Can A Wheel With A Larger Pilot Hole Work As A Replacement For A Wheel With A Smaller Pilot Hole?

Updated 12/27/2021 | Published 12/26/2021

Question:

hello, I have a small boat trailer that I would like to buy new tires and rims for. 4.8x12 tires 12x4 rims. The rims are 5x4.5 bolt pattern which I can find. What Im having problems with are the pilot rim diameter which is 2.8 inches. All I seem to find is 3.19 inch diameter. Any help with this? Thanks

asked by: Henry B

Expert Reply:

The 2.8" pilot hole will typically be found on wheels in the 8" to 10" range, so having it on a 12" wheel is a little odd. With that being said, most trailer wheels, if not all in this size, are lug centric and are centered by the torque of the lug bolts. This means the pilot holes is less important than that on vehicle wheels, which are hub centric and use the pilot hole to center the wheel. Due to this, you will have no issue using a wheel with a larger pilot hole diameter, like the Kenda 4.80-12 Bias Trailer Tire with 12" White Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 # AM30580 with its 3.19" pilot hole.

expert reply by: Lazer S