Can You Use a 4.80x12 Trailer Tire As a Spare for 145/12 Trailer Tire

Question:

Howdy-going to upgrade the wheels/tires on my jetski trailer. Presently have 5 on 4 1/2 4.80x12s and we are moving appoximately 600 miles away and the tires on there now are 7 yrs old. Going to go with your kendra ST145/R12s on your rims. So here is my question-could i use the old ones for a spare if needed? I know they are a tad taller/wider, but if i get a flat on the road, could i switch one temporarily until i get to a tire store? Not a permanent fix, but just thinking of something so i wouldnt be stranded. Jetski weighs 750 and its on a single axle trailer. Thanks guys! i do have a tire repair kit, but would rather just switch em out and get somewhere safe!

asked by: John

Expert Reply:

I can't recommend using different size tires on a trailer, even for short distances. That said, a 145/12 tire measures 21.3" diameter x 5.7" wide and a 4.80x12 tire measures 20.6" diameter x 4.8" wide. Therefore, there's only a difference of .7" diameter and .9" width. If I were you, I would probably just use the smaller size as a spare until I could get the trailer into a shop for the correct size. That said, I also can't really officially recommend this. If you want to upgrade I recommend the Kenda Karrier S-Trail ST145/R12 Radial Tire with 12" White Spoke Wheel part # AM31199DX or if you want to keep the same size I recommend Kenda 4.80R12 Bias Trailer Tire with 12" White Spoke Wheel part # AM30670.

expert reply by: Conner L