Factors to Consider When Adding Larger Tires and Wheels to a Trailer
Question:
I just bought a used trailer with 5.70 X 8 tires and rims on it. Can I put bigger rims and tires on the trailer? It always seems to me that these smaller tires go bad a lot more than the bigger tires do. Probably because they are not running as fast as the bigger tires do at the same speed. If I can, will it do anything to the hubs? Thanks
asked by: Rick
Helpful Expert Reply:
You can add larger wheels and tires to a trailer as long as you have enough room for the larger size. The main clearance issues we find when putting larger tires and wheels on a trailer is from the top of the tire to the fender and from the inside wall of the tire to the trailer wall/frame.
The next factor that you will want to consider is the bolt pattern of the wheel. If your current wheels have a 4 on 4 inch bolt pattern, then the new wheels must have a 4 on 4 inch bolt pattern as well. I have attached an FAQ article on how to determine your bolt pattern for you to check out.
Finally, you will want to keep the weight capacity in mind. Larger tires will typically have a higher weight rating. Tires with a higher weight rating will not increase the load carrying capacity of the trailer, so you will still be limited to the weight capacity of the axle. Larger wheels and tires will not have an effect on the hub as long as the bolt patterns match and you remain under the weight capacity of the axle.
If you can tell me how much clearance you have from the top of the tire to your fender, from the inside wall of the tire to the closest part of the trailer and the bolt pattern of your wheels, I would be happy to make a recommendation for you.
Travis L.
6/30/2020
I have a 2012 Keystone Passport Ultralite Grand Touring which currently has st205/75R14c tires. I would like to upgrade the tire and wheel size. Would upgrading to a st225/75R15e be ok? As long as the bolt pattern matched, do you think the 1" larger wheel and tire diameter/width would fit without rubbing?
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Kenda 5.70-8 Bias Trailer Tire with 8" White Wheel - 4 on 4 - Load Range C
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Tire with Wheel
- Bias Ply Tire
- Load Range C
- 5.70-8
- 8 Inch
- 4 on 4 Inch
- Steel Wheels - Powder Coat
- Kenda
more information >
Continue Researching
- Article: Trailer Tire Sizing
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Kenda Karrier ST205/75R14 Radial Trailer Tire with 14" Black Mod Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - LR C
- Article: How to Measure the Bolt Pattern of a Trailer Wheel
- Shop: Kenda Karrier S-Trail ST145/R12 Radial Tire w/ 12" Galvanized Spoke Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - LR D
- Article: Most Popular Wheel Bearings
- Shop: Kenda Karrier ST205/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire with 15" Black Mod Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - LR D
- Shop: Kenda Karrier ST145/R12 Radial Trailer Tire with 12" Black Mod Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - LR D
- Shop: Kenda Karrier ST205/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire with 15" Black Mod Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - LR C
- Shop: Kenda Karrier ST205/75R14 Radial Tire w/ 14" Series T09 Aluminum Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - LR D
- Shop: Hub Bearing Kit for Lippert, Dexter, and AL-KO Axles - 3,500 lb with #84 Spindle
- Q&A: Recommended Wider Tire Upgrade for Small Trailer Tires 4.80x12
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: Can you change trailer wheel size from 13 inch to 15 inch on the same axle?
- Q&A: Can I Use 14" Tires AM32131 On A 3,000 lb Axle?
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Q&A: Increasing Wheel/Tire Size on Carry-On Utility Trailer
- Search Results: grease
- Search Results: st145/r12
- Q&A: Will Going to Larger Trailer Wheel and Tire with Higher PSI Rating Affect Ride Quality
- Search Results: 171256500tb
- Search Results: 205/75r14
- Search Results: 48 x12
- Search Results: 205/75/15 load range e
- Article: 7 Common Questions Everyone Has About Trailer Tires
- Q&A: What Are Pros and Cons of Going to Larger Trailer Tire Size? 205/75-15 to 225/75-15
- Search Results: l44649
- Q&A: Which is Better for Highway Use 4.80-12 or 5.30-12 Trailer TIres
- Video: Kenda Tires and Wheels - Tire with Wheel - AM30130 Review
- Video: CE Smith Boat Trailer Parts CE15274A Review
Ty N.
7/6/2020
if the rubber of the tire is much heavier than old tires this won't compromise my hubs? Found semi trailer tires for my rims on my trailer, 17ft dual tandem axle.