Can a 16 Inch Trailer Wheels be Added to a Trailer with 12 Inch Wheels

Updated 09/10/2012 | Published 09/05/2012

Question:

Can I put 16inch wheels on a 5x8, 2000 lb axle flat trailer instead of the standard 12?

asked by: Doug

Expert Reply:

There are a few things you will want to look at when changing wheel sizes. First, a 16 inch wheel and tire is going to be taller than a 12 inch. You need to make sure there is room above the existing 12 inch tire and wheel to go to a 16 inch set up.

Next, a larger wheel size will often have a wider tire. You need to make sure there is enough clearance between the trailer frame and the back of the existing tire for a larger size.

Then, if your wheels now center on the hub using lug nuts, you have to make sure the new wheel has a center hole that is the same size or larger than the existing one and that the bolt holes are the same diameter and the bolt pattern is the same.

If the wheels center on the hub using lug bolts then the center hole on the new wheels has to be exactly the same. Then the bolt hole diameter and bolt pattern will need to be the same as well.

Going to a larger size will not give the trailer a higher capacity. Capacity is set by the axle capacity. I have included a link to our series of FAQ articles on tires and wheels for you.

expert reply by: Michael H