Increasing Wheel/Tire Size on Carry-On Utility Trailer
Question:
My Carry-On utility trailer has 4.80-12 size tires on it. Wheel configuration is 5 lug 4.5. Was considering replacing original setup with AM 31985. Im a bit confused. I measured the diameter of the wheels/rims, which is 13 inches. So, Im not sure if I have a 12inch or 13inch wheel. If it is 12, would there be enough clearance to accommodate the 13inch rim? I have at least 3inch all around from tire to fender. Any insight would be appreciated!
asked by: Roger
Expert Reply:
You do indeed have a 12 inch rim. When you measure the diameter of the wheel, you'll need to measure the diameter of he wheel where the tire bead meets the wheel. I've provided you a cutaway diagram of a wheel showing where the measurement would be taken. Given the tire size, you have a 12 inch rim.
There are a few things you'd need to check before going with the larger 13 inch wheel w/ 175/80-13 tire. The 175/80-13 tire is approximately 3-1/2 inches larger in diameter, which would bring the tire 1-3/4 inches closer to the fender than it is already. We like to see a minimum of 3-4 inches of clearance with the trailer fully loaded. The 175/80-13 is also about 2 inches wider than your current tires, so you'll also need additional clearance to the inside of the tire.
Given the amount of fender clearance you have, I'd recommend staying with your current tire size. If your current tires are worn, and you're looking for a replacement wheel/tire combo, I'd recommend the Kenda # AM30660 which is a 4.80-12 Load Range C tire on a 12x4 inch rim. If you click the provided link, you can see our Trailer Tire FAQ article, which I hope you'll find helpful.
Kevan
5/23/2020
I'm curious as to why a 15 inch tire wouldn't work on a 2000 lb axle. I dont doubt this, but would like to understand the principle behind it. I have a 2000 lb axle and was considering an axle flip and a larger wheel so I could increase my highway speeds a little.
Products Referenced in This Question
Kenda 4.80-12 Bias Trailer Tire with 12" White Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range C
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Tire with Wheel
- Bias Ply Tire
- Load Range C
- 4.80-12
- 12 Inch
- 5 on 4-1/2 Inch
- Steel Wheels - Powder Coat
- Kenda
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Karrier ST175/80R13 Radial Trailer Tire with 13" White Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range D
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Tire with Wheel
- Radial Tire
- Load Range D
- 175/80-13
- 13 Inch
- M - 81 mph
- 5 on 4-1/2 Inch
- Steel Wheels - Powder Coat
- Kenda
more information >
Continue Researching
- Shop: Kenda Karrier ST145/R12 Radial Trailer Tire with 12" Black Mod Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - LR D
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Kenda 4.80-12 Bias Trailer Tire with 12" White Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range C
- Video: Kenda Tires and Wheels - Tire with Wheel - AM35354 Review
- Shop: Kenda Karrier ST205/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire with 15" Black Mod Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - LR D
- Shop: Kenda Karrier ST175/80R13 Radial Trailer Tire with 13" Black Mod Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - LR D
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Article: Trailer Tire Sizing
- Shop: Kenda Karrier S-Trail ST145/R12 Radial Tire w/ 12" Galvanized Spoke Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - LR D
- Shop: Taskmaster 4.80R12 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range C
- Search Results: 1 7/8 inch ball
- Q&A: What Size Wheels And Tires Will Fit On a Carry On 5 X 7 Trailer With Axle Flipped?
- Video: Review of Kenda Tires and Wheels - Tire with Wheel - AM31990
- Q&A: Recommended Bearing Buddy Kit for Carry-On 5X8G Trailer
- Search Results: am10130
- Search Results: jack
- Search Results: spare tire
- Video: Review of Thule - Roof Box - 1401467300
- Video: CE Smith Boat Trailer Parts - Guides - CE27620 Review
- Video: Kenda Tires and Wheels - Tire with Wheel - AM3S451 Review
- Video: Kenda Tires and Wheels - Tire with Wheel - AM31242 Review
- Q&A: Factors to Consider When Adding Larger Tires and Wheels to a Trailer
- Video: Curt 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector Mounting Bracket Review
- Q&A: Is Drilling or Trimming Needed to Install Curt Trailer Hitch on 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander
- Search Results: hitch
- Search Results: ball
- Q&A: How To Use Large Off-Road Tires on a 4x6 Utility Trailer
- Q&A: Recommended Replacement Tire for DK2 4x8 Folding Utility Trailer
- Q&A: Speed Rating of Kenda Karrier Tire and Wheel Combo # AM32424
Jeff
7/31/2020
I'm researching a similar project, installing 15 steel wheels with AT tires onto the Carry-On 4x6 utility trailer. I would like to: - increase the clearance with an axle flip kit, after relocating/raising the fenders (which kit would you recommend?) - decrease the "bounce" (empty) with better leaf springs (recommendations?) - install the 15" wheels, with a different axle to accommodate them (again, recommendations?). What size/max width tires would you recommend with this? Thanks for any info you can provide.