R 12
Joyroad
Joyroad - 155R12 (155/80R12) 88/86Q 8PLY
Tour RX1
Light TruckSymmetric
TYRE ONLY$70
FITTED + BALANCED
FITTED
$105
VIEW TYRE
SOLD OUT
Gotyre
Gotyre - 155R12 (155/80R12) 88/86N 8PLY
GTPLUS
Light TruckSymmetric
TYRE ONLY$75
FITTED + BALANCED
FITTED
$110
OUT OF STOCK
R12 Tyres NZ: 12-Inch Tyres for Trailers, Vans & Classic Cars
R12 tyres fit 12-inch diameter rims — commonly found on trailers, caravans, small commercial vans, and classic vehicles. Unlike harder-to-find R10 sizes, R12 tyres remain available in New Zealand. We carry light truck rated 155R12 options from $70.
🔧 What Are R12 Tyres?
R12 tyres are designed to fit 12-inch diameter rims. The "R" indicates radial construction. These tyres bridge the gap between compact R10 sizes and standard R13 passenger tyres, making them ideal for applications needing more load capacity than R10 but smaller fitment than modern wheels.
Reading R12 Tyre Sizes
R12 tyre sizes follow standard naming conventions:
- 155R12 — 155mm section width, radial construction, 12-inch rim. The profile defaults to 80% when not specified, so this equals 155/80R12.
- 155/80R12 — Same as above, with aspect ratio explicitly stated.
- 145/70R12 — Lower profile option. 145mm width, 70% aspect ratio (lower sidewall), 12-inch rim.
- 88/86Q 8PLY — Light truck rating. Dual load index (88 single/86 dual wheel), Q speed rating, 8-ply reinforced construction for heavier loads.
📦 R12 Tyres Currently In Stock
Here's what we currently have available. Prices are per tyre, excluding fitting.
| Size | Brand | Type | Price | Stock |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 155R12 88/86Q 8PLY | Joyroad | Light Truck | $70 | In Stock |
| 155R12 88/86N 8PLY | Gotyre | Light Truck | $75 | In Stock |
Secondhand R12 Tyres
We also carry quality secondhand R12 tyres when available:
- 145R12 — Classic size for older trailers and vehicles
- 145/70R12 — Lower profile option
- 4.80R12 — Imperial sizing for vintage applications
⚖️ Passenger vs Light Truck R12 Tyres
Choosing the right type depends on your application and load requirements:
Passenger Rated (e.g. 145/70R12 69T)
- Standard construction for lighter loads
- Quieter and more comfortable ride
- Suitable for classic cars, light caravans, and lightly loaded trailers
- Load capacity: 325-412kg per tyre
Light Truck Rated (e.g. 155R12 88/86Q 8PLY)
- Reinforced 8-ply construction for heavy loads
- Stiffer sidewalls resist deformation under load
- Essential for commercial trailers, loaded caravans, and work vehicles
- Load capacity: 530-560kg per tyre
- Dual load index (88/86) for single or dual wheel configurations
🚗 What Uses R12 Tyres?
R12 tyres serve a wide range of applications in New Zealand:
Car trailers, box trailers, and utility trailers commonly use 155R12 8PLY tyres for their load capacity. Many NZ-built trailers spec R12 wheels as standard.
Mid-size caravans and travel trailers frequently run R12 tyres. Check your van's load rating — most need light truck rated tyres when fully loaded.
Older delivery vans, kei trucks (Japanese micro trucks), and compact commercial vehicles may use R12 tyres, particularly Asian imports.
Many classic Mini owners upgrade from original 10" to 12" wheels for better tyre availability and improved handling. 145/70R12 is a popular choice.
Medium boat trailers (for boats up to ~5m) often use R12 tyres. Salt exposure demands regular inspection — check for corrosion and cracking.
Some farm trailers, feed wagons, and agricultural implements use R12 tyres. Light truck ratings recommended for rough paddock use.
📊 R12 Load Ratings Explained
Understanding load ratings is critical for trailer and commercial applications:
| Load Index | kg per Tyre | 4 Tyres Total | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 69 | 325kg | 1,300kg | Light trailers, classic cars |
| 77 | 412kg | 1,648kg | Caravans, medium trailers |
| 86 | 530kg | 2,120kg | Loaded trailers, commercial |
| 88 | 560kg | 2,240kg | Heavy trailers, max loads |
The 88/86 dual rating on light truck tyres means: 88 load index (560kg) when used as a single wheel, or 86 (530kg) when used in a dual wheel configuration.
❓ R12 Tyre FAQs
R12 indicates the tyre fits a 12-inch diameter rim. The "R" stands for radial construction (the standard for modern tyres). So 155R12 means a 155mm wide radial tyre designed for a 12-inch wheel.
Yes, they're identical. When the aspect ratio (profile) isn't specified, it defaults to 80%. So 155R12 = 155/80R12. Both are 155mm wide with a sidewall height of 80% of 155mm (124mm), fitting a 12-inch rim.
Light Truck (LT) rated tyres like the 155R12 8PLY have reinforced construction with multiple plies, stiffer sidewalls, and higher load capacity (530-560kg vs 325-412kg for passenger). Use LT for trailers, loaded caravans, and commercial vehicles. Passenger rated tyres are quieter and more comfortable but carry less weight.
Yes, but you'll need new wheels (rims) as well — R12 tyres cannot fit R10 wheels. Many trailer owners upgrade from R10 to R12 for better tyre availability, increased load capacity, and improved stability. Ensure your trailer's wheel arches have clearance for the larger diameter.
Look for the DOT code on the sidewall — the last 4 digits indicate the week and year of manufacture. For example, "2519" means week 25 of 2019. Tyres over 6 years old should be carefully inspected for cracking and degradation, regardless of remaining tread depth.
Check your trailer's door placard or manual for the recommended pressure. As a general guide, light truck R12 tyres typically run 40-50 PSI when loaded, but this varies by load. Higher pressure = higher load capacity. Never exceed the maximum pressure moulded on the tyre sidewall.
Other ranges
Where this sits against everything else we stock.
All Tyres
The full range
Passenger Car
The everyday tyre
4WD
HT vs AT vs RT vs MT
All Terrain
Gravel, sand, light mud
Highway Terrain
Quiet, sealed roads
High Performance
Grip and speed rating
Keep reading
The guides behind buying a tyre, written in the workshop.