Comparing 5.70-8 Tires to 4.80-8 Tires

Question:

My older PWC trailer has 4.80/4.0-8 tires/wheels with the 5 bolt-4-1/2inch bolt circle. I am thinking of switching to the larger 5.70-8 tires. The trailer and load is less than 1000 pounds so I dont need a heavy duty tire. Is there any benefit to going to the larger tire? Thank you.

asked by: Joe

Helpful Expert Reply:

The 4.80/4.00-8 tires # AM30020 are 4.6 inches wide with the outer diameter (when inflated) being 16.1 inches. They have a load capacity of 590 lbs at 60 psi. If you move to the larger tire # AM30140 you will have a tire width of 5.9 inches and an outer diameter of 18 inches. This gives you a little over 1 inch more tread on each tire and also gives you almost 1 inch more ground clearance. It will increase your load capacity to 910 lbs at 75 psi.

These tires will wear a little better over the same amount of miles due to the larger diameter and thicker ply rating. They will be slightly more rigid, but your trailer suspension should easily compensate for that difference.

I've attached an article to further assist.

expert reply by: Jason S