Comparing 4.80-12 and 5.30 Trailer Tire and Wheel Combos

Updated 11/10/2014 | Published 11/09/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Kenda K353 Bias Trailer Tire - 4.80-12 - Load Range C

(3847)

$45.49

Question:

I am looking at your AM30670 wheel and tire combination and like what I see however, I am curious to know the benefits of if I we to go with your AM30790. I see the weight changes from 990 @ 90 PSI to 1,045 @ 80 PSI. Are there any other benefits in regard to stability or something else? Also, I see you offer a White Powder Coat Wheel in Addition to Galvanized. Other than appearance does either offer a better benefit as far as functionality like better rust protection? Thank you for your assistance in this in advance.

asked by: Michael P

Expert Reply:

The two main differences between 4.80-12 and 5.30-12 trailer tires is the overall sizes.

To start a 4.80-12 tire will be 20.5 inches tall and 4.9 inches wide.

A 5.30-12 tire will be 21.9 inches tall and 5.6 inches wide.

This difference is important because going to a larger size tire could cause interference with the actual trailer frame or a fender. You have to make sure you have the space for the larger tires before trying to install them.

If you go with a tire that is rated much higher than what the trailer is rated for you could end up with a stiff ride but the tires should last longer. The larger tire will NOT allow you to carry any extra weight. And tires with higher capacities have more plies which can cause more heat build up. Ideally you would stick with the size that the trailer manufacturer says to use.

The galvanized wheels tend to be harder to get balanced but offer better corrosion resistance than regular steel wheels. If it where me I would not put galvanized wheels on my trailer and stick with either steel or aluminum, if available.

For 4.80-12 we have the combo # AM30677 for 4 on 4 bolt pattern, and the # AM30670 for a 5 on 4-1/2 bolt pattern.

If you want aluminum 4.8-12, you can purchase the wheel and tire separately with wheel # LH45FR and tire # AM10062. Then when they arrive, you can have them mounted at a local shop.

For 5.30-12 we do not have any aluminum wheels in the tire and wheel combo options.