Replacement Tires With Higher Speed Rating for Utility Trailer with 4.80-12 Tires

Updated 12/15/2025 | Published 12/13/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Taskmaster 4.80R12 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range C

(287)

$94.34

Taskmaster Steel 8-Spoke Trailer Wheel - 12" x 4" Rim - 5 on 4-1/2 - White

(433)

$37.29

Question:

Hi I have a small utility trailer with 12 4.80-12 Bias 6-Ply 4:80X12PTW-BLACK tires. 5 on 4.5” bolt pattern. They are only rated to 65 mph. I would like a higher speed rating tire so I can travel on the interstate. What are my options? It doesn’t seem like there is much in the 4.8x12 category, is there a similar size that would work? I just have the two tires on the trailer now so I would need two tires to replace those plus a full spare assembly. Thanks.

asked by: Chase M

Expert Reply:

Hey Chase! I would stick with the same size tire so you don't have to worry about any clearance issues and you can use the existing wheels. For a replacement I recommend the Taskmaster 4.80R12 Radial Trailer Tire # TT48012C. These have a speed rating of M for 81 mph and are the same Load Range C (6 ply) you have now. They're also radial tires so they will be more reliable and hold up better over time.

We don't have these tires mounted on a wheel with a 5 on 4-1/2 bolt pattern already for your spare so you would need to get a wheel like # TA49RR separately. What kind of utility trailer do you have? If it is something like a Harbor Freight make sure the trailer itself isn't limited to a certain speed. If that is the case, upgrading the tires won't make a difference.

expert reply by: Robin H

Taskmaster 4.80R12 Radial Trailer Tire
(click to enlarge)

Jly

12/15/2025

I purchased these tires a couple of years ago. I agree with everything Robin shared with you. I went through SO MANY of the cheaper tires that are rated for 65mph. I pull my trailer from Chicago to S Florida twice a year and to Missouri a couple of times. Lots of miles on these tires and they have held up great. Would highly recommend.

Michael B.

12/15/2025

I purchased a pair of these tires for my small boat trailer, had them mounted with the steel valve stems for high pressure. I kept the best tire as a spare,(excellent condition). It's been 2 years with no issues at all.

John D.

12/15/2025

I've been running a pair of these 12" radial trailer tires on our Sylvansport Easy-Go trailer for several years. We drive the interstate to Cape Cod every year (6-8 hrs of sustained highway speeds - 70-75mph). I am aware that these are tiny tires compared to my SUV, so I pay close attention to the lube and adjustment of my trailer wheel bearings. Make sure rolling gear is up to those speeds too. Those little wheels are spinning fast!

John E.

12/15/2025

The ST145/R12 tires will fit on the 4.80-12 Rim. They are about 3/4" larger diameter and about 3/8" wider tread. They are much more robust that the 4.80-12 tires, speed ratings are over 80 mph, load rating 1350 lbs. I have switched to these for my sailboat trailer and have had far fewer blowouts on the highway. Just make sure that there are no clearance issues with the slightly larger tire.

Mark H.

12/15/2025

I use these tires on a jet ski / Kayak trailer. I run 75mph on them 2-3 times a month 60 miles total trip with no problems.