Increasing Wheel and Tire Size On a Shorelander Boat Trailer With 4.80-8" Wheels And Tires

Question:

I have a shorelander boat trailer with 480-8 4.80-8 tires and wheels and a bolt pattern of 5 Lug 4.5. I would like to change to this 12 inch. As long as I have enough clearance to the fender would this work?

asked by: Chuck K

Expert Reply:

Yes, as long as you have sufficient clearance for the larger wheel and tires you will be able to use the larger wheels. Do understand that as this is a boat trailer you will have to back further into the water with the taller tires to launch and retrieve your boat.

Your current wheel and tire # AM30030 is 4.6" wide and 16.1" tall.

The Loadstar 4.80-12 Bias Trailer Tire with 12" Galvanized Wheel # AM30670 is going to be 4.9" wide(0.3" wider) and 20.7" tall(4.6" taller).

You will want to ensure that you still have 1" of clearance for your sidewalls and 3" of clearance vertically to allow for the suspension travel.

expert reply by: Bud M