Replacing 4.80x12 Tires on Harbor Freight Trailer with Tires that have Better Highway Rating
Question:
Hi, I have the harbor freight 1195lb trailer SKU 62648 that comes with factory 4.8 x 12 in. tires. I would like to upgrade the tires and wheels to part # AM3S120 for better highway rating but need to confirm the tire sidewall will have enough backspacing clearance. Using a tape measure it looks like there is about 3 inches of backspacing on the existing tire which leaves about a 1 inch space between the sidewall and trailer. Thanks
asked by: Tim A
Expert Reply:
The Kenda Loadstar ST175/80D13 Bias Trailer Tire # AM3S120 that you referenced is going to close that trailer frame to tire gap by almost a full inch. This would put the new tire much too close to the frame on your Harbor Freight Trailer.
The issue is that the existing 1 inch clearance between your trailer and tire side wall is already as close as I recommend having. Any wider of a tire and you are risking contact with the trailer frame because you still have to allow for some flex on the tires during travel and with added weight to the trailer.
The best recommendation I can give as far as replacing the tires on your trailer with ones that are better equipped for highway driving is to use radial ply tires that are the same size (if your existing tires are bias ply). Radial tires feature cords that run at a 90 degree angle to the direction of travel (as opposed to the cords on a bias ply tire that run at a 32 degree angle) which essentially allows it to flex more for better ground contact, stability, and tread wear. Because of this construction it will also run cooler than a bias alternative, making it better suited for higher speeds.
For this I highly recommend the Taskmaster 4.80R12 Radial Trailer Tire # TT48012C. This tire features a maximum load of 990 pounds at 90 psi and an excellent speed rating of 81 mph. I have included a short video review that you can check out as well.
Products Referenced in This Question
Taskmaster 4.80R12 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range C
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Tire Only
- Radial Tire
- Load Range C
- 4.80-12
- 12 Inch
- M - 81 mph
- Taskmaster
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Loadstar ST175/80D13 Bias Trailer Tire with 13" White Wheel - 4 on 4 - Load Range C
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Tire with Wheel
- Bias Ply Tire
- Load Range C
- 175/80-13
- 13 Inch
- M - 81 mph
- 4 on 4 Inch
- Steel Wheels - Powder Coat
- Kenda
more information >
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Q&A: Upgrading 4.80-12 Tires on 4x8 Lowes Utility Trailer
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"
- Q&A: Can I Put Larger Wheels and Tires On My Harbor Freight Trailer By Replacing the Hubs?
- Shop: Taskmaster 4.80R12 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range C
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Taskmaster 5.30R12 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range C
- Shop: Kenda Karrier S-Trail ST145/R12 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range D
- Shop: Dexter Trailer Axle with Idler Hubs - 5 on 4-1/2 Bolt Pattern - 60" Long - 2,000 lbs
- Shop: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Q&A: Larger Tire Size to Fit on Lowes 4 by 6 Mesh Trailer
- Q&A: Upgrading Trailer Tires and Wheels For Highway use on Harbor Freight 4x8 Folding Trailer
- Search Results: harbor freight
- Search Results: trailer axel
- Search Results: am3s120
- Search Results: asr2000s01
- Search Results: haul master
- Search Results: tt48012c
- Search Results: hitch extender
- Q&A: Recommended Higher Speed Rated Tires For Harbor Freight Trailer W/ 4.80-12 Tires
- Q&A: 4 Lug Trailer Wheel and Tire with Higher Speed Rating
- Q&A: Upgrading the Tire and Wheel on a Harbor Freight Trailer
- Video: EcoHitch Stealth Trailer Hitch Installation - 2021 Tesla Model 3
- Shop: Floor Mats
- Article: Our Team Picked The Best Camping Gear of the Year - Here Are Their Top Choices
- Video: Kenda Tires and Wheels - Tire with Wheel - AM3S120 Review