Does the Center Pilot Hole of a Trailer Wheel Have to be an Exact Size
Question:
I need to buy new 5x4-1/2 rims with 5.30x12 tires, but my utility trailer hub/pilot dia is 2.5, and it seems that all your rims and tires in that size have a 3.19inch pilot, but no matter whom I talked too they say it doesnt matter. Can you provide any input before I buy the 3.19inch pilot rims and tires? Thanks
asked by: Fred
Helpful Expert Reply:
There are two different types of trailer hubs that will determine if the pilot hole on a wheel matters or not. First there are hubs that use wheel bolts to secure the wheel to the hub. These are called hub-centric. For this type, the pilot hole has to be exact because that is how the wheel centers on the hub.
Then there are the type that use lug nuts to secure the wheel to the hub. These are called lug-centric. The pilot hole can be larger but obviously not smaller because it wouldn't fit on the hub. The wheel centers on the hub using the lug nuts.
Most trailers use the second type, lug-centric. The other type, hub-centric, are normally found on older trailers and not used much anymore.
So, if your wheels secure to your hubs using wheel bolts then you need wheels that have an exact pilot hole to match the old wheels (or just replace the tires with # AM10066 and not the wheels if possible).
If your wheels secure using lug nuts then the larger 3.19 inch pilot hole like on tire and wheel combo # AM30820 will work just fine.
If you do have hub-centric hubs/wheels then you will need to also replace the hubs. I would need to know the inner and outer bearing numbers, stamped into the bearings, to determine if we have hubs that will fit. In the event that we do not have the hubs then your best option would be to replace the axle.
Products Referenced in This Question
Kenda K353 Bias Trailer Tire - 5.30-12 - Load Range C
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Tire Only
- Bias Ply Tire
- Load Range C
- 5.30-12
- 12 Inch
- K - 65 mph
- Kenda
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Kenda Loadstar 5.30-12 Bias Trailer Tire with 12" White Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range C
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Tire with Wheel
- Bias Ply Tire
- Load Range C
- 5.30-12
- 12 Inch
- 5 on 4-1/2 Inch
- Steel Wheels - Powder Coat
- Kenda
more information >
Continue Researching
- Shop: Karrier ST175/80R13 Radial Trailer Tire with 13" Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range D
- Shop: Dexter Trailer Idler Hub Assembly for 3,500-lb Axles - 5 on 4-1/2
- Search Results: dexter seal 010 019 00
- Search Results: dexter axle d35
- Search Results: d35
- Shop: Dexstar Steel Spoke Trailer Wheel - 15" x 6" Rim - 6 on 5-1/2 - Silver Powder Coat
- Shop: Easy Grease Trailer Idler Hub Assembly for 3.5K Axles - 5 on 4-1/2 - Galvanized
- Search Results: lh28fr
- Search Results: trailer wheel center cap
- Search Results: goodyear endurance
- Search Results: tire only
- Video: Review of Lionshead Trailer Tires and Wheels - Tire with Aluminum Wheel - LH76FR
- Shop: Westlake ST235/80R16 Radial Tire w/ 16" Liger Aluminum Wheel - 8 on 6-1/2 - LR E - Glossy Black
- Shop: Americana Trailer Wheel Center Cap w/ Plug - Chrome Plated - 3.33" Pilot
- Shop: Kenda 5.30-12 Bias Trailer Tire with 12" White Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range D
- Q&A: How to Determine the Size of a Trailer Hub Assembly for Replacement
- Q&A: What Is The Ply Rating Of The Kenda Loadstar 5.30-12 Bias Ply Trailer Tire With 12" White Wheel?
- Q&A: How to Determine Total Weight Carrying Capacity of Trailer Tires
- Q&A: Recommended 5.30X12 Tire and Wheel with High Speed Rating
- Q&A: Recommended Tires Size 5.30-12 For Highway Speeds
- Video: FAQ on a 7 Common Trailer Tire Questions
- Video: Kenda Tires and Wheels - Tire with Wheel - AM30820 Review
- Video: Kenda Tires and Wheels - Tire with Wheel - AM30850 Review
- Video: Kenda Tires and Wheels - Tire with Wheel - AM30660 Review
- Q&A: What is the Outer Diameter of Center of Dexter Trailer Hub Assembly - 3,500-lb Axles - 5 on 4-1/2
- Q&A: Idler Hub Needed for 3500 lb Axle
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Video: Review of Kenda Trailer Tires and Wheels - Tire with Wheel - AM31199DX
- Video: Review of Americana Tires and Wheels - Wheel Only - AM20354