Can 5 x 8 Utility Trailer Be Equipped With 15 Inch Wheels

Updated 01/20/2021 | Published 01/18/2021

Question:

I have a 5 x 8 Utility trailer that I haul my ATV with. It currently uses 13 tires. From the factory. I am planning a hunting trip out west later this year. I want to upgrade to a 15 tire with a 4x4 bolt pattern. My thoughts are this size tire will roll better and give better service. Can you advise wheel and Tire? Do I want a radial as opposed to bia ply?

asked by: Henry P

Expert Reply:

If you have a 4 on 4 bolt pattern, the largest wheel you'll be able to use is a 13 inch, as a 15 inch wheel would use a 5 on 4-1/2, 5 on 5 or a 6 on 5-1/2 inch bolt pattern. Swapping to a different bolt pattern would mean replacing the hubs. A higher capacity hub with a different bolt pattern will likely use bearings that aren't compatible with your existing spindles which means that the spindles or axles themselves would need replacing.

If you could confirm your current wheel bolt pattern, tire size and provide either the GVWR of the trailer or the reference numbers from the inner and outer wheel bearings, I'd be happy to make some recommendations for you.

For your stated application, bias ply or radial would work for you. The best choice will depend on how you primarily use the trailer. Bias ply works well for off-road because they have stiffer sidewalls, but they still work fine for highway use. Radials will run cooler on the highway, but they can still be used off road. Since you're driving 'out west', your trailer likely spends most of its time on paved roads, so I'd recommend going with radial tires.

I've linked to an article that shows how to determine the wheel bolt pattern.

expert reply by: Mike L