Recommended Replacement 12" Wheel and Tire for 4 on 4 Bolt Pattern

Question:

I am buying a trailer to convert for use on my drift boat. It has 4 bolt hubs and fairly large 12 tires. The trailer wont be challenged by the weight of the boat but I will be using it 2 to 4000 miles a year. I have always been told larger tires run cooler and heat is my enemy. I am good about maintaining bearings. So what size should I be thinking about for the longest life and least chance of blowouts. Is there a 12 tire that would work since weight isnt a real factor....about 1000 lbs. or should I go to thirteen or 14. The fender is adjustable.

asked by: Greg G

Helpful Expert Reply:

The size of your tire isn't necessarily going to effect the heat that they're going to generate, but tires that are not properly inflated will create more contact with the road and create more heat-which is the largest cause of tire malfunction. Also, there could potentially be 12" wheels with tires that are the same diameter as a 13" wheel, so in the interest of keeping things simple you're probably going to be best served just sticking with what you're currently using, and not creating issues with tire clearance on your trailer.

For replacement 12" wheels with a 4 on 4 bolt pattern I recommend using the Kenda 5.30-12 Bias Trailer Tire with 12" Galvanized Wheel - 4 on 4 - Load Range C # AM30790 which will give you a 1045-lbs per tire capacity (which should be plenty for your 1000-lbs boat and trailer). These tires are designed to be inflated to 80psi in order to handle the maximum load as well as provide the maximum heat dissipation.

I've linked a short review video of this wheel/tire combo for you to have a look at as well. If you want to go with some larger tires, please let me know the size of your current tires and I can find something that will provide you with some added height.

expert reply by: Erik B