Upgrading to 5.3R12 Tires on Harbor Freight Trailer

Question:

I have bought a Harbor Freight 40x48 trailer and am upgrading from the stock 4.8x12 tires mounted on 4 bolt pattern 12” stock wheels to 6-ply 5.3x12 tires for highway conditions. Would you recommend upgrading the bearings as well? And if so, do you carry suitable ones? Same question for Bearing Buddies.

asked by: Clayton J

Expert Reply:

Upgrading from your 4.8-12 size tires to radial 6 ply 5.30R12 units like the Taskmaster # TT53012C is a great idea for better traction and cooler operation on highways. The new tires will fit your existing wheels without a problem and there really isn't a need to replace your hub bearings unless your current bearings are damaged.

I have attached a great article on replacing bearings that you can take a look at but unless you inspect them on your trailer and notice any nicks, dents, discolorations or any other signs of damage it is not necessary.

Adding Bearing Buddy Protectors is a good idea to both protect the bearings from water and dirt and also allow for easy maintenance with its integrated grease fitting. In order to pick out the correct size though you will want to take a measurement of your hub bore. I was not able to find this information on your Harbor Freight trailer.

Just as an example, the Bearing Buddy Bearing Protectors # BB1980A-SS are compatible with hub bores that feature a 1.980 inch diameter.

I have attached a link that will take you to our available selection of Bearing Buddy Protectors that you can look through as well.

expert reply by: Chris R