Recommended 5 on 5 Bolt Pattern Wheels and Tires for 7K Tandem Axle Trailer

Question:

I have an older 1998 Hullco tandem axle 7k trailer. I just bought it and it has 4 different tires on it! The mfg sticker on the trailer states 15x6 wheels, 205/75-15 tires and I’ve measured the bolt pattern at 5 on 5. This seems like an uncommon combination of tire size, wheels size, and bolt pattern. In addition, the current wheels are old rusty vintage 15x6 like you’d see on an old Chevy, backspacing of 3 5/8 according to my tape measure, which is almost 0 offset but not quite I’ve correctly measured it multiple times.The wheel itself still sticks out from the fender about 1/2”. I’d like to have the tires and wheels tuck into fender better. But I’d prefer to not sacrifice load rating to get there. I can’t decide if I should follow the mfg sticker or go to a 5” wide wheel which are just barely rated high enough for a 7k trailer. Any advice?

asked by: Kyle

Expert Reply:

If at all possible, it's best to stick as close as possible to the wheel/tire size recommended by the trailer manufacturer because that's how the trailer was designed but there IS some flexibility there.

We don't offer a higher rated tire than a load range C (1820 lb per tire) mounted on a 5 on 5 bolt pattern wheel, but you could purchase the wheel and tires separately and have them mounted locally if you wish.

I'd recommend going with a 15x5 rim like part # AM20428 which have a zero offset. To cover the 7000 lb GVWR, you could use a 205/75-15 tire like # AM10245. A 205/75-15 tire will fit perfectly on a 5, 5-1/2, 6 or 6-1/2 inch wide wheel, so the 15x5 wheel would work great for you. The tire has a 2150 lb per tire/4300 lb per axle capacity, plenty to handle the GVWR of your trailer.

I'll link to some product description videos for the wheel and tire I recommended.

expert reply by: Mike L