Is it Possible to Go from a 5.30-12 Trailer Tire to a ST185/80R13

Published 09/19/2014

Products Featured in This Question

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

(559)

$89.66

Loadstar ST185/80D13 Bias Trailer Tire with 13" White Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range D

(2687)

$165.67

Question:

I have purchased used trailer and am going to move across country. The trailer has 5.30/12 tires on it but I have access to a set of Good Year ST185/80R13 tires. Is this a feasible swap to make and how do I measure to make sure that I have room? Right now the trailer bounces a lot will this make it worse? The lug pattern for both is 5 on 4 1/2 using lug nuts.

asked by: Bill

Expert Reply:

Your current 5.30/12 tire and wheel setup has an overall diameter of 21.9 inches and the ST185/80R13 has an overall diameter of 24.1 inches. That means you will have 1.1 inches less of clearance between your tire and fender as well as about 2 more inches of width to your tires.

If you have clearance for the bigger tires on your setup this would work well for you.

For a wheel and tire with the size you are looking for that has 5 on 4-1/2 inch bolt pattern you would want the part # AM3S331.

Trailer bounce should be affected too much one way or the other. A larger tire would have a larger foot print that if anything would minimize bouncing. Proper trailer loading will help as well with bouncing. Be sure to have as much weight in your trailer towards the front as possible.

expert reply by: Jameson C