Does Pilot Size Matter for 15 Inch Tire and Wheel Combo With 6 on 5-1/2 Inch Bolt Pattern

Question:

I’m looking for a 225/75/15 or a 205/75/15 wheel and tire combo. It’s for a small utility trailer. 6 on 5-1/2 is the bolt pattern. Problem being is the center hub size is roughly 3-5/8 when I measured it. I measured it with a digital caliper and tape measure. Most of what I’m finding has a center pilot hole of 4.25. I was wondering what you would recommend.

asked by: Paul

Expert Reply:

That's a good question although the pilot size will only matter if you are using hub-piloted wheels, which means the the wheel secures to the hub with bolts as opposed to lug nuts (lug-piloted wheel), or if the wheel itself has a smaller pilot hole than the hub.

The 3-5/8 inch measurement you got is pretty common and it does sound like you are looking for a lug-piloted wheel, which is by far the most common.

So for that you can absolutely use a ST225/75R15 or ST205/75R15 tire and wheel combo with a 6 on 5-1/2" bolt pattern.

For the latter size I recommend checking out the Provider ST205/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire with 15" Vesper White Mod Wheel # TA23MR.

For a ST225/75R15 tire and wheel combo with a 6 on 5-1/2" bolt pattern there are a number of different styles available to suit your tastes which I recommend taking a look at such as the Contender ST225/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire w/ 15" White Wheel # AM32664.

expert reply by: Kyle S