How to Determine if a Trailer Wheel is Hub-centeric or Lug-centric
Question:
We have a late 70s vintage but hardly used COX boat trailer with 4.80-8 tires and wheels original which are the tires are cracked. We anticipate using the trailer more and wish to upgrade to 4.80-12. We have enough clearance all around. The issue is if the wheels are hub or lug centric? The wheels are attached via lug bolts not nuts that are conical not flat where they meet the wheel. However, the wheel also sits very snug on the hub. So I cant determine if a wheel with a larger hub bore would be acceptable and safe. Are there other clues to figure out if the wheel is hub or lug centric?. If the bolts are conical does it matter from a load perspective? You help is much appreciated.
asked by: Steve B
Expert Reply:
The wheels are hub-centric. The wheel bolts instead of lug nuts is the only clue needed. A hub-centric wheel centers on the hub using the pilot hole and hub so it would be a snug fit. You could still use a lug-centric wheel as long as the pilot hole of the new wheel is exactly the same as the old wheels.
To determine if any of the 4.80-12 tire and wheel combos we have will fit I will need to know the bolt pattern of the wheels and the diameter of the pilot hole. I have linked a help article that explains how to measure for bolt pattern.
If none end up fitting then you would also have to replace the hubs. To do this I would need to know the inner and outer bearing numbers stamped into the bearings. Or I would need to know some specific measurements shown in the picture I have provided. In the picture, B, C, and D are the most important.
The measurements, including the pilot hole for the wheel, need to be as accurate as possible so you will need dial or digital calipers to take the measurements.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Kenda 4.80-12 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
- 4.80-12
- 12 Inch
- 5 on 4-1/2 Inch
- Steel Wheels - Powder Coat
- Kenda
more information >
Continue Researching
- Shop: CargoBuckle G3 Retractable Ratchet Tie-Down Straps - Bolt On - 2" x 6' - 1,167 lbs - Qty 2
- Shop: Kenda 4.80-12 Bias Trailer Tire with 12" White Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range C
- Q&A: Boat Guide-Ons for a Boston Whaler Classic Montauk and Trailrite Boat Trailer
- Q&A: How to Choose the Correct Tie-Down for a Boat and Trailer
- Q&A: Recommended Boat Transom Straps for 7,000-lbs Boat and 1,500-lbs Trailer
- Q&A: Spare Tire Cover for 4.80-12 Trailer Tire
- Q&A: Hook Diameter of CargoBuckle G3 Retractable Ratchet Tie-Down Straps # IMF18800
- Video: CargoBuckle G3 Retractable Ratchet Tie-Down Straps Review
- Video: BoatBuckle Tie Down Straps - Trailer - IMF08893 Review
- Search Results: spare tire carrier
- Search Results: tire carrier
- Search Results: spare carrier
- Search Results: trailer tire cover
- Search Results: tire holder
- Search Results: tire cover
- Shop: Spare Tire Cover
- Article: Boat Trailer Guides: Which are the Best?
- Shop: Fulton Hi-Mount Spare Tire Mount - Fits 4- and 5-Lug Wheels
- Shop: CargoBuckle Mini G3 Retractable Ratchet Straps - Bolt On - 1" x 6' - 466 lbs - Qty 2
- Shop: CE Smith Spare Tire Mount for Trailers - Steel - 4- and 5-Lug Wheels - 8-3/8" Long
- Shop: CE Smith Roller-Style Guide-Ons for Boat Trailers - 15" Tall - 1 Pair
- Shop: Fulton Economy Spare Tire Mount with Wheel Nut Lock
- Search Results: boat ratchet straps
- Q&A: If the Center Section of the Hub is Larger than a Wheel Pilot Hole Will they Work Together
- Video: Safety Step RV and Camper Steps SASGLO-102705 Review
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Video: Optronics Flexible LED Light Strip Review
- Article: The Best Trailer Tongue Locks for Preventing Trailer Theft
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: How to Select Trailer Tires with Correct Load Range Rating for Trailer Gross Weight