Recommended Galvanized Wheel and Tire Combination with 5 on 4-1/2 Bolt Pattern for a PWC Trailer

Question:

I recently purchased a used Triton Elite WCII PWC trailer. The trailer tongue states wheel tire specs as follows: Rim - 12x4 tire 12x5.30 bolt pattern 5x4.5 I will be towing the dual jet ski trailer about 150 miles each way at speeds up to 65 mph. what is the tire and wheelgalvanized combination that I would order if I want to switch to a radial tire and would you suggest the conversion? Thanks

asked by: Bill M

Expert Reply:

You will want to select your tire and wheel combination based on the gross weight capacity of your PWC trailer axle. This rating should be listed on the trailer tongue as GAWR. With that number you would select a tire and wheel that has a capacity rating of roughly 1/2 of the GAWR. Selecting a combination that is rated slightly higher than the axle would be better than selecting one that is lower in capacity.

The load range D tire that we carry, Kenda 5.30-12 Bias Trailer Tire with 12 inch Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range D, item # AM30861, would be a good choice for your trailer is rated for 2,500 pounds or less. This tire should be ran at the stated air pressure of 105 PSI for best performance. If your trailer is rated lower at 2,090 pounds or less then the Kenda 5.30-12 Bias Trailer Tire with 12 inch Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range C, item # AM30850, would be a good choice and should be ran at 80 PSI. Finally, if your trailer is rated at 1,680 pounds or less the Kenda 5.30-12 Bias Trailer Tire with 12 inch Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range B, item # AM30750, would be a good choice and should be ran at 55 PSI.

All of the tire and wheel combos mentioned above have galvanized wheels, a 5 on 4-1/2 inch bolt pattern and a 12 inch diameter by 4 inch wide rim.

In the 5.30-12 tire size there is not a radial tire available. The conversion would be a good idea but, at this time, I do not know of a manufacturer that produces a radial tire in this size. You would have to step up to a 13 inch wheel and tire combination to get a radial tire and then the size of the tire would most likely not work on your PWC trailer. The smallest 13 inch radial tire we carry is about 3 inches taller and 2 inches wider than the 12 inch wheel and tire combination that your trailer uses. This would most likely cause the tires to rub on the fenders or the trailer frame.

expert reply by: Robert G