Small 8 Inch Trailer Wheel with Tire Upgrade to 12 Inch

Question:

I am thinking about upgrading to this Combo: Kenda Tires and Wheels - Tire with Wheel - AM35351DX. The current wheel is 8inch and 4 on 4 bolt pattern with 1/2in studs and 2.475inch center hub hole. Obviously the center hole is bigger on the 12inch wheel. Do I need to make a ring spacer/adapter to locate the bigger rim center hole on the smaller existing hub or is the lugs sufficient for proper locating of wheel? This originally is a trailer from harbor freight, I believe made by haulmaster, with some mods by me. See attached pic.

asked by: Jim J

Expert Reply:

The Kenda Karrier S-Trail ST145/R12 Radial Tire w/ 12" White Spoke Wheel - 4 on 4 - LR D # AM35351DX will work as an upgrade for your trailer but will require altering your trailer fenders based on the photo. The larger center pilot diameter of 2.84 inches won't be an issue as trailer tires are centered by the lug nuts not the hub. The diameter difference of the tires will be the biggest concern to make sure you have adequate spacing between the frame and fenders.

For instance, the Kenda Karrier S-Trail ST145/R12 Radial Tire w/ 12" White Spoke Wheel - 4 on 4 - LR D # AM35351DX has an outer diameter of 21.3 inches and a width of 5.7 inches which will give you 2.85 inches backspacing from the hub face where the tire installs to ensure you have frame clearance. For your fender you will want 3-4 inches of clearance above the tire to allow for the suspension without wheel rub on the fender.

expert reply by: Jason S