Tire and Wheel Recommendation for a 1973 Boat Trailer with 13 Inch Wheels and 4 Hole Bolt Pattern

Question:

yes i have a 1973 boat trailer with dolly axle. the tire and wheel size is a 6.50 by 13.this is a 4 hole pattern. my wheels use screw in bolt lugs not studs with luge nuts . I would like to know which tire and wheel I wood need to use. can you help please thanks very much.

asked by: Billy W

Helpful Expert Reply:

We do carry 13 inch wheels with a 4 hole bolt pattern, but there are a few other factors that we will need to look at to make sure we can get you a wheel that will work with your trailer.

First, we carry two different 4 hole bolt patterns for a 13 inch wheel. The bolt patterns are 4 on 4 inches and 4 on 9.44. You will want to measure from the center of one bolt hole to the center of the bolt hole directly opposite of that hole to find what bolt pattern your wheels have. I have attached an FAQ article on determining your bolt pattern for you to check out.

Next, since your hub uses wheel bolts instead of lug nuts, you have hub-centric wheels. This means your wheels center on the hub using the hub bore rather than centering with lug nuts. You will want to measure the diameter of the pilot hole on your current wheels and choose a wheel that has the exact same pilot hole diameter. Our 13 inch wheels have different pilot hole diameters, so it is important that you get the right size. We typically measure the pilot holes of our wheels with a dial caliper to ensure we get a precise measurement.

Finally, we will want to consider the tire size you are currently using. All of the 13 inch wheels with the 4 on 4 bolt pattern use a 175/80-13 tire. These tires are approximately 6-7/8 inches wide and have an overall diameter of 24 inches. If your current tires are a smaller size, you will just need to make sure you have enough clearance in your wheel well and to your trailer frame to mount larger tires.

If you can send me your bolt hole pattern, tire size and pilot hole diameter, I can make a more specific recommendation for your 1973 boat trailer.

expert reply by: John H