Best Trailer Tire Recommendation for a 12 Inch Rim

Updated 04/29/2020 | Published 10/22/2014

Question:

i have a motorcycle trailer,need tires for it, Im comparing the 4.80-12 bias load range C with the 5.30-12 bias load range C. My motorcycle weighs 850lbs, the trailer about 250 lbs., would you say the 4.80 would perform just as good on a long trip as the 5.30 ? also would the 5.30-12 bias load range D be to much tire for the trailer? Thanks

asked by: Lupe S

Expert Reply:

The difference between the two trailer sizes you referenced is that the 5.30-12 will be about 1-1/2 inches taller than the 4.80-12 and would have more capacity. As long as your trailer has the clearance for a slightly taller and wider tire a 5.30-12 would be a great option. However, either would have enough capacity and wouldn't offer a significant ride quality improvement over the other.

All things being equal I would go with the larger tire as it will spin slower at the same speed as a smaller tire and would create less heat. But for an even better option I would go with a 145-80-12 tire like part # AM10130 since it is a radial tire which is far superior to bias ply tires like what the other two tires are only available in. This tire is about the same size as the other tires as well.

The main difference between a radial ply and a bias ply tire is how the tire is constructed. The cords inside a bias ply tire run at a 32 degree angle to the direction of travel, and the cords on a radial tire run at a 90 degree angle to the direction of travel, or across the tire from wheel lip to wheel lip.

A radial tire flexes more than a bias tire, giving it better ground contact, traction, stability, and tread wear.

A radial tire will normally run cooler than a bias ply tire, especially when the tire is under a load. A tire that runs cooler will last longer.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Gunny

4/27/2020

I currently have 12 inch trailers on my trailer. The rims are 4.5 from lug nut to lug nut.I am wanting to put larger radial tires on the trailer,, however I would like to use the same rims if possible.I have enough clearance for up to a 15 inch tire.The Over all weight that would be on the trailer would be around 1200 to 1300 pounds. What would be your recommendation Thank you .

Chris R.

4/29/2020

Anything larger than a 12" tire will require a new rim to match. A 13" or larger tire wouldn't physically fit over a 12" wheel. The smallest 15" trailer tire we have is an ST205/75R15 like the Kenda # AM32395. This tire size has an overall diameter/height of 27.3" and a width of 8.1"

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