Can I Switch From 5.30-12 Tires to 145/12 Tires?

Updated 09/16/2026 | Published 09/08/2026

Products Featured in This Question

Kenda 5.30-12 Bias Trailer Tire with 12" Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range D

(7889)

$113.95

Karrier S-Trail Radial Trailer Tire with 12" Aluminum AM02 Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range E

(281)

$155.17

Rambler ST145/R12 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range D

(81)

$63.17

Question:

I need to replace 5.30/12 tires and rims on a trailer....I haul heavy loads and need to maximize load capacity. What did you suggest and can I convert to 145/12? Ive popped the correct load C tires twice. Thank goodness for a bottle jack!

asked by: R W

Expert Reply:

Hi R,

What is the weight capacity of the Load Range C tires you've been using? We do have some 5.30-12 Load Range D tires that have a higher weight capacity than a C, like the Kenda 5.30-12 Bias Trailer Tire with 12" Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range D Part # AM30861. The Kenda trailer tire part # AM30861 has a weight capacity of 1,250lbs at 105 psi, which is 200lbs more than our Load Range C tires that are rated for 1,045lbs. I wasn't sure what your bolt pattern is, so I went with a 5 on 4 1/2 which is most common, if you have a 4 on 4 we do also have that in a load range D. We also only have the 5.30-12 in a tire wheel combo, not just the tire by itself.

If you want to convert over to a 145/12 tire, you can because they fit the same 12"x4" sized wheel and are almost exactly the same in physical size. You'll lose a little height switching but gain clearance and a higher weight capacity. The only tire only 145/12 option we have is the Rambler ST145/R12 Radial Trailer Tire Part # TA89GR that is load range D and rated for 1,230lbs. Not sure if that's higher than what you have now. If you don't mind getting a new wheel, we have the Karrier S-Trail Radial Trailer Tire with 12" Aluminum AM02 Wheel Part # KE46EV that is load range E with a 5 on 4 1/2 bolt pattern. It is rated for 1,520lbs at 80 psi and has a speed rating of 81mph. Depending on how much weight you're hauling, you could switch or keep with a 5.30-12 load range D.

What are you usually hauling with your trailer? And how much does it weigh?

expert reply by: Claire H

KE46EV On Trailer
(click to enlarge)

R R.

9/14/2026

Haul 3/4 yard of gravel. I've order th Karrier S-Trail Radial Trailer Tire with AMO2 Wheel. May arrive today. Thanks, Win

Claire H.

9/16/2026

@RR From what info I can find, 3/4 yard of gravel weighs between 1,800 and 2,175lbs but can vary depending on the size of the stones. Since each tire is rated for 1,520lbs at 80psi, that should put you at a total capacity of 3,040lbs, so those tires should be more than enough even with a single axle trailer. Let me know how they work out for you!