If Trailer Wheel Attaches with Wheel Bolts Does the Pilot Diameter of Wheel Matter for Replacement

Updated 08/04/2014 | Published 08/02/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Kenda 4.80-12 Bias Trailer Tire with 12" White Wheel - 4 on 4 - Load Range B

(7908)

$78.74

Kenda 205/65-10 Bias Trailer Tire with 10" White Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range C

(7908)

$99.09

Question:

Hello Ihave a small boat trailer with 4.80x8 tires on it and Iwant to put 12 in tires on it . The bolt pattern is 5x41/2 and the pilot hole for the hub is just shy of 2 and 7/8 with screw in bolts. My question is is can I use a hub with a pilot hole that is 3.1 or do I need to stay with a smaller pilot hole size [2 and 7/8 ] ,considering that they are screw in bolts rather than hard lugs that attached the wheel to the hub

asked by: Chris A

Expert Reply:

Since you have wheel bolts instead of lug nuts to secure the wheels of your trailer you will need to find a wheel with the exact same size pilot hole since your wheels are hub-centric, meaning they center on hub with the pilot hole.

Of the 12 inch rims we offer, none of them match your pilot diameter. They all have 3.19 inch pilot diameters. The biggest size rim we have with a matching pilot diameter would be a 10 inch rim. The only size we have would be the 205/65-10 like part # AM3H390 that also has a 5 on 4-1/2 inch bolt pattern.

You should note that this is a pretty wide tire. It measures 8.3 inches in width and is 20.5 inches tall when inflated. You will need to compare these dimensions to your trailer to be certain if it will clear.

I attached an FAQ on trailer tires for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C