Upgraded Tire Size Recommendation for Trailer with 4.80/4.00-8 Size

Question:

Hello I have a 4 foot long by 3 foot wide trailer with a pintle hitch. I do not know the brand. It has a 4.80/4.00-8“ Kenda four lug tire/wheel set up. It is a general purpose light duty, local use trailer. Wanting to set it up with a rack for the kayaks, thus more Highway use. Question: Can I go larger? If so , what do you recommend? Thanks

asked by: Phil L

Expert Reply:

If you wanted to go with a larger wheel and tire size on your trailer that currently has a 4.80/4.00-8 installed on it the best choice is the 4.80-12 size like you referenced but on a 4 lug bolt pattern instead like the Tasmaster Wheel and Tire # TA89RR. This is 2 inches taller than what you have now but isn't any wider so your chance of clearance issues is very slim. But you gain additional speed rating at 81 mph and you also gain weight capacity at 990 lbs at 90 psi.

In terms of tire to fender clearance you want at least 3 inches from the top of the tire to the bottom of the fender. A tire with two more inches of height will take up an additional inch of fender clearance.

expert reply by: Jameson C