Which is Better for Highway Use 4.80-12 or 5.30-12 Trailer TIres
Updated 06/15/2024 | Published 06/17/2014
Question:
Was wondering if the wider 5.30x12 kenda tire would be better suited for highway driving than the 4.80x12 kendas I have now. Does width not make much difference, say like tire diameter does? I know not to exceed 65 mph on both size tires but just want to know if one would do better on the highway than the other I.e. smoother ride, less rolling resistance, heat build up. I have a 4-5 hour drive coming up pulling my 4x6 carryon trailer hauling my 450lb ATV. Should I stick with my current 4.80x12 C load tires or switch to the 5.30x12 B load tires?
asked by: Miles D
Expert Reply:
The 5.30-12 tires, being wider, are going to make more contact with the road. This means that the noise, and heat build up will be higher than a 4.80-12 tire but the rolling resistance will actually be less because the tire is larger diameter. The wider a tire is the more contact it makes with the road and the more contact with the road the more you are going to feel bumps as you travel.
A 4.80-12 tire will be 20.5 inches in diameter whereas a 5.30-12 tire will be 21.9 inches. You would need to make sure that the is more than 3/4 of an inch above the 4.80-12 tire to be able to use a 5.30-12.
The smaller 4.80-12 is 4.9 inches wide. The 5.30-12 is 5.6 inches wide. So you will also need to make sure there is room between the side of the existing tires and the trailer frame.
As long as you have the tires inflated to the maximum psi as indicated on the tires then staying with the 4.80-12 is perfectly fine. The load range C that you have is actually rated higher than a load range B 5.30-12 tire.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Kenda Loadstar K371 Bias Trailer Tire - 4.80/4.00-8 - Load Range B
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Tire Only
- Bias Ply Tire
- Load Range B
- 4.80/4.00-8
- 8 Inch
- Kenda
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John
6/15/2024
I have 5.3x12 load range C tires. What is the max load capcity and speed? The tire says high speed on it. Thank you?