Does a Replacement Trailer Wheel Center Pilot Hole have to be the Exact Same Size as the Old Wheels

Updated 06/26/2013 | Published 06/25/2013

Question:

I am trying to help a friend whom tells me the center hole on the wheels which need replacement are 2.5. The wheel I am viewing on your site is a 2.80. All other things being equal, will this wheel work for me? They are for a light duty trailer. Thanks

asked by: James

Expert Reply:

Having a larger center pilot hole on a wheel is fine as long as the wheel secures to the hub using lug nuts. If the old wheels secure to the hub using bolts then that means the wheel centers on the hub with the pilot hole and you would need a wheel with the exact same size center hole.

Take a look at how the wheel secures to the hub. If it uses lug nuts and the threaded studs are part of the hub, you can go with a wheel that has a larger pilot hole.

All of the tire and wheel combos that we have in size 5.30-12 will either have a pilot hole of 2.84 or 3.19 inches.

expert reply by: Michael H