Trailer Wheel Center Holes

[Willyclay]

Got into a discussion with the "parts guy" at a local boat dealer about increasing the size of my trailer wheels/tires. He said the wheel center hole does NOT need to be the same size as the hub for alignment purposes because the lugs perform that function. My understanding is the center hole SHOULD match the hub and the lugs ONLY hold the wheel on the hub. Comments?

 

[guy74]

Re: Trailer Wheel Center Holes

I'm sure you will get other answers to the contrary, but if the center hole really was going to hold any weight it would have to be a press fit. No wheel center holes are a press fit onto the hub, so they do not support any of the weight. With that said, when the wheel center fits the hub closely, if the nut start to work loose it will take a little longer before the nuts will unscrew themselves on the left side. I have traliers with heavy axles, 7000lb and bigger, that the factory wheels have more than an eighth of an inch gap between the wheel center and the hub. So I wouldn't give it a second thought, the lug bolts or nuts really support the weight. It takes around 11 tons of force in a press shear to shear off a 1/2 inch bolt, each wheel has 4, 5, or more lug bolts. They will support a lot of weight, just make sure they are torqued on tight and recheck them after you drive a little ways, 5-10 miles.

 

[1730V]

Re: Trailer Wheel Center Holes

That's a great question.

There are two answers.

1. If the lug nuts are cone shaped, wheel end, they center the wheel.

2. If the lug nuts have a flat mating surface, you need a "hub piloted" wheel. In that case, the hub centers the wheel. Thus the need for an exact match on the hub diameter.

I suspect your lug nuts are cone shaped, on the business end. If they are, any wheel that fits over the hub will work.

"Hub piloting" is popular on most cars today because it leaves no room for mistakes on centering. Trailers are a different story. They are about 20 years behind automotive.

 

[guy74]

Re: Trailer Wheel Center Holes

Even on a hub piloted wheel, where the fit of the center hole is important for centering the wheel, the clamping force of the lugs is what holds the weight. BTW I'm not a fan of hub piloted wheels on heavy trucks, they don't withstand the abuse that the older stud pilot wheels will.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Trailer Wheel Center Holes

Every trailer i have had,boat,car hauler,camper do not depend on the hub center to align the wheel,never had a problem..

 

[Willyclay]

Re: Trailer Wheel Center Holes

Thanks for your responses. Good information from each. My trailer lug nuts are tapered, so that gives me a greater choice of wheels for upgrade.

 

[wire2]

Re: Trailer Wheel Center Holes

This was also discussed only a week ago;
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=227076