Will a Higher Capacity Trailer Tire Last Longer on a 4x8 Trailer Harbor Freight Trailer
Question:
Ive been running a 4.80x12 Load Range B on my 4x8 Harbor Freight utility trailer. I use it to haul my quad which weights approx 400 lbs. Between the quad and trailer weight Im probably less than 700lbs. The tires Ive been running over the past four years are Kings. Ive kept the air pressure at 40psi max is 60psi however they dont seem to last much over 1 1/2 years. The second rib and fourth rib wear more than the inside, middle, and outside. Most of my driving is on the freeway and at speeds between 55 and 60. Im thinking of going to a higher quality brand and higher load capacity c to reduce the wear from highway heat. Would you agrre and if so, what would you recommend for a high-quality tire Load Range C?
asked by: Gus M
Expert Reply:
The first problem is that you are running lower air pressure than what the tire is rated for. Trailer tires should ALWAYS be inflated to the maximum air pressure as indicated on the tire.
The reason is that trailer tires are constructed with a thicker sidewall than passenger vehicle tires. Because of the thicker sidewall, if the tires are under-inflated there will be more heat build up and than can cause the tires to fail and as you are seeing wear out quickly.
If your trailer weight is around 700 pounds and you are using load range B, 4.80x12 tires rated for 785 pounds each, like # AM30580 , they have more than enough capacity. Going to a higher capacity tire would not be beneficial.
You will just need to make sure the tires are properly inflated to the maximum psi rating and keep them covered when not in use. This will give you the maximum life out of the tires. For a load range B we have # AM10060 rated for 785 pounds at 65 psi or a load range C # AM10062 rated for 990 pounds at 90 psi. The tires we carry are rated for up to 65 miles per hour. I have linked our tire FAQ article for you to view.
Products Referenced in This Question
Kenda K353 Bias Trailer Tire - 4.80-12 - Load Range B
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Tire Only
- Bias Ply Tire
- Load Range B
- 4.80-12
- 12 Inch
- Kenda
more information >
Kenda K353 Bias Trailer Tire - 4.80-12 - Load Range C
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Tire Only
- Bias Ply Tire
- Load Range C
- 4.80-12
- 12 Inch
- Kenda
more information >
Kenda 4.80-12 Bias Trailer Tire with 12" White Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range B
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Tire with Wheel
- Bias Ply Tire
- Load Range B
- 4.80-12
- 12 Inch
- 5 on 4-1/2 Inch
- Steel Wheels - Powder Coat
- Kenda
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Kenda 4.80/4.00-8 Bias Trailer Tire with 8" White Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range B
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Tire with Wheel
- Bias Ply Tire
- Load Range B
- 4.80/4.00-8
- 8 Inch
- 5 on 4-1/2 Inch
- Steel Wheels - Powder Coat
- Kenda
more information >
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