Need to upgrade trailer tires to larger size

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Author Topic:   Need to upgrade trailer tires to larger size

jimithing posted 05-23-2002 09:56 AM ET (US)
my new to me 13 sits on a 1987 load rite trailer with 4.80/8 inch wheels and tires. want to upgrade to 4.80/12. What do I need to change on the current setup to achieve this? do I need to change the axle, spindle size? What size hub kit do I need? The current hubs are 5 lug but I assume that doesnt really make a difference.
The old hubs are a total loss and I am not even sure I can remove them from the wheels although I can get the whole thing off the axle . Spindle looks to be in good shape, but everything from there on out needs to be made new. Thanks in advance for all the help.
180 posted 05-23-2002 11:19 AM ET (US)
Jimithing,

Do you have the room for the larger tires? The tires you have now are 16.64" in diameter. One size bigger would be the 5.70 X 8. That is 18.64 in diameter.
If you want to switch to the 4.80 x 12, you are looking a 20.64 in dia.
The 12" rim comes in a four or five bolt circle. You first step should be to go to a trailer supply company and get new hubs. They are pretty standard. If you bring in your old ones, they can probably match them. If possible, get the five lug. That opens up your choices.
If you need a quote on any of this stuff, let me know. I am a tire / wheel wholesaler. UPS daily.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Kevin
whalerron posted 05-23-2002 12:23 PM ET (US)
Since you switching, why not step up to 13 inch rims? If your current axle won't support 13 inch wheel assemblies, I think you can get an entire axle/hub assembly from Champion trailer for about $150.
13 might be a bit of overkill but it does let your trailer use the more common tire size and larger tires will allow the tires and bearing to run cooler.
- ron
cjd posted 05-24-2002 09:37 AM ET (US)
Kevin (180),
Thanks for your help, and for the deal on the tires. Not sure it could have been any easier. i winder at what point i can claim to have a new trailer (tires/ubolts/rollers/axel/leafsprings/winch cable)?
Chris
180 posted 05-24-2002 11:22 AM ET (US)
Glad I could help.
Kevin

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Author	Topic: Need to upgrade trailer tires to larger size
jimithing	posted 05-23-2002 09:56 AM ET (US) my new to me 13 sits on a 1987 load rite trailer with 4.80/8 inch wheels and tires. want to upgrade to 4.80/12. What do I need to change on the current setup to achieve this? do I need to change the axle, spindle size? What size hub kit do I need? The current hubs are 5 lug but I assume that doesnt really make a difference. The old hubs are a total loss and I am not even sure I can remove them from the wheels although I can get the whole thing off the axle . Spindle looks to be in good shape, but everything from there on out needs to be made new. Thanks in advance for all the help.
180	posted 05-23-2002 11:19 AM ET (US) Jimithing, Do you have the room for the larger tires? The tires you have now are 16.64" in diameter. One size bigger would be the 5.70 X 8. That is 18.64 in diameter. If you want to switch to the 4.80 x 12, you are looking a 20.64 in dia. The 12" rim comes in a four or five bolt circle. You first step should be to go to a trailer supply company and get new hubs. They are pretty standard. If you bring in your old ones, they can probably match them. If possible, get the five lug. That opens up your choices. If you need a quote on any of this stuff, let me know. I am a tire / wheel wholesaler. UPS daily. Let me know if you have any other questions. Kevin
whalerron	posted 05-23-2002 12:23 PM ET (US) Since you switching, why not step up to 13 inch rims? If your current axle won't support 13 inch wheel assemblies, I think you can get an entire axle/hub assembly from Champion trailer for about $150. 13 might be a bit of overkill but it does let your trailer use the more common tire size and larger tires will allow the tires and bearing to run cooler. - ron
cjd	posted 05-24-2002 09:37 AM ET (US) Kevin (180), Thanks for your help, and for the deal on the tires. Not sure it could have been any easier. i winder at what point i can claim to have a new trailer (tires/ubolts/rollers/axel/leafsprings/winch cable)? Chris
180	posted 05-24-2002 11:22 AM ET (US) Glad I could help. Kevin