Is It Important for Hub Pilot and Wheel Pilot Diameter to Match

Published 08/24/2019

Question:

I bought replacement wheels and tires for my utility trailer. The old and new are both 4.80X12 four bolt rims. The old ones were rated at 780# and the new tires are rated at 900#. The pilot hole is bigger on the new rims. Is that ok?

asked by: Gus T

Helpful Expert Reply:

The answer to your question depends on whether your current hubs are lug or hub centric. A lug centric hub uses wheel studs and lug nuts to retain the wheel to the hub. As long as the hub fits through the pilot diameter of the wheel, it does not matter if the pilot diameter is larger. A hub centric wheel, on the other hand will use lug bolts to attach the wheel, and the pilot diameter will matter because the portion of the hub that protrudes through the wheel pilot provides some support along with the lug bolts.

expert reply by: Mike L