New Trailer Tire Suggestions

[Skoot]

Guys, My current double axle trailer tires are 4.80x12" tires (very skinny). They have some dry rot, but still plenty of tread left.  Im going to replace them in the very near future and was looking for some tire size suggestions.  I would like to keep the current wheels and just replace the tires, but Im also open to suggestions. I mainly tow locally in the city 5-10miles, but will be taking a few highway trips from time to time. From my research the only tire options I have on the current wheels are 4.80 or 5.30x12".

So what do you guys think? Im think go with the 5.30x12"

Is there an advantage with switching to a larger/wider wheel and tire?

[John Jones]

Wider tires spreads the load out a little which should make them run cooler.  Larger diameter i.e. 13 or 14 inch tires is where you get the most benefit due to less revolutions per mile but that can cause clearance issues and causes the trailer to sit a little higher.  I have the same tires on my flats boat but I think I could go to 13" without hitting the fenders.  On my utility trailer (formerly a 4 wheeler trailer) I switched from 12" to 14" with no clearance issues.  The big tires run much cooler and the trailer doesn't bounce like it used to.

[pete]

if you want to find out alot about trailer tires go on a travel trailer forum,tires are always a hot topic

[akbridge]

I had the same dilemma on my old skiff.  It had old skinny dry rotted tires.  I put a set of load range D 530-12 tires on there.  Unfortunately I use trail-america tires and they both developed bubbles.  Don't ever use trail-america tires.  Once I replaced them with another set from a different manufacturer.  The held up great.  I put a lot of miles on them.  I bought my tires from Strudy Built trailer in Bradenton, FL.  They treated me good, prices were fair, and helped me out when my first set of tires.

[John Jones]

I buy all my trailer stuff from Sturdy Built.  Knowledgeable and friendly people.  I have bought a total of 8 tires from them in the last six years with no issues at all.

http://www.sturdybuiltonline.com

Not all their stuff is on the web page.  Click the Online Catalog at the top to see a full listing.

[slvrlng]

If I remember your trailer, I think you have a fair amount of room over those tiny tires. You need to measure from the center of the hub to the underside of the fenders. This will give you a maximum radius of a tire that will fit. Then take about two inches off it to give it room to move up and down. If fourteens will fit I highly recommend them, they are much more forgiving and long lived.

Yeah your original ones are pretty skinny!

[GoneFission]

Another trailer tire tip - go with radial trailer tires if you can - they have about 10% less rolling resistance than bias-ply tires - that pays off over the life of the trailer.  Also remember to always inflate to the max pressure listed on the tire sidewall.  

[John Jones]

Also remember to always inflate to the max pressure listed on the tire sidewall.  

 
Always at maximum.  Heat kills more tires than anything else.

[Skoot]

John, Thanks for that link! I called them and your right, really friendly and great prices. I will be going with them once I figure out the correct size I can fit.

So heres the breakdown.
My current 4.80x12's tire dimensions are 20.5" Dia x 4.8 wide.
The 13's at Sturdy are 24.2" Dia x 7" wide.

Lewis, your right, I should have more than enough room (without making and modifications) for the 13's, Heck its only 1.75" taller from the center.  Im going to measure them when I get home and hopefully I'll more than enough clearance for the 13's.

Sturdy Trailer has the 5.30x12" wheel and tire for -$49.99, and the 13" wheel and tire for 65.99.  Both tires come with a 2 year warranty.  I think that's a dam good price/warranty

[John Jones]

How many lugs?
I have two old 5 lug painted trailer rims with P15580R13 car tires on them you can dry fit if you want.  I would have thrown them away already but the trash man will not take them.  The rims are rusty and the tires dry rotted.

Or I can take measurements if you want.

[Skoot]

Hey john I have 4 lugs, but thanks anyway.

I really think I'll have more than enough room for the 13's, Like lewis said, all I need is about 2" Clearance.

[John Jones]

Damn, I was hoping someone would haul them off.  ;)