Going on cross country trip and towing a cargo trailer ( my wifes luggage ) any one use radial trailer tires ? any better or just marketing hype they are 4.80-12 can go to 5.30 12 just looking for real world experience , thanks

 

not trying to sound too negative here but 12" wheels radials or not aren't really cross country friendly, they might be ok for hauling some leaves to the local dump or hauling your lawnmower to the mother-in-law's house but I would never consider going cross country with them on a trailer. they are just too small !! at highway speed they are just turning too fast and shorten bearing life especially with any kind of a load. all too often you see these things sitting along the road with blown tires or roached bearings !! you asked and that's my opinion !! good luck on your trip.

 

15" is what you're looking for. No way 12'' is going to make that trip.

 

Assuming that you are towing a trailer under 500 pounds, you'll be fine. I've towed cargo trailers built on the Harbor Freight trailers across country. I've also towed a TimeoOut camper with 12 inch tires thousands of miles. Grease and prep the trailer bearings before the trip and you'll be fine. If st all comcernef, put bearing buddies on the the wheels.

Perhaps 2000 pounds on 12 inch tires is different. But I've never seen a motorcycle cargo trailer beside the road.

 

Just remember trailer tire are rated for max speed of 65 mph. Very few are rated for 75 mph. That’s part of the reason you see so many trailers with blow outs on side of the road along with neglect.

 

I would think a 12" trailer tire is made in China..with that smelly stuff they call rubber. Google China bomb tires.
Goodyear Endurance makes a good ST tire.

 

Why don't you just bite the bullet and get some new tires on your trailer get spare plus an extra bearing kit and you'll be set to go.

 

I don’t know if they make an HT (heavy trailer) tire in your size I would go with that. ST tires are designed for economy and do not have to conform to DOT standards. I have learned this the hard way.

 

good advice. I have a spare set of bearings in my toolbox. I also keep a spare hub with pre-packed bearings in my trailer tool box. Lot easier to change a trailer hub than bearings on the side of the road.

 

I've trailered lots; especially ATV's for work. Good tires, good maintenance and I've ALWAYS had bearing buddies installed...plus I pack a heat gun and shoot the bearings when I re-fuel.