Solution for Rough Ride with 12" Tires on Light Utility Trailer

Question

Question:

Hello e-trailer, I have a 5 x 8 Utility trailer with 12inch wheels and 5 Lugs. I currently have Class C Tires which require 90psi, Might as well be Fred Flintstone Rock Tires. I would like a tire that is provides a softer ride, like around 35psi, . I only haul two Recumbent Trikes on it, maybe 70 lbs total. They take way to much of a beating with 90psi tires. Is there anything you could recommend? Thanks

asked by: Gary

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Expert Reply:

Based on the max 90 psi that you mentioned I believe your trailer is equipped with 4.80-12 sized tires, such as the Kenda K353 # AM10062.

Most trailer tire manufacturers recommend that their tires always be inflated to their listed maximum psi to ensure sufficient load support, and just about any trailer tire is going to have higher psi levels like this. There isn't a trailer tire out there, even smaller units, that would list a lower max psi of around 35 like what you would find on a standard passenger vehicle tire.

With that being said you do still have some options to try and smooth out your ride.

I don't necessarily advise doing this, but you could technically lower the pressure just a tad on your existing tires. The potential issue here is that you are essentially lowering the tire's weight capacity to an unknown number when doing this (since their listed 990 pound rating is based on full pressure at 90 psi). Considering you are only loading a couple of trikes on the trailer though, this may be okay to do as long as you're careful.

Another option, assuming that you have bias ply tires on the trailer, is to replace them with the same size tires but in a radial ply construction such as with the Taskmaster # TT48012C. This provides the same load capacity and max psi, but a radial ply tire features sidewalls that aren't as stiff as bias alternatives, making them a much better option for highway driving to allow for a more comfortable ride.

I have attached a short video review on this particular tire below that you can check out as well. They would fit onto your existing wheels without issue.

expert reply by: Chris R

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Answer 1

The 145R12C tires can be replaced with the 4.80-12 tires like the Kenda K353 Bias Trailer Tire - 4.80-12 - Load Range C #AM10062. It will fit on the same wheel you currently have. If you prefer to get the combination because it is already balanced…

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Answer 2

Yes, a 4.80-12 trailer tire uses a 12 inch diameter wheel that is 4 inches wide. The 4.80 spec is the width of the tire. I have attached a link to all of our 12 inch x 4 inch trailer wheels for you to check out. They come with either a 4 on 4 inch…

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Answer 3

Typically special trailer tires are usually rated to operate at a maximum speed of 65 mph and if you exceed 65 mph, heat could build up in the tire and cause it to break down and fail. The tire I recommend for your 4.80-12 size is the Kenda #AM10062…

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Answer 4

Yes, the Kenda Karrier S-Trail ST145/R12 Radial Trailer Tire #AM10140 referenced in your question will fit the same 12 inch wheel with a 4 inch width that your existing 4.80-12 size tires are mounted to. Just note that the ST145/R12 tire will be…

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Answer 5

Trailer tires should always be inflated to the maximum psi indicated on the tire. For a 4.80-12 load range C such as #AM10062, it should be inflated to 90 psi. The reason you inflate trailer tires to the maximum psi is because trailer tires are…

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Answer 6

Load range B trailer tires are going to have a lower capacity than C load range tires. Basically that, psi rating, and the ply rating are the only differences. A higher load range tire would last a little longer than lower load ranges of the same…

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Answer 7

The 12 inch tires that we carry are rated for 65 miles per hour. Any faster than that for extended periods and the excessive heat build up will cause tire failure. To get a tire with a higher speed rating you would have to go up in size. That also…

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Answer 8

From my research on the Harbor Freight 4x8 folding trailer uses 4.80-12 tires on a 12 inch wheel for the 1195 lb capacity trailer and a 5.30-12 for the 1720 lbs capacity trailer. It is a good idea to check your existing tires to see which size they…

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Answer 9

You are definitely going to need radial tires for highway speeds and the best option is the Taskmaster 4.80R12 Radial Trailer Tire #TT48012C. Radial trailer tires are constructed in a manner so they have cords which run at 90 degrees to the direction…

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Answer 10

The closest radial tire size I would have to replace the 4.80-12 bias tire size is the Kenda Karrier S-Trail ST145R12 Radial Trailer Tire #AM10130. The 4.80-12 bias tire is 20.7 inches tall and 4.9 inches wide. The 145R12 radial tire is 21.3 inches…

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Answer 11

The Kenda 4.80-12 Bias Trailer Tire with 12" Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range B #AM30590 have a max speed of 65 mph. When trailer tires are not speed rated with a letter, the default is 65 mph max. I've attached an article to…

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