Does Pilot Hole Size Matter When Replacing a Trailer Wheel on a 1984 Basstracker Boat Trailer

Published 04/10/2012

Products Featured in This Question

Dexstar Conventional Steel Wheel with Offset - 13" x 4-1/2" Rim - 5 on 4-1/2 - Black

(620)

$89.26

Steel Spoke Trailer Wheel - 13" x 4-1/2" Rim - 5 on 4-1/2 - Galvanized Finish

(746)

$55.02

Trailer Wheel Bolts - 1/2" Diameter x 1" Long - 60 Degree - Qty 4

(102)

$11.47

Question:

I have a1984 Basstracker boat trailer. I need a spare. The trailer has 175 / 13inch tires. The rims are 5 on 4 1/2 bolt pattern with the pilot roughly 2.75. Can I use a 5 on 4.5inch rim with a 3.19 pilot? Thank you.

asked by: Wayne T

Expert Reply:

A larger pilot hole will not matter as long as the wheel centers on the hub using lug nuts. If the wheel centers on the hub using wheel bolts, like # RG02-020 as an example, the pilot hole will need to be exact.

The wheel that you have chosen, # AM20214, also has a positive offset of 0.5 inches (mounting surface of the wheel sits outside the rim centerline). For a marine application, I would go with a galvanized wheel, # AM20234.

I have also included a link to an FAQ article on trailer tires for you.

expert reply by: Michael H