Can Trailer Wheel with Pilot Diameter of 3.19 inch Replace Wheel with Pilot Diameter 3.25 inch

Published 07/17/2023

Question:

I have 5 25 year old white 8 spoke steel trailer wheels with a 3.25 inch pilot hole measurement. Wheels are 14x5.5 and 5 on 4.5 bolt pattern. Lug nut size 1/2. I am seeing these same new wheels today are 3.19 inch pilot. Thats 0.06 inch difference, which would be 0.03 inch difference on each side of the hub. I am thinking this will mean nothing and fit on my axle hub. 1998 year Travel Trailer is a double axle, app. 3,500 lbs each axle. Do I have to have a 3.25 pilot or will 3.19 work?

asked by: Steven V

Expert Reply:

As long as your trailer wheel is secured to the hub with lug nuts and not wheel bolts you can use a trailer wheel with a slightly different pilot diameter. Since you mentioned lug nuts you're totally fine to use a wheel and tire like the Kenda 4.80-12 on a 12 inch wheel part # AM30580 which has a pilot diameter of 3.19 inch.

expert reply by: Jameson C