Can a Trailer with 12 Inch Tires and Wheels be Upgraded to 14 Inch Tires and Wheels
Question:
Hi, I have a HF 4x8foot trailer that cam with 12 inch tires. After doing research I realize that 1. I probably should have upgraded to get something of a bit more quality 2. With that said I am not going to get rid of this trailer, however I would like to change the size of my wheels to a 14 inch wheel. I have read horror stories about wheels welding themselves to the bearings because the tire just cannot handle high speeds with a lot of load even if that load is at or just under capacity. My question is will I have to get a new axel/suspension system in order to accomodate the bigger wheel? Thanks!
asked by: Caressa
Expert Reply:
You do not necessarily have to change the axles or suspension to go to a larger tire size. What you will need to do though is determine how much space there is from the inside tire side wall and the trailer frame and how much space is available above the tire (if the trailer has fenders that could interfere with a larger size). Then you can determine if a larger tire will even fit. If you could look at the tires you have now and tell me the size I can tell you how much larger a 14 inch would be.
I will also need to know the bolt pattern of the wheels to determine if any of the 14 inch tire and wheel combos have the same bolt pattern. I have included a link to a how-to article that will explain how to measure for bolt pattern.
Changing just the tires and wheels will not increase the trailer capacity. If you wanted to increase the trailer capacity you would have to change out the axle, tires and wheels, possibly the hubs, the suspension would have to be upgraded, potentially the coupler, and most likely the frame. In other words you would be better off just getting a different trailer!
Speed creates heat, heat is the number one enemy of tires. Especially trailer tires because they have a thicker sidewall compared to passenger vehicle tires. The tires that we carry are rated for up to 65 miles per hour. From what I understand, this is actually amongst the highest for trailer tires.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Karrier ST175/80R13 Radial Trailer Tire with 13" Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range C
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Tire with Wheel
- Radial Tire
- Load Range C
- 175/80-13
- 13 Inch
- M - 81 mph
- 5 on 4-1/2 Inch
- Steel Wheels - Galvanized
- Boat Trailer Wheels
- Kenda
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Kenda Karrier S-Trail ST145/R12 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range E
- Q&A: Does All Terrain Landing Gear for Torklift Glowsteps Add Height To Standard Foot
- Shop: Karrier ST205/75R14 Radial Trailer Tire with 14" Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range C
- Shop: Kenda Karrier S-Trail ST145/R12 Radial Tire w/ 12" White Spoke Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - LR D
- Shop: All Terrain Landing Gear for TorkLift GlowStep Scissor Steps for RVs
- Shop: Kenda Karrier ST145/R12 Radial Trailer Tire with 12" Black Mod Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - LR D
- Shop: Loadstar ST215/75D14 Bias Trailer Tire with 14" Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range C
- Video: Review of Kenda Trailer Tires and Wheels - Karrier ST185/80R13 LR D Radial Aluminum Wheel - KE33JR
- Shop: TowSmart Threaded Quick Links for Safety Chains - Qty 2
- Video: Kenda Tires and Wheels - Tire with Wheel - AM32156 Review
- Video: Review of TorkLift RV and Camper Steps - Leg Extensions - TL47VR
- Q&A: Is 14" Galvanized Wheel or 14" Silver Powder Coat Wheel Recommended for Boat Trailer
- Search Results: kenda trailer tires and wheels
- Search Results: kenda tires
- Search Results: leaf spring hangers
- Q&A: Trailer Tire Comparison ST145R12 Kenda Vs. Carlisle
- Q&A: Recommended Trailer Tire with Wheel Size ST145/R12 with Load Rating E
- Q&A: Should I Replace The ST145/R12 Trailer Tires Before Taking a 1,000 Mile Trip
- Search Results: weight distribution hitch for aluminum trailer
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: How to Install A8000 Torklift All Terrain Landing Gear on Scissor Steps with Rivets
- Search Results: trailer hitch wiring
- Search Results: trailer wiring kit
- Video: Bulldog Winch ATV Winch Mount - ATV Winch Mount - BDW15151 Review
- Video: Bulldog Winch ATV Winch Mount - ATV Winch Mount - BDW15159 Review
- Q&A: Can a 13 Inch Tire and Wheel Replace a 12 Inch Tire and Wheel
- Video: TorkLift RV and Camper Steps TLA8000 Review
- Article: 7 Common Questions Everyone Has About Trailer Tires
- Shop: Roof Rack
- Search Results: st145r12 radial trailer tire
on Trailer Tires and Wheels
