Which 4.80 X 8 Size Tires Can Be Used On A Minuteman Trailer To Maximize Tire Tread Life
Question:
I have a Colman Minuteman camp trailer from the mid 70s that came with 4.80X8 tires with 4 on 4 pattern. I have owned the trailer for about 25 years and it seems like the last 2 set of tires Carlisle load range B had a very high rate of tread wear compared to the previous tires. The last pair lasted less than 1000 miles. Trailer weight is 480 lbs but I haul some gear that brings the weight up to about 600 lbs. I run the tires at the maximum pressure on the sidewall. I dont think I doing anything different to cause the accelerated wear. Is the quality of the tires getting worse? I am considering a 5.70X8 replacement and assume it would help a little but was wondering if a 215/60-8 such as your AM3H290 would help even more. Are some brands better than others or are the all manufactured by the same factory? I have 4-7/8 clearance from the face of the hub to the inside wall of the fender so if the wheel offset is 0 it should fit. Thank you!
asked by: Wayne B
Expert Reply:
The 4.80x8 tire size has a overall diameter of 16.1 inches and a section width of 4.6 inches. I would not recommend going to the 5.70x8 size or the 215/60-8 size, because you would be increasing the overall diameter to 18.1 inches, which is 2 inches taller.
When you go to a taller tire you are making the trailer taller and that will increase the chance of more sway, as well as possibly causing clearance issues.
I would recommend going with the Kenda 4.80/4.00-8 Bias Trailer Tire with 8 inch White Wheel - 4 on 4 - Load Range C, # AM30040. It will be the same dimension you have now, but it will give you a Load Range C (6-ply rated) which has a maximum load of 760 lbs. at 90 psi. The maximum load on your Load Range B (4-ply rated) tires is 590 lbs. at 60 psi.
Running the tires at maximum air pressure is the correct thing to do with trailer tires, so that the tires can handle the load for which the tire was designed.
I do not think the quality of the trailer tires are getting any worse, the quality is actually getting better.
Most of the time the tire wear is not the problem, it is usually that trailer tires will sit for a long time with the weight of the trailer on them and that causes the tire to get flat spotted and dry-rot from the weather.
Covering the tires when not in use and turning them, either by jacking the trailer up or moving the trailer once in a while when the trailer is sitting for long periods, will help keep the tires from deteriorating as quickly. The smallest tire cover size we offer would be for tire diameters of 18 to 21 inches, like part # CA80098, so they would be slightly big for your 16.1 inch tire diameter.
You can view some additional information on measuring for the correct trailer tire at the links provided.
Products Referenced in This Question
Kenda 4.80/4.00-8 Bias Trailer Tire with 8" White Wheel - 4 on 4 - Load Range C
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Tire with Wheel
- Bias Ply Tire
- Load Range C
- 4.80/4.00-8
- 8 Inch
- 4 on 4 Inch
- Steel Wheels - Powder Coat
- Kenda
more information >
Classic Accessories RV Tire Covers for 18" to 21" Tires - Single Axle - Gray - Qty 2
- RV Tire Covers
- Single Axle
- 18 Inch Tires
- 19 Inch Tires
- 20 Inch Tires
- 21 Inch Tires
- Vinyl
- 2 Covers
- Better UV/Dust/Weather Protection
- Gray
- Classic Accessories
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Kenda 215/60-8 Bias Trailer Tire with 8" White Wheel - 4 on 4 - Load Range C
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Tire with Wheel
- Bias Ply Tire
- Load Range C
- 215/60-8
- 8 Inch
- M - 81 mph
- 4 on 4 Inch
- Steel Wheels - Powder Coat
- Kenda
more information >
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