Comparing 4.80R12 and 145/80R12 Trailer Tire For Triton XL Carrying Jet Ski

Question:

I have a Triton XL trailer with 4.80 / 12, 2-ply Load Star tires. Trailer carries a ~800 lb full size Sea Doo jet ski. I have 4 clearance from 4.80 tire to plastic fender, no issues width clearance. Tires wear out as I do some long trips. Want radial tires. Question is best replacement, either 5.30 or 145/80? Again, prefer radial as they should last much longer. Advice?

asked by: Clare T

Expert Reply:

At this time we only offer two radial 12" trailer tires being the Kenda Karrier S-Trail ST145/R12 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range D # AM10130 and the Taskmaster 4.80R12 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range C # TT48012C.

Between these two options I would go with the Taskmaster # TT48012C as it will be an exact replacement for your current tires, is a 6-ply tire with a load rating of 990lbs at 90 PSI which should be plenty for your trailer, and has a speed rating of 81 MPH where the # AM10130 is only rated to 65 MPH.

You are correct that the radial tires will have better tread wear that your current bias ply tires due to the differences in how they are constructed.

There is not really an advantage of going with the larger 145/80R12 over a 4.80R12 tire since they will be very close to the same size, with the only real difference being the # AM10130 has a load rating of 1220lbs at 65PSI meaning the tire will operate at a lower percentage of its maximum capacity and will run cooler than a lower rated tire.

I went ahead and included video reviews for both of the tires mentioned for you to take a look at.