Need Trailer Tires/Wheels With 5-on-4-Inch Bolt Pattern

Question:

Hi, I purchased replacement wheel/tires for my trailer based on the tire size and number of holes. The tires on the trailer are ST175/80*13. I went with a radial tire and 41/2 inch bolt pattern thinking that was pretty standard. When I got them home I realized the rims are actually a 4inch bolt pattern. Finding it difficult to find a 5 hole 4inch bolt pattern. Can I replace the hubs or keep looking for a 4inch 5 hole bolt pattern? Thanks!

asked by: Jerry

Helpful Expert Reply:

We offer trailer wheels, and some wheels with tires already mounted, in several 5-lug bolt patterns:

5 on 4-1/2 Inch
5 on 4-3/4 Inch
5 on 5 Inch
5 on 5-1/2 Inch

By far the most common bolt pattern is the 5-on-4-1/2. This means that the 5 lugs are centered on a circle whose diameter is 4-1/2-inches. Please refer to the photo I have prepared for you and also to the linked article that shows various bolt patterns and explains how to measure to determine yours. We are not aware of a 5-on-4-inch bolt pattern and we do not offer wheels in this particular configuration.

The other link to your right will take you to our main page for all trailer wheels, tires and wheels-with-tires. You can use the filters on the page to narrow the product results to just what you need, either wheels alone or wheels with tires, based on the bolt pattern that you confirm is on your trailer.

If you do in fact have a 5-on-4-inch bolt pattern and you cannot locate wheels/tires, you may be able to change out your hubs to new ones that use one of the more readily-available bolt patterns.

In order to select new hubs you will need to confirm several details about your existing setup. First you need to confirm the axle's weight rating. This should be indicated on a sticker or plate attached to the axle itself, or it may be indicated on the trailer's specification sticker (or be listed in the trailer manufacturer's documentation). The other item you must confirm is the part number from the inner and outer bearing used in your current hubs. With these bits of information you can check for new hubs in your preferred bolt pattern that have the correct weight capacity and that use the same bearings as yours.

The other link at right will take you to our main page for hubs, and also for hubs-with-drums and hubs-with-rotors for applications with brakes. You again can use the filters on the page to select your bearings to find hubs that will fit them and that have the appropriate weight capacity for your axle.

If you prefer to start fresh we also offer axle kits that come complete with everything you need. For example, Dexter Trailer Axle Kit # 35545I-EZ-89 consists of a 3500-lb-rated 89-inch axle, 5-on-4-1/2 idler hubs, bearings, races, seals, grease caps, wheel studs, lug nuts and even marine-grade wheel bearing grease. Please refer to the linked installation video.