Upgrading Boat Trailer Tires

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Question:

Hi guys, Im looking at replacing the tires on my boat trailer. it currently has 4.80-8. 5 lug nuts and theyre currently rated for 590 max lbs. these were original with the trailer. I wouldnt mind getting nicer tires for a better ride, so im open to all options besides just replicating what i have. Im not sure how wide i can go or how that all works. Also interested in white rims. this is a first for me. Im all ears!

asked by: Adam P

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Expert Reply:

Thanks for letting us help Adam. When upgrading to a larger wheel and tire setup on your boat trailer, the biggest thing we need to consider is clearance. As a general rule, you'll want approximately 4 inches of vertical clearance between the tire and fender and at least 2 inches of horizontal clearance between the tire and the trailer frame. Since every trailer is a little different, I'd recommend measuring the clearance around your existing tires before changing sizes.

It's also important to remember that any increase in overall tire diameter or width is divided between both sides of the tire. Your existing 4.80-8 tires measure approximately 16.1 inches in diameter and 4.7 inches wide. The Kenda 215/60-8 Bias Trailer Tire with 8" White Wheel # AM3H310 you were looking at measures 18.3 inches in diameter and 8.9 inches wide. Compared to your current tires, that would move the tire approximately 1.1 inches closer to the fender vertically and 2.1 inches closer to the trailer frame horizontally. That's a substantial increase in width, so you'll definitely want to verify your available clearance first.

Based on the 590-lb capacity you mentioned for your current tires, you likely have Load Range B tires. If you'd prefer to keep the same size but upgrade the capacity, the Kenda 4.80/4.00-8 Bias Trailer Tire with 8" White Wheel # AM30060 would be a great option. It's a 6-ply, Load Range C tire rated for 745 lbs.

If you'd like to step up in size without going nearly as wide as the 215/60-8, I'd recommend the Kenda 5.70-8 Bias Trailer Tire with 8" White Wheel # AM30140. This is a more moderate upgrade at approximately 18 inches in diameter and 5.9 inches wide.

I hope you're getting some good use out of the boat this summer! What type of waterways are you typically boating?

expert reply by: Christopher H

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AM30140 Kenda 5.70-8 Bias Trailer Tire with 8" White Wheel
(click to enlarge)

Answer 1

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 2

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 3

According to Blue Ox, it'll take an experienced installer about 4 to 5 hours to complete the installation of their #BX1128 Base Plate Kit on a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The install isn't what I'd call super-difficult, but the installation…

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Answer 4

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…

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Answer 5

Hey Bryan, that's a good question. The pricing can definitely be misleading, but I wouldn't use it to judge the quality of the tire. A lot of that comes down to promotions, inventory, and whether you're looking at a tire by itself or…

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Answer 6

The difference between an load range C and load range D tire in the same size is the capacity and psi rating. The two tires will still have the same dimensions and fit on the same wheel. The D rated tire has a higher capacity. For a ST175/80D13 like…

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Answer 7

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 8

The #84 spindle is just a common way to identify the spindle dimensions typically used for 3,500 lb axles. So instead of listing out the parts, people can just say they have #84 spindles and it's easier to know what fits it. The CE Smith Trailer…

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Answer 9

The two sizes you mentioned are pretty similar and fit many of the same 15 inch wheels. The 205/75-15 fits rim widths of 5 inch to 6 inch whereas the 225/75-15 fits widths that are 5 inch to 6-1/2 inch. The 205 is 27.1 inches tall and the 225 is 28.4…

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Answer 10

Even though I cannot comment specifically on the grease you used because I am not familiar with it, I can tell you the best grease for trailer bearings is a a grease with a rating of GC-LB, which just means it is made to withstand very high…

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Answer 11

It sounds like you are speaking of the wires for the brake magnets. If this is correct, you will need to connect one of the wires to the brake controller output wire on your trailer connector and the other wire will need to be grounded to a clean…

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Answer 12

Hi Paul, you’re definitely on the right track here, and I can help you narrow this down with confidence. With your tandem 3,500 lb Dexter axles and 33 inch spacing, both the Dexter EZ Flex part #K71-652-00 and the Lippert Road Armor part #LC53CK are…

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Upgrading Boat Trailer Tires

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