Best 12 Inch Galvanized Tires and Rims for Small Boat Trailer

Question:

Hello: I am looking for your recommendation for a set of three 12inch trailer tires with galvanized rims for my small boat trailer. Rims are 5 lug. Most important is reliability as I plan to haul this boat from Ohio to Florida. Total weight of the rig boat, motor, trailer and gear is 950 pounds. Is radial better than bias ply for long distance? What tire do you recommend? Thanks.

asked by: Dan B

Helpful Expert Reply:

A radial tire flexes more than a bias tire, giving it better ground contact, traction, stability, and tread wear. Radial tires generally run cooler than bias tires, which usually leads to a longer life for radials. I would recommend going with a radial tire if possible, but provided you heed limits such as load range and psi, a bias tire will also work. We currently offer three different tire sizes that have 12 inch diameters and galvanized 5-lug rims. You can check your current tires to confirm the correct size.

Our size ST145/R12 tire/wheel combination is our Kenda Karrier S-Trail ST145/R12 Radial Tire w/ 12" Galvanized Spoke Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - LR D, Item # AM31202. This radial tire has a capacity of 1,220 lbs, so it is more than capable of handling your trailer load. This model is excellent for highway use, includes computer-generated tread designed to improve traction during all weather conditions, and is made of premium rubber compound materials that help disperse heat.

Our size 5.30-12 tires are bias ply rather than radial. For this size, I recommend the Kenda 5.30-12 Bias Trailer Tire with 12" Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range B, Item # AM30750. This model is designed for excellent handling at high speeds and has a maximum load of 840 lbs. With two load B tires, this will be plenty to tow your boat trailer. However, if you are looking for something with a greater load range for other towing purposes, this model also comes in a load range C, Item # AM30850, and a load range D, Item # AM30861. The load range C tire has a capacity of 1,045 lbs, and the load range D tire has a capacity of 1,250 llbs.

Finally, we offer 4.80-12 bias tires with galvanized rims. For a load range B tire, I suggest the Kenda 4.80-12 Bias Trailer Tire with 12" Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2, Item # AM30590. This model is capable of carrying 785 lbs (again, with two tires, this would be plenty for your boat trailer). For a load range C tire in this size, I recommend our Kenda Loadstar 4.80-12 Bias Trailer Tire with 12" Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range C
Item # AM30670. This wheel includes rust-resistant galvanized steel ideal for marine applications, improved torque retention (ITR) to help secure the wheel, and a capacity of 990 lbs.

I have attached four videos, each reviewing the tire I recommended in each size.