How to Select Proper Load Rating for 4.80-12 Tires on Tandem Axle Pontoon Boat Trailer

Question:

I have a 24 ft pontoon boat on an 8 ft wide tandem axle trailer with 4.80x12 5 lug tires on it. The trailer itself is about 28 ft i would guess. Since there are 4 tires on it, can i get by with load range B or do i need a C rating tire. I dont know the weight of the boat but it is loaded and has a 90 hp on it .

asked by: Keith

Expert Reply:

To select the properly rated trailer tires for your tandem axle pontoon boat trailer you need to get four tires that have a combined capacity exceeding that of your trailer's GVWR.

For trailers tires that are size 4.80-12 you would be able to use the Load Range B Kenda # AM10060 if your trailer's GVWR was 3,140 lbs or less. The reason for this is four of these tires, each with a 785 lb maximum capacity, can handle up to a 3,140 lb load.

If your trailer's GVWR was up to 3,960 lbs you would need to use the Load Range C Kenda # AM10062, which have a 990 lb maximum capacity. I have added links to video reviews of both these tires for you to check out.

Please keep in mind that on any trailer tire such you always want to inflate the tire to the maximum cold psi as this is what ensures your tires can handle the maximum load. On the Load Range B Kenda tires that is 60 psi while on the Load Range C Kenda tire it is 90 psi.

expert reply by: Kyle S