Recommended Wheels and Tires for a Kit Trailer

Question:

I just traded a chipper shredder even up for a 4x6 utility trailer. According to the previous owner, the trailer was purchased as a kit in 1996 and has a capacity of 1200 pounds. It has 4-bolt, 4.80 x 8 inch tires/rims. The tires are bad and I am trying to figure out the best tire/wheel combo for it. The trailer will be used mostly around my property and pulled behind my farm tractor. However, once or twice a year, I want to be able to safely tow my lawn tractor, golf cart, or other equipment/material out on the highway. Larger tires/rims would seem to be safer and the trailer would handle better. On the other hand, I got the trailer essentially for nothing, so dont want to invest more money into it than it would cost to buy an equivalent new or larger trailer. I need advice on the best value tire/rim combo for my particular situation. Should I stay with current tire/rim size, use same rim size, but larger tire, or move up to a 10 or 12 inch tire/rim combo? Any help would be appreciated as well as any good deals you might have on tire/wheel options. Thanks.

asked by: Stan P

Expert Reply:

Assuming that you do not have fenders that will cause clearance problems, you can use an 8, 10, 12 or 13 inch wheel with the same 4 on 4 inch bolt pattern. Just to ensure you do not have some sort of oddball bolt pattern, I have linked you to an FAQ article that describes how to determine your bolt pattern.

Also keep in mind that a ST175/80D13 tire on a 13 inch wheel like part # AM3S030 will be about 2 inches wider than the 4.8x8 tires you currently have, which might cause clearance problems between the inside of the tire and the trailer frame.

Given this, going with a 4.80-12 tire on a 12 inch wheel like part # AM30620 might be a better choice. The tire would only be .1 of an inch wider than your existing tire, but would be about 4-1/2 inches taller. The tires are rated at 990 lbs apiece at 90 psi. For safety and better tire wear, make sure you do not exceed the capacity of your tires and be sure to keep them fully inflated to the pressure listed on the sidewall.

expert reply by: Mike L