Does the Center Pilot Hole of a Trailer Wheel Have to be an Exact Size

Published 07/03/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Kenda Loadstar 5.30-12 Bias Trailer Tire with 12" White Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range C

(2701)

$103.45

Kenda K353 Bias Trailer Tire - 5.30-12 - Load Range C

(3775)

$56.56

Question:

I need to buy new 5x4-1/2 rims with 5.30x12 tires, but my utility trailer hub/pilot dia is 2.5, and it seems that all your rims and tires in that size have a 3.19inch pilot, but no matter whom I talked too they say it doesnt matter. Can you provide any input before I buy the 3.19inch pilot rims and tires? Thanks

asked by: Fred

Helpful Expert Reply:

There are two different types of trailer hubs that will determine if the pilot hole on a wheel matters or not. First there are hubs that use wheel bolts to secure the wheel to the hub. These are called hub-centric. For this type, the pilot hole has to be exact because that is how the wheel centers on the hub.

Then there are the type that use lug nuts to secure the wheel to the hub. These are called lug-centric. The pilot hole can be larger but obviously not smaller because it wouldn't fit on the hub. The wheel centers on the hub using the lug nuts.

Most trailers use the second type, lug-centric. The other type, hub-centric, are normally found on older trailers and not used much anymore.

So, if your wheels secure to your hubs using wheel bolts then you need wheels that have an exact pilot hole to match the old wheels (or just replace the tires with # AM10066 and not the wheels if possible).

If your wheels secure using lug nuts then the larger 3.19 inch pilot hole like on tire and wheel combo # AM30820 will work just fine.

If you do have hub-centric hubs/wheels then you will need to also replace the hubs. I would need to know the inner and outer bearing numbers, stamped into the bearings, to determine if we have hubs that will fit. In the event that we do not have the hubs then your best option would be to replace the axle.