Is Hub Replacement Required for 15 Inch Wheels to be Upgraded to 16 Inch Wheels?

Updated 06/04/2019 | Published 06/03/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 7,000-lb Axles - 12" Diameter - 8 on 6-1/2 - Pre-Greased

(1264)

$112.49

Provider ST235/80R16 Radial Trailer Tire w/ 16" White Mod Wheel - 6 on 5-1/2 - LR E

(1131)

$267.73

Provider ST225/75R15 Trailer Tire with White Spoke Wheel - 6 on 5-1/2

(1131)

$205.00

Question:

I have a trailer with 15 inch tires 6 bolts. can I convert it to 16inch tires 8 bolts by just replacing the hub assembly? thanks.

asked by: JESUS R

Expert Reply:

To upgrade from a 15 inch wheel to a 16 inch wheel you won't need to change your hubs for a new bolt pattern. If you want to change your hubs for a different bolt pattern you will need the numbers on the inner and outer bearings as well as the seal of one of your hubs. I'd be happy to help with those numbers to determine if there is a fit.

We do have 16 inch tires and wheels that fit that 6 on 5-1/2 inch bolt pattern if you want to keep the hubs you currently have. You will simply need to determine the diameter of your current tires and then compare to the newer diameter of the larger tires for clearances.

For instance, the Provider ST235/80R16 Radial Trailer Tire w/ 16" White Mod Wheel - 6 on 5-1/2 - LR E # TA39VR has an outer diameter of 30.79 inches. When compared to the Provider ST225/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire w/ 15" White Spoke Wheel - 6 on 5-1/2 - LR D # TA84VR which has an outer diameter of 28.31 inches so the difference is 2.48 inches. That means you'll have a wheel well clearance reduced by about 1-1/4 inches and you need to have around 4 inches from the top of the tire to the wheel well to give you suspension deflection (movement) clearance.

expert reply by: Jason S