Increasing Wheel/Tire Size on Carry-On Utility Trailer
Question:
My Carry-On utility trailer has 4.80-12 size tires on it. Wheel configuration is 5 lug 4.5. Was considering replacing original setup with AM 31985. Im a bit confused. I measured the diameter of the wheels/rims, which is 13 inches. So, Im not sure if I have a 12inch or 13inch wheel. If it is 12, would there be enough clearance to accommodate the 13inch rim? I have at least 3inch all around from tire to fender. Any insight would be appreciated!
asked by: Roger
Expert Reply:
You do indeed have a 12 inch rim. When you measure the diameter of the wheel, you'll need to measure the diameter of he wheel where the tire bead meets the wheel. I've provided you a cutaway diagram of a wheel showing where the measurement would be taken. Given the tire size, you have a 12 inch rim.
There are a few things you'd need to check before going with the larger 13 inch wheel w/ 175/80-13 tire. The 175/80-13 tire is approximately 3-1/2 inches larger in diameter, which would bring the tire 1-3/4 inches closer to the fender than it is already. We like to see a minimum of 3-4 inches of clearance with the trailer fully loaded. The 175/80-13 is also about 2 inches wider than your current tires, so you'll also need additional clearance to the inside of the tire.
Given the amount of fender clearance you have, I'd recommend staying with your current tire size. If your current tires are worn, and you're looking for a replacement wheel/tire combo, I'd recommend the Kenda # AM30660 which is a 4.80-12 Load Range C tire on a 12x4 inch rim. If you click the provided link, you can see our Trailer Tire FAQ article, which I hope you'll find helpful.
Jeff
7/31/2020
I'm researching a similar project, installing 15 steel wheels with AT tires onto the Carry-On 4x6 utility trailer. I would like to: - increase the clearance with an axle flip kit, after relocating/raising the fenders (which kit would you recommend?) - decrease the "bounce" (empty) with better leaf springs (recommendations?) - install the 15" wheels, with a different axle to accommodate them (again, recommendations?). What size/max width tires would you recommend with this? Thanks for any info you can provide.
Jon G.
8/10/2020
Helpful Links
Products Referenced in This Question
Kenda 4.80-12 Bias Trailer Tire with 12" White 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 - Powder Coat
- Kenda
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Karrier ST175/80R13 Radial Trailer Tire with 13" White Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range D
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Tire with Wheel
- Radial Tire
- Load Range D
- 175/80-13
- 13 Inch
- M - 81 mph
- 5 on 4-1/2 Inch
- Steel Wheels - Powder Coat
- Kenda
more information >
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Kevan
5/23/2020
I'm curious as to why a 15 inch tire wouldn't work on a 2000 lb axle. I dont doubt this, but would like to understand the principle behind it. I have a 2000 lb axle and was considering an axle flip and a larger wheel so I could increase my highway speeds a little.