Comparing 5.30-12 and 205/65-10 Trailer Tires

Updated 08/01/2014 | Published 07/31/2014

Products Featured in This Question

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

(378)

$132.94

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

(587)

$73.94

Question:

I plan of buying a Triton trailer with 5.30x12c tires but am told I should purchase 20.5x10c from your site. Is there really a difference between those two tires to support replacing

asked by: Rob

Helpful Expert Reply:

There are differences between the 5.30-12 tires and 205/65-10 tires. The 205s only fit a 6 inch wide wheel so you would have to replace the wheels as well if you make the switch. A 205 will be 20.5 inches tall whereas a 5.30 will be 21.9 inches tall.

The 205s will also be 8.3 inches wide. A 5.30 will be 5.6 inches wide. This is a big difference and you would have to have at least 1-3/8 inches of clearance between the existing tires and the nearest part of the trailer for the larger size to fit.

The 205 has the following capacity options depending on load range:
B: 910 lbs at 35 psi
C: 1,100 lbs at 50 psi
D: 1,330 lbs at 70 psi
E: 1,650 lbs at 90 psi

And 5.30 has the following:
B: 840 lbs at 55 psi
C: 1,045 lbs at 80 psi
D: 1,250 lbs at 105 psi

If you need a higher capacity tire that will fit the same wheel go with a load range E 145/80-12, # AM10140, rated for 1,520 pounds at 80 psi. Please note the higher capacity tire will not increase the capacity of the trailer. Trailer tires should always be inflated to the maximum psi indicated on the tire.