Shorter Wheel and Tire Needed for Refurbishing an Older Trailer are New Hubs Required  

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Expert Reply:

I did a bit of math and a 195/60R15 tire should measure to be 24.2 inches overall diameter. If you need 1.5 to 2 inches at the top of the tire you would need a tire that has an overall diameter 3 to 4 inches less than the 195/60R15 tires you have now. A 4.80-12 trailer tire and wheel combination, # AM30620, would be the next size down that would fit with the clearance you need, if the bolt pattern on your wheel is 4 bolts on a 4 inch bolt circle. All of the 12 inch steel trailer wheels with 4 on 4 bolt patterns have a pilot hole diameter of 2.84 inches. The overall diameter of this tire and wheel combination is 20.7 inches.

If your trailer has a 5 on 4-1/2 inch bolt pattern, see the informational article on measuring bolt pattern, then the 4.80-12 trailer tire and wheel combination, # AM30660, has a slightly larger pilot diameter of 3.19 inches. This tire and wheel also has an overall diameter of 20.7 inches.

You will need to check the axle capacity on your trailer before downsizing from a 15 inch wheel and tire combination, to a 12 inch or smaller combination. The wheel and tire recommendations above are designed for a trailer axle that is rated at 1,980 lbs or less.

If your hubs need a wheel with a larger pilot diameter and/or a 4 on 5 inch bolt pattern, you will either have to check with the trailer manufacturer about wheels or, as you mentioned, change the hubs out with new hubs that will work with a smaller pilot diameter wheel. To determine the correct hubs for your trailer you will need to remove one of the hubs and record the inner and outer bearing and seal part numbers so that the proper hub can be selected.

If you would like to send me the axle capacity of your trailer and the inner and outer bearing part numbers and seal part number, I will be glad to try to help find the correct parts for your trailer.

expert reply by: Robert G

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