Replacement 215/35-12 Tires for Cargo Trailer Behind Motorcycle

Updated 04/11/2026 | Published 03/31/2026

Question:

Hello. I am looking for odd size tires for my cargo trailer that is pulled behind my motorcycle. The size is 215/35-12. The existing tire brand is Innova which I dont feel was the proper tire for this use due to the low speed rating. I am lookin for something with a speed rating of M. I look forward to your reply and hopefully any suggestions. Kind regards

asked by: Malcolm K

Expert Reply:

Hi Malcolm; the closest equivalent trailer tire with a speed rating of M would be the Kenda Karrier S-Trail ST145/R12 # AM10140. However, the outer diameter of these tires is 21.3" so you're losing approximately 1.5" of clearance on top.

You need at least 3" of clearance for proper suspension travel. If you have fenders they may have to be removed for these tires to fit. If that is not possible, it is probably best to stick with the same tire size.

What kind of motorcycle do you have?

expert reply by: Robin H

Kenda Karrier S-Trail ST145/R12
(click to enlarge)

Mary

4/6/2026

Had to modify the fenders on my boat trailer to allow for clearance required. Well worth it, as the orginal tire blowout took the low clearance fender with it.

Corey

4/6/2026

I bought these to replace some bias ply tires on my pop-up camper trailer. Old, small-diameter bias-ply trailer tires are dubious at speed, especially in summer heat. These are nice load range E, tires that are rated for proper highway speeds. They were not an exact match to the size I needed but close enough. I do not get any rubbing or any clearance issue going down the road.

Mark

4/6/2026

The Kenda ST145R12 are good tires. I replaced the 5.3x12 bias ply tires on my popup camper with the Kenda radials in load range E. I towed my popup from Louisiana to Colorado and back with no blowouts at all. It was a 2,600 mile trip. When the Kendas wore out, I installed Carlisie tires only because they were on sale. When the Carlisle tires were a little over 2 years old, I had both of them blowout in one weekend on a camping trip. I switched by to the Kenda tires as soon as I got home.

Jim

4/6/2026

Malcolm, I purchased 3 of the Kenda tires in the fall of 2022 for my two wheel tow dolly (one was for a spare). I pulled the dolly behind my motorhome with my car on it. The dolly carries about 2500 lbs (the front end of the car). I routinely drive between 65 - 70 mph. I put over 10,000 miles on these tires and they were still going strong when I sold the dolly last summer. I think they will work well on your motorcycle trailer. I would buy them again if needed. Good Luck! Jim

Malcolm

4/11/2026

Thank you Robin. Unfortunately my rim is too wide and these tires will not fit. I have discovered that the tire I will need is only found for golf carts, which will not work due to the speed rating I need. By the way, I have a Harley Davidson FLHTK that I pull the trailer with. Thank you anyway for the help.