Replacement Tires and Wheels Needed for 1962 Boat Trailer with 6.00-9 Wheels 4 on 4 Bolt Pattern

Question:

I have an old 1962 boat trailer with 4 lug wheels. I recently measured lug nuts from center a to center b at about 2 7/8. Unfortunately I did not measure the diagonal nor the center hole and the trailer is 2h away so I cant re-measure easily. Are all 4 lug rims standard? My next problem is that it has 6.00-9inch wheels. Since I want to replace existing rims and tires I was thinking of going with a 5.30 x 12 C range wheel/tire combo on a 4 lug rim. Per your specs these are .8inch taller and a little narrower. I guess that means Ill eat up .4inch more between the top of the tire and fender. Im pretty sure Ive got the clearance for that. Does converting to this wheel/tire combination make sense from your perspective. Thanks for your help.

asked by: Matt P

Expert Reply:

The 4 on 4 is a very common bolt pattern but just to make sure that this is what you have on your 1962 boat trailer, I went out to our warehouse to get a measurement. The side to side, or center a to center b, measurement is going to be 2-7/8 inches on the 4 on 4 rim so we have a match. As for not measuring the center hole, as long as you have lug centric wheels, which means they slide onto studs on the hub and are secured with lug nuts, this measurement won't be as crucial. Since the wheel is centered by the lugs, the center hole just has to be large enough to fit over the hub.

Now for converting to a different size tire and wheel combo. I have included a link to all of the 5.30-12 tire and 4 on 4 bolt pattern combos that we offer. As you mentioned, a tire like the Kenda 5.30-12 Bias Trailer Tire with 12 inch Galvanized Wheel, # AM30790, is going to be a bit larger at 21.9 inches in diameter. As long as you will have enough clearance on your trailer, converting to this size will not be a problem.

Another option that you may want to consider is a 4.8-12 combo like the Kenda Bias Trailer Tire with 12 inch Aluminum Wheel, # AM30677. This tire will have a diameter of 20.7 inches which would provide some extra clearance room. I have included a link to these as well.

expert reply by: Leah S