Can Modern 8" Diameter Wheels Work With 7" Drum Brakes On Trailer?

Updated 07/28/2021 | Published 07/27/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Steel Trailer Wheel - 8" x 7" Rim - 4 on 4 - White

(724)

$21.62

Steel Trailer Wheel - 10" x 6" Rim - 4 on 4 - White

(724)

$33.35

Question:

I have a hand me down trailer that has the 7inch drum brakes with 8x7 wheels that have been in use for over 30 years. I am aware that this combo is not standard practice, but apparently it was doable at the time it was built. One issue I have is the trailer does not have a spare. I have tried a made in china wheel that will not work because of the amount of taper on the back/inside of the wheel. Will the 8x7s that you sell allow a brake drum to be fully ed into the backside of the wheel?

asked by: Chris C

Expert Reply:

I wish it would, but the Steel Trailer Wheel - 8" x 7" Rim - 4 on 4 - White # AM20021 you were looking at will not work with 7" drum brakes as the I.D. of the wheel is closer to 6". It may be possible to find an extra wheel like your current wheels on a resale website.

Instead the only modern option I am aware of is going with the 10" or larger wheel like the Steel Trailer Wheel - 10" x 6" Rim - 4 on 4 - White # AM20041.

I included a video of the # AM20041 for you to take a look at.

expert reply by: Samuel C