Can I Put Larger Tires on My Harbor Freight 48 x 96 Trailer?

Question:

Im just trying to figure out the largest or sizes I can get up to with this trailer linked below. The main reason for wanting to increase tire size is ground clearance. Harbor Freight Haul-Master 1720 lb 48 x 96 folding trailer.

asked by: Scott

Expert Reply:

From what I'm seeing your Harbor Freight Haul-Master comes with 5.30-12 size tires like the Taskmaster 5.30R12 Radial Trailer Tire # TT53012C which is about as large as you can go in that size range. You can upgrade to a larger tire with that same bolt pattern but I'm afraid the tire might be too wide and the sidewall make contact with your trailer frame. We recommend at least 2" of sidewall to frame clearance and 4" of tire to fender clearance.

For example, your 5.30-12 tire is 5.30" wide. If you upgrade to say a 185/80-13 like the Loadstar # AM3S333 you'll see about a 1.5" increase in trailer ride height but that tire is 7.2" wide so you'll be 1" close to your trailer frame.

If you have that sidewall clearance, great! If not I recommend just keeping your trailer as-is since your springs are already above your axle. The only other thing to do would be to install leaf spring hangers that hang below your frame as opposed to the leaf springs mounting inside the frame like I'm seeing.

expert reply by: Jon G