Are There Hub Centric Aluminum Trailer Wheels?

Updated 10/05/2026 | Published 10/03/2026

Products Featured in This Question

Lippert Trailer Idler Hub Assembly for 3,500-lb Axles - 5 on 5" - Pre-Greased

(2)

$77.66

Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 3,500-lb Axles - 10" Diameter - 5 on 4-1/2 - Pre-Greased

(30)

$115.21

Question:

I will try to clarify my earlier question.. I have a boat trailer with steel 5 bolt wheels with 4.8-12 tires.. wheels are attached with bolts only no lug nuts.. I want to purchase new tires and aluminum alloy wheels .. how do I do this with the existing bolt attachment?? Or do I need to do something else to use lug nuts?? Thanks. Mark S

asked by: Mark S

Expert Reply:

Hi Mark,

From what you're describing, you have what we call hub-centric wheels. That means that the wheels center on the hub using the hub bore rather than centering with lug nuts. This means the pilot hole diameter of the existing wheel needs to match the new wheel pilot hole diameter exactly.

However, aluminum alloy wheels are thicker than steel and require standard wheel studs and lug nuts so they can clamp down safely. In order to use aluminum wheels, you'll need to replace your trailer hubs with a 5-lug assembly that comes with wheel studs pre-installed in them like the TruRyde Pre-Greased Trailer Hub w/ 5 on 4 1/2 bolt pattern part # TRU66AV. These are just an example, because we'll need to pick a hub for you based off your axle capacity and what bearings/seals are in your current hub to make sure the new one fits the spindle.

Is any information on your axle tag visible? Or do you know what the part number is of your current hubs?

expert reply by: Claire H