Best size tires for a 4'x6' utility trailer for long freeway trips

[MISWFL]

My Lowe's 4x6 utility trailer needs new tires and the bearings serviced or replaced. The original tires are 4.80x12" on 5 lug wheels and I'll probably be getting new rims as well. I want something bigger, but I'm not sure what's the best to get. Right now the max load it'll see is around 1000lbs, but in practice it'll be less. The trailer weighs 300 something lbs. The stickers on the trailer are not readable, but I'll find out the load rating and exact weight before using it. I'll probably be getting new hubs and bearings as well. Later on if I keep the trailer, it'll be used for it's max load rating or close to it. The trailer has a 1 7/8" hitch that's a bit tweaked. I'll replace it before use with a 2" hitch.

The rim center bore looks like 2.75" with approximately .75" gap between the bearing hub and the wheel center bire. There's not much room between the tires and fenders, so I'll probably replace the fenders with something bigger. There's approximately 3.25"-3.375" clearance between the inside of tire to the trailer frame. I will probably get 4 tires and rims to have 2 spares. I've got a Sam's membership and I could probably get a BJ's Club membership as well as they're pretty cheap I've heard. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[PetroleumJunkie412]

Round.

 

[MISWFL]

Round.

What size is "round"?

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I would try for a similar size tire as something else you own. Maybe same-sized as a ranger?

 

[Curious Hound]

I would try for a similar size tire as something else you own. Maybe same-sized as a ranger?

I agree. I wonder how a 7.5" Ranger axle from the junk yard would fit under that. Might get one cheap on FB marketplace with springs, wheels, tires and everything.

 

[Li'l Work Truck]

This Carry-on trailer from Lowe's looks exactly like the one you have, and it's load rated for 1800 lbs. I can't imagine the load includes the mesh in between the rails, but maybe after a better floor was installed? I always add plywood to my trailers, just because I've had to pull a ride-on lawnmower off of a trailer where the mesh failed.

 

[Snoranger]

The larger diameter the tire, the better it is for the bearings (within reason). The larger diameter will effectively slow the bearings down.
I’d find a set of 14 or 15” aluminum Ranger wheels and get a common size trailer tire for whatever rim you can find cheap. Double check the backspace before you go all in on this option.
Or
Just get a set of ST205/75R15s already on trailer wheels. 95% of the time, 5 lug hubs are 5x4.5”, always double check before purchasing anything.

 

[Li'l Work Truck]

I agree. I wonder how a 7.5" Ranger axle from the junk yard would fit under that. Might get one cheap on FB marketplace with springs, wheels, tires and everything.

 

[Curious Hound]

View attachment 149621

But if it's cheap enough...

 

[Li'l Work Truck]

But if it's cheap enough...

Oh I entirely agree with you! Just being ridiculous! What do you do about the diff?

 

[Li'l Work Truck]

@MISWFL, if that trailer has a 5x4.5 lug pattern, Ranger wheels should fit. You'll likely need to swap out the fenders. I saw a guy do that with a 55-gal drum. That trailer would look awesome with '90's chrome Ranger wheels!

 

[MISWFL]

View attachment 149620

This Carry-on trailer from Lowe's looks exactly like the one you have, and it's load rated for 1800 lbs. I can't imagine the load includes the mesh in between the rails, but maybe after a better floor was installed? I always add plywood to my trailers, just because I've had to pull a ride-on lawnmower off of a trailer where the mesh failed.

I'll be adding some wood framing and a floor. I'll also be removing the welded on gate hinges so I can make the gate removable.

I'm contemplating ways to beef it up without adding too much weight. Maybe triangulate the hitch with box tubing and add mounts for the 2 spare tires on that part.

 

[Li'l Work Truck]

I'll be adding some wood framing and a floor. I'll also be removing the welded on gate hinges so I can make the gate removable.

I'm contemplating ways to beef it up without adding too much weight. Maybe triangulate the hitch with box tubing and add mounts for the 2 spare tires on that part.

That's a good idea. The upper rails do a lot to add rigidity, but it'll flex hard with that single rail tongue. You mean the HF bolt-on spare wheel mount? It might do you well to get a couple of those, or I've seen people make a wheel carrier that hangs the wheel under the trailer. I guess it depends if you're using Ranger wheels or not. Oh, and just adding the ply and 2x4's will help to distribute the weight and add a good amount of rigidity as long as they don't rot out.

 

[MISWFL]

That's a good idea. The upper rails do a lot to add rigidity, but it'll flex hard with that single rail tongue. You mean the HF bolt-on spare wheel mount? It might do you well to get a couple of those, or I've seen people make a wheel carrier that hangs the wheel under the trailer. I guess it depends if you're using Ranger wheels or not. Oh, and just adding the ply and 2x4's will help to distribute the weight and add a good amount of rigidity as long as they don't rot out.

I mean running angle or box channel from the front upper corners to just behind the hitch mount area.

For the spare tires, I'm not sure. Something light weight and strong. Might just be 3 wheel studs on a piece of steel so the tire can be mounted with lug nuts.

 

[MISWFL]

@MISWFL, if that trailer has a 5x4.5 lug pattern, Ranger wheels should fit. You'll likely need to swap out the fenders. I saw a guy do that with a 55-gal drum. That trailer would look awesome with '90's chrome Ranger wheels!

I just checked it and it looks to be 5 x 4.5

I'll have to look for a set of Ranger wheels.

Do you know if non Chinese make trailer hubs can still be found. I'm good with Taiwan or Japanese, if American made isn't available anymore.