12" rim and still have brakes?

Jameson C.

3/25/2025

@Nate It would need to be like a 2,200 lb axle.

Nate

3/25/2025

@JamesonC Do you carry any 2200 lb axles with brakes? I'm on mobile and can't really search it right now.

Jameson C.

3/25/2025

@Nate in that capacity we only have options without hubs and ones with idler hubs. The axles without hubs don't have brake flanges either so maybe your best option for that would be to find a local trailer shop to you who can order in axles and get them the specs you need.