Different tire sizes

[Bushmoose]

I think this site is great! There's a lot of info everyone shares willingly and I appreciate it very much. So here's a question, I need your opinion.
I've refurbished an old boat trailer. Bought 2 almost new 530 x 12 tires from a friend. I've come across another used rim and tire that I would like to use strictly as a spare, however it's a 4.80 x 12. There's obviously a difference in dia. but will this make much differnce in actual towing. Remember, it's only for a spare to be used in a bind.
Any takers on this one?

Thanks!

 

[Fl_Richard]

Re: Different tire sizes

Use it! - It's only a spare difference in diameters wont matter.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Different tire sizes

If the larger tires are already loaded close to their maximum load capacity then using a smaller tire (less load capacity) is not a good idea. Better than no spare of course but certainly not ideal. When it comes to tires, it is always about load capacity.

 

[Bushmoose]

Re: Different tire sizes

Load isn't really an issue, as the boat is a small aluminum 12" with a 6 hp johnson hanging off the transom. I was more concerned with the idea of the trailer starting to fishtail with the different tire size.
Anyone have experience with this? Thanks

 

[redone4x4]

Re: Different tire sizes

like said above, any spare is better than none. Ive been caught out with none when i needed one.....I would've gladly taken a different size to get me by haha. It should be fine.

 

[Rick.]

Re: Different tire sizes

I'm pretty sure you will find those two sizes have the same diameter but different in width. Therefore as stated earlier, it is all about load. Given you already know the load, I would not hesitate to use the 4.8 as a spare. Rick.