What Wheels and Tires Should I Upgrade to on My Lowes DK2 Trailer?

Updated 08/03/2026 | Published 07/24/2026

Products Featured in This Question

Kenda Karrier S-Trail ST145/R12 Radial Tire w/ 12" White Spoke Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - LR D

(1569)

$115.91

Kenda Karrier S-Trail ST145/R12 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range D

(624)

$75.54

Question:

I just bought a used DK2 trailer Lowes brand 4x7 foot, 2000 lb axle, 12 wheel, 5 lug at 4.5 pattern and it needs tires. I can replace with bias ply OEM for $92 ea, upgrade to 12 ST145/R12 for $125 ea, or go bigger with the ST175/80 R13 at $133. I am torn between the 2nd two options, as I want to upgrade. The only drawback with the 13 is the fender bracket will need to be 2.5 inches longer no big deal. Advise please. Freeway driving would be limited, but a possibility.

asked by: Charles T

Expert Reply:

Hello,

Congrats on the trailer! Those little DK2 trailers are handy to have around.

If it were mine, I'd skip the bias ply tires and go with the Kenda Karrier S-Trail ST145/R12 Radial Tire w/ 12" White Spoke Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - LR D # AM31199DX (or just the tire # AM10130) you were looking at. In my opinion, that's the sweet spot between keeping the trailer simple and getting a noticeable upgrade.

The biggest improvement is going from a bias ply to a radial tire. Radial tires track better behind your tow vehicle, run cooler, and generally ride smoother. Even if you only see freeway speeds once in a while, you'll appreciate the difference. The # AM31199DX also has an 8-ply, Load Range D tire rated for 1,220 lbs at 65 psi with an 81 mph speed rating, so you'll have more than enough tire for a trailer with a 2,000 lb axle.

The ST175/80R13 option is certainly doable, especially since you don't mind extending the fender brackets. I just don't think it's necessary unless you're looking for the additional ground clearance or have another reason to go with a larger tire. For the type of trailer you have and how you plan to use it, I don't think the extra work is going to give you enough benefit to justify the change.

I'd save yourself the hassle, bolt on the # AM31199DX, and get back to using the trailer.

What do you mainly plan on using the trailer for?

expert reply by: Kate F

Stevod

7/30/2026

I've had a pair of the Kenda ST145/R12 tires on a small boat trailer for about a year, a few thousand miles. Trailer was towed 65-70 mph extensively, no complaints. Tires appear to be well made, are wearing nicely, I'm happy with them. Kenda makes tires for many, many applications, have owned several, all with no problems.

Kate F.

7/31/2026

@Stevod Thanks for the response! Getting all those miles means you are getting out on the water, have to make time for the things that make us happy =)

Mike F.

7/30/2026

It's real simple: Bias ply trailer tires are limited to 55 mph, while radials are good for 81 mph. I drive 55 only twice, and only briefly, on each trip: 55 on the way up to 78, and 55 on the way back down to 0 mph. I may hit mid-80s briefly when passing other vehicles on two-lane rural highways. I ordered my radials the day I first brought my new trailer back home, because I'd go nuts and get ticketed for blocking traffic driving 55.

Kate F.

7/31/2026

@MikeF Smart choice Mike, thanks for the response.

Bobby D.

7/30/2026

When I replace tires on my utility trailer I went with the biggest tire I could fit on my trailer and then the highest load range in that tire size. Since the weakest part of the trailer is likely the tire, get the best. You can count on the trailer being loaded when the tire fails. Saving $20 or $30 isn't worth it. I prefer radial over bias ply tires. I have had good results with Kendra tires.

Kate F.

7/31/2026

@BobbyD Thanks for the response Bobby! I agree on the "savings," like most things, you get what you pay for.

Colleen

7/30/2026

I have bought the Kenda Karrier S Trail for my small camper. They have worked well BUT I have the equalizer 2 sway bars/tension bars and the tires are really showing their wear after 15,000 miles. I can't imagine how bad they would be if I had gotten cheap tires.

Kate F.

7/31/2026

@Colleen Glad to hear they are treading you well Colleen. Thanks for the response =)

Nate T.

7/31/2026

I have the DK2 trailer as well, I have replaced the tires with the Kenda Karrier S-Trail ST145/R12 Radial Tire w/ 12" White Spoke Wheels. I am on my second set of these tires and wheels. They have performed wonderfully. We have done numerous trips from Arizona to Idaho as well as from Arizona to Northern California. Not to mention all the in state adventures. I would highly recommend them. It’s nice to have a plug and play option that ships to your door, when you need new tires.

Kate F.

8/3/2026

@NateT Thanks for the response Nate! Charles, the wheels and tires he is using is the Kenda Karrier S-Trail ST145/R12 Radial Tire w/ 12" White Spoke Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - LR D # AM31199DX.