Can I Switch From 4.80-12 Bias Tires to 145R12 Radial Tires for a Smoother Ride?  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Hello Wes,

Thanks for writing in! I don't blame you for wanting to get rid of those bias-ply tires, especially if you're looking for a smoother ride.

For your 5x8 utility trailer, I recommend going with the Kenda Karrier S-Trail ST145/R12 Radial Trailer Tire # AM10130. This is a Load Range D tire rated for 1,220 lbs at 65 psi, giving you a combined tire capacity of 2,440 lbs, which is more than enough for your trailer's 2,000 lb GVWR.

You will want to keep these tires inflated to their maximum 65 psi when cold, even when you're hauling lighter loads. Trailer tires are designed to run at their maximum rated pressure, so I wouldn't recommend dropping them down to 50 or 60 psi. Running them underinflated can cause excessive heat buildup and premature tire wear.

The nice thing about switching to radials is that they have more flexible sidewalls than your current bias-ply tires, which can help give you that smoother ride you're looking for. I would stick with the Load Range D rather than E since you don't need the additional capacity, and you'll be running at 65 psi instead of 80 psi.

You can mount this tire on your existing wheel as long as it's compatible with the tire size and rated for the required pressure. I also see that you had your eye on the # KE76EV. If you like that gunmetal machined aluminum wheel, we carry the wheel by itself as # AM97PR, and you can mount the # AM10130 radial tire on it. If you'd rather go with a tire and wheel combination, we also have those available in black # AM35354, galvanized # AM31202, or white # AM31199DX.

What are you mainly using your new utility trailer for?

expert reply by: Kate F

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