Recommended Replacement Tires for 5.30-12 Load Range D Tandem Axle Pontoon Boat Trailer

Question:

I need to replace 5.30 x 12 tires on my tandem pontoon trailer . The current tires are load range D. I believe my 25 foot boat weighs approximately 2200 lbs. Do I need to stay with that load range or could I safely use load range C. I only tow about 10 miles in the spring to the launch ramp and again in the fall to the storage lot. I would appreciate any suggestions. Also if I convert to a radial tire what would be the corresponding size. Thank You

asked by: Bob R

Expert Reply:

I have a solution for you, but I can't recommend going down to a Load Range C tire with your trailer in this case without knowing the exact weights. However, if you wanted to go with a radial tire you could use the Kenda Karrier S-Trail ST145/R12 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range E # AM10140; these are 21.3" in diameter so they've close in size to your 5.30-12 tires that are 21.6" diameter. You could mount these on your existing rims.

With all of that said, since you've got a tandem axle trailer you might be able to make the Kenda 5.30-12 Bias Trailer Tire with 12" Galvanized Wheel - 4 on 4 - Load Range C # AM30790; these have a 1,045-lbs per tire capacity, so as long as the boat and trailer combined don't weigh over 4000-lbs then you could absolutely go down to a Load Range C tire like these and safely tow your trailer since 10-15% of that weight will be on the trailer tongue.

I've linked some review videos of these for you to check out.

expert reply by: Erik B