Can Trailer With 5.30-12 Tires Use 4.80-12 Size Tires as Spares
Question:
I have two spare 4.8 - 12 inch tires for a trailer. I am about to upgrade the trailer, and the upgrade comes with 5.3 - 12 inch tires. Is there any mounting difference or other reason I should not use my 4.8 -12 tires as spares for the new trailer? Yes, I realize there is a load bearing difference between the two, but I am not hauling heavy loads.
asked by: John E
Expert Reply:
We highly recommend a trailer's spare tire always be the same size as the current tires. The reason is if you use one tire that is a different size than the others, not only will all of the tires wear quicker and unevenly, but the trailer won't track behind your tow vehicle as well and you are prone to suspension issues on the trailer, which can occur somewhat rapidly.
For example, the Kenda K353 Bias Trailer Tire - 4.80-12 # AM10060 is 4.8" wide and has a 20.5" diameter while the Kenda K353 Bias Trailer Tire - 5.30-12 # AM10068 5.5" wide and has a 21.9" diameter, which is a significant difference and you will notice immediately how much poorer the trailer is going to track behind you.
It will cost a few more bucks in the short run to get the same size tires for spares, but in the long run you could be saving yourself a significant amount of cash just by getting the right size tires. I have added a link to all of our 5.30-12 tires for you, as well as 5.30-12 tire and wheel combos to check out.
Products Referenced in This Question
Kenda K353 Bias Trailer Tire - 5.30-12 - Load Range D
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Tire Only
- Bias Ply Tire
- Load Range D
- 5.30-12
- 12 Inch
- K - 65 mph
- Kenda
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Kenda K353 Bias Trailer Tire - 4.80-12 - Load Range B
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Tire Only
- Bias Ply Tire
- Load Range B
- 4.80-12
- 12 Inch
- Kenda
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Kenda K353 Bias Trailer Tire - 5.30-12 - Load Range D
- Shop: Kenda K353 Bias Trailer Tire - 5.30-12 - Load Range C
- Shop: Kenda Karrier S-Trail ST145/R12 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range D
- Shop: Kenda 5.30-12 Bias Trailer Tire with 12" Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range D
- Shop: Kenda K353 Bias Trailer Tire - 5.30-12 - Load Range B
- Q&A: 5.30-12 Trailer Tire Recommendation for Pop Up Camper
- Q&A: Are There Load Range D Tires Available in 5.30 x 12 Tires
- Q&A: Should Trailer Tires be Inflated to Maximum PSI in Hot Weather
- Q&A: Are All 5.30-12 Trailer Tires From Different Manufacturers the Same Size
- Q&A: Wider Replacement Option for a 4.80-12 Tire on a Jet Ski Trailer
- Q&A: 5.30-12 Tire Recommendation for a Livin Lite Quicksilver Pop Up
- Q&A: Are Bias Ply or Radial Tires Better to Pull 9 foot Pop-Up Camper
- Article: Trailer Tire Sizing
- Search Results: 44649
- Shop: etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - 12" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 5,200 lbs to 7,000 lbs
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Grease Seals 10-36 (pair)
- Search Results: 68149
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Video: Titan Trailer Brakes T2385200 Review
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: 25580
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: dust cap
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Article: Most Popular Wheel Bearings
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
on Trailer Tires and Wheels
