Compatibility of New Wheel Rims on Old Hub/Drums When Wheel Has Larger Pilot Hole In Center

Updated 07/17/2020 | Published 07/15/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"

(77)

$212.80

Trailer Wheel Center Cap, Chrome, 3.19" Pilot Size

(807)

$21.33

Question:

Hi, I ordered new rims for my trailer and bought new tires to go on them. Im already into this new set $700. The old rims were rusty 15inch and the new is 16. I decided to go up a rim size so I could run a taller tire. The taller tires I have space for under the fenders which is fine even with a load. The trailer runs closer to level loaded now too instead of the at an angle up to the truck. The trailer is a gooseneck and I have the hitch adjusted as low as I can without hitting my bedsides while traveling. My concern is the new rims have a larger center hole than the old rims. The old rims look like they were ground to fit the hub, so I am not sure if that makes a difference. The new rims dont fit the lip on the hub like the old rims and the tire installer recommended I buy adapters called spigot rings. The rings are rather expensive so I looked at my other trailers and seen they have a gap between the hub and center hole with no adapters. Do I really need the expensive adapters to take the weight off the lug bolts and put it into the hub?

asked by: Bill N

Expert Reply:

Trailer wheels are designed to hold the weight at the lugs. Passenger vehicles are hub centered where trailer wheels are lug centered. The large pilot hole is not an issue at all and there are various size caps like # 319EZ that can be used for aesthetics. I've linked the page to these options so you can see the sizes and the installation.

The spigot rings are designed for passenger vehicles and not trailer use. I assume the installer also didn't know that trailer tires are balanced differently than passenger tires and a pin plate adapter is needed if you will add weight to the wheel like you would with a passenger tire.

I've attached an article to assist.

expert reply by: Jason S