Recommendations For Upgrading a 5.70-8 Trailer Wheel To Something Larger

Question:

I have a lightweight work trailer with 4 bolt 5.7x8 wheels/tires rated at 1k. I honestly don't know the rating of the trailer (bought used, but 1k is more than I need) See attached image. They are 8" or so in diameter for the wheel and 12" or so for the tire + wheel. I want to increase the diameter of the tire from 12" to something "bigger" not for capacity, simply for highway driving stability and reduced wear and tear due to the lower RPM per tire. I bought it used, and I haven't done a bearings check, but likely could use replacement hubs as well. My question is this: 1) What size should I move to? Im willing to modify the fender, its pretty open and easy to do on this trailer. 2) Are the axel diameters standard for this size wheel? Would a 5 bolt work better for a larger tire. 3) Should I stay with a 4bolt or move to a 5 4) What hubs should I buy? Are the pre-greased? Do you sell trh grease as well 5) If I am replacing hub, should I replace the spindle as well since I have it open? 6) What tire/wheel should I get?

asked by: Scott A

Expert Reply:

We definitely have options to upgrade your current wheels. You will want to make sure you have at least 3 inches of clearance from the top of the tire to the bottom of the fender, but if you have the ability to modify the fender, this should not be much of an issue. You can also stick with the 4 on 4 bolt pattern if you like, but swapping that to the 5 on 4-1/2 bolt pattern will allow for even more options.

The first option if you end up staying with the 4 bolt pattern will be the Kenda 5.30-12 Bias Trailer Tire with 12" White Wheel # AM30780. This will have a 65 mph speed rating and is rated up to 1,045 pounds at 80 psi.

Next will be the Kenda 205/65-10 Bias Trailer Tire with 10" White Wheel # AM3H460. This will actually have a higher speed rating of 87 mph and a higher capacity of 1,650 pounds at 90 psi, and between the two options, would be the way I would go if I was doing this.

Axle diameters are not really a standard at this size and there can be a few different bearing combinations that could have been used. As a quick example, the Idler Hub Assembly for 2K Axles # AKHD-545-2-1K will use the inner and outer bearing # L44643 that has a 1 inch inner diameter, but the Idler Hub Assembly for 2K Axles # AKIHUB-440-2-EZ-2K will use the inner and outer bearing # L44649 that has a 1.063 inner diameter. These both are pre-greased and have the same 4 bolt pattern and are both designed for 2,000 pound axles, so the only way to know what you have is to remove a hub and check.

If you spindle looks good and there is no bluing from overheating or pitting from rust, then there will be no need to replace them.