Replacement 4.80-12 Wheel and Tires w/a 5 on 4-1/2 Lug Nut Pattern and What is the Next Size Up?
Updated 05/25/2026 | Published 05/21/2026
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Question:
Hi. I have a 2014 Carry-on trailer. Its 5x8, mesh deck, 4.80 - 12 tires, the bolt pattern almost looks like 5 on 4 1/4, so I guess its really 4 1/2, and I need new glasses! My tires are dry rotted and the wheels are rusty. I would like to go with a slightly larger tire, because I come across some steep driveway aprons which causes the back to scrape a little. Unloaded, I have about 2 7/8 clearance to the fender. What tire / wheel combo would you recommend?
asked by: Michael B
Expert Reply:
Hey Michael, thanks for the information! The next size up from a 4.80-12 tire like item # AM30660 is the 5.30-12 Bias Trailer Tire with 12" White Wheel item # AM30820. This is a load range C Bias ply tire with plenty of capacity at 1,045 lbs. It comes with a white steel rim that has a 5 on 4-1/2 lug nut pattern.
That 2-7/8" clearance is going to be difficult to upgrade tires with. A 4.80-12 tire like item # AM30660 is 20.5" in overall diameter and 4.9" wide. A 5.30-12 tire like item # AM30820 is 21.9" in overall diameter and is 5.5" wide. You're going to be adding 0.7" in height to the top of your tires which will bring your clearance down to only 2".
After doing the math, I recommend the Kenda 4.80-12 Bias Trailer Tire with 12" White Wheel item # AM30660. You'll gain 1.4" in height to avoid scrapping but you're not going to have enough clearance between the bottom of the fender and top of the 5.30-12 tire item # AM30820 if you hit bumps.
What do you haul in your trailer and how much clearance do you have when it's loaded up?
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Product Page this Question was Asked From
Kenda 4.80-12 Bias Trailer Tire with 12" White Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range C
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Tire with Wheel
- Bias Ply Tire
- Load Range C
- 4.80-12
- 12 Inch
- K - 65 mph
- 5 on 4-1/2 Inch
- Steel Wheels - Powder Coat
- Kenda
more information >
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Robert H.
5/25/2026
I bought the 4.80 x 12” tires that they recommended to you. It was a positive shopping experience with quick shipping. The tires have held up very well, they are on my boat trailer which I put a lot of miles on. You will be happy with this purchase.