Can You Put Smaller 4.80-12 Tires On a Jetski Trailer To Make Launching The Boat Easier?
Question:
I have a double jet ski trailer with tires st175/80d13 can i put smaller tires like a 4.80 /12 to get the trailer a little close to the ground ? For more easy launch at the ramp.
asked by: Jose W
Expert Reply:
There are a few things to consider when moving to a smaller tire on your double Jetski trailer. First is the bolt pattern for the new wheel. You will either need a 4 on 4" like the Kenda 4.80-12 Bias Trailer Tire with 12" Galvanized Wheel # AM30630 has. The other common bolt pattern is a 5 on 4-1/2" like the Loadstar 4.80-12 Bias Trailer Tire with 12" Galvanized Wheel # AM30670 has.
Next is if the smaller tire has enough weight capacity for the Jetski's and trailer weight. Both tires I listed above have a weight capacity of 990lbs each. That will give you a maximum capacity of 1,880lbs for a fully loaded trailer.
Now you will need to ensure that any brakes your trailer may have will still fit with the smaller diameter wheels.
Finally you will need to consider the height difference to see how much lower the trailer will sit. The ST175/80D13 # AM3S060 has a diameter of 24" and the new tire is 20.7" in diameter. This will lower the trailer 1.65" so you will likely need to install a larger drop for your ball mount to ensure the trailer sits level. Be sure that the lower ground clearance will also not cause the trailer to sit to low that it may drag on driveways or rail road crossings.
Products Referenced in This Question
Kenda 4.80-12 Bias Trailer Tire with 12" Galvanized Wheel - 4 on 4 - Load Range C
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Tire with Wheel
- Bias Ply Tire
- Load Range C
- 4.80-12
- 12 Inch
- 4 on 4 Inch
- Steel Wheels - Galvanized
- Boat Trailer Wheels
- Kenda
more information >
Loadstar 4.80-12 Bias Trailer Tire with 12" Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range C
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Tire with Wheel
- Bias Ply Tire
- Load Range C
- 4.80-12
- 12 Inch
- 5 on 4-1/2 Inch
- Steel Wheels - Galvanized
- Boat Trailer Wheels
- Kenda
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Loadstar ST175/80D13 Bias Trailer Tire with 13" Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range B
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Tire with Wheel
- Bias Ply Tire
- Load Range B
- 175/80-13
- 13 Inch
- M - 81 mph
- 5 on 4-1/2 Inch
- Steel Wheels - Galvanized
- Boat Trailer Wheels
- Kenda
more information >
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