Best 4.80-8 Trailer Tire for a Trailer Towed Behind a Motorcycle

Question:

I pull a small cargo trailer behind my touring motorcycle. I ran Carlisle Sport Trails for 3000 miles with no issues last year. I looked the tires over and they appeared to be fine but within 100 miles last week, one of the tires came apart which wadded up the trailer fender and scared both of us on the bike. I limped to a Walmart and purchase another one which got us to our 1000 mile destination. However, on the way back both tires were coming apart and I had to leave the trailer since nothing was open and we had to get back home. I am done with the Carlisles and am looking at the 90 psi Kendas on your web site. I am also considering trying to get 12 tires under the fender but would rather not if I can get a reliable 8 inch tire. In addition, I run was running 70 psi in the Carlisles because 90 psi makes the trailer bounce alot since it is lightly loaded. Recommendations? Thoughts?

asked by: Jeff L

Helpful Expert Reply:

First, trailer tires should be inflated to the maximum psi indicated on the tire. This is because trailer tires are built with a thick sidewall to handle more vertical load. If under inflated it will cause the thick sidewall to generate excessive heat and lead to tire failure.

Without enough weight on the tires the trailer can bounce some. If it is feasible to do so add additional weight to the trailer to minimize that vertical movement.

Kenda makes a good tire and for a 4.80-8 tire you can use # AM10004. This is a load range C rated for 745 pounds at 90 psi. So if you had 2 of them on a trailer axle they would have a capacity of 1,490 pounds. If the tires are overrated for the rest of the trailer then that could add to the possibility of trailer bounce.

We also have # AM10002 load range B which is rated for 590 pounds at 60 psi. That would be 1,180 pounds for 2 of them. If this is closer to the trailer capacity (without going under) then I recommend this tire instead of the load range C.

expert reply by: Michael H