Proper Centering of New Trailer Wheel Whose Pilot Hole is Larger Than Original Wheels

Question

Question:

Hi, I have a old pop up camper trailer converted into a utility trailer. The current tires and rims are 5.30 x 12 with a 2.5 inch center hole using lug bolts. I purchased new tires and rims and the center hole is 2.8 inches. I think this is a hub-centric design so im concerned about the center hole being too big. The place that i purchased them from said it will be fine because my lug bolts are coned and that centers the rim, but im nervous. Whats your thoughts? thank you

asked by: Kent M

0

Expert Reply:

You were given some correct information. The new trailer wheels you purchased that have a larger pilot hole will still be compatible with your hubs in terms of being properly centered. The key is indeed the coned lug bolts, such as # RG02-020. These will automatically center the wheel on the hub as they are tightened, as will coned lug nuts such as # CE11051. The larger pilot hole does not matter for alignment.

However, since your wheel has a larger pilot hole diameter this means that the load on the wheel is placed on those bolts, rather than on the pilot hole as intended. When a wheel's pilot hole matches the hub size the weight load is placed on the wheel's center, NOT on the bolts or studs. When the pilot hole is larger than the hub, it cannot take any of the weight load and it all goes on the bolts. This is not ideal. Ideally the pilot hole will match in size and that is the juncture where the trailer load is passed to the wheel. The stud/bolts center the wheel in this case but do not bear the load.

expert reply by: Adam R

0

Greg

3/7/2024

I'm looking for a couple of hub centered 12" and 4 lug trailer wheels. the trailer is a boat trailer with tandems. can you assist?

Reply

Mike L.

3/8/2024

@Greg We might have a replacement wheels for you. What is the pilot diameter of your current wheels (the large hole in the center that the hub passes through)? If you can provide that info, I'd be happy to recommend something for you.

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Answer 1

Trailer wheels like what is included with the Kenda 5.70-8 Bias Trailer Tire with Wheel #AM30153 are centered on the lugs, not the hub, so the pilot hole size does not matter (as long as it's large enough to fit over the hub). The bigger…

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Answer 2

First, I would say if there is any question on the road worthiness of the trailer, take the steps to correct it. Better safe than sorry. Some trailers have wheels that are hub-centric, the wheel is centered on the hub using the center pilot holes.…

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Answer 3

The pilot diameter on a wheel, like the one with part #AM30620, is the diameter of the bigger hole that is directly in the middle of the wheel. The pilot hole diameter of the wheel for the part I just measured is 2.84". I have attached a…

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Answer 4

The Kenda 4.80-12 Bias Trailer Tire with 12" White Wheel part #AM30620 has a 2.84" pilot so it will work for you. That said, you'd need to ensure the hub has a 4 on 4" bolt pattern and uses 1/2" wheel bolts…

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Answer 5

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 6

The difference between an load range C and load range D tire in the same size is the capacity and psi rating. The two tires will still have the same dimensions and fit on the same wheel. The D rated tire has a higher capacity. For a ST175/80D13 like…

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Answer 7

Load range B trailer tires are going to have a lower capacity than C load range tires. Basically that, psi rating, and the ply rating are the only differences. A higher load range tire would last a little longer than lower load ranges of the same…

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Answer 8

To determine the size of the hub assembly you need to purchase you have to determine which bearings are in the old assembly. If the old assembly has L44649 inner bearings, you would use the hub you chose #8-258-5UC1. If the inner bearings are marked…

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Answer 9

A BT8 spindle would have a diameter of .99 of an inch where the bearings would both install and would have a diameter of 1.24 where the great seal would ride. That would require a hub part #AKIHUB-440-2-1K for an idler hub. A BTR spindle would have…

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Answer 10

Even though I cannot comment specifically on the grease you used because I am not familiar with it, I can tell you the best grease for trailer bearings is a a grease with a rating of GC-LB, which just means it is made to withstand very high…

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Answer 11

Your math is correct in your trailer weight load example. If a fully-loaded tandem axle trailer weighs 4000-lbs then each of the 4 tires will bear 1/4th of that load, or 1000-lbs. In this case a tire rated for 1300-lbs would provide a good safety…

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Answer 12

To find the load capacity for your axle you should look on the trailer VIN plate or sticker that lists the VIN number. The weight rating of the axle should be listed on that same plate or sticker. Also, the axle could have a tag or plate on it that…

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Proper Centering of New Trailer Wheel Whose Pilot Hole is Larger Than Original Wheels

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