changing 8" wheels to something larger on a 4 lug rim.

tallcanadian

Captain
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Sep 7, 2006
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3,245
is there a larger rim that will fit my 4 lug trailer wheel? i believe they are 4" bolt circle diameter.
 

keepNitreel

Chief Petty Officer
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Aug 21, 2008
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446
Re: changing 8" wheels to something larger on a 4 lug rim.

4 lug 12", anything bigger than that is gonna have 5 lugs
 

tallcanadian

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Sep 7, 2006
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Re: changing 8" wheels to something larger on a 4 lug rim.

besides a standard trailer wheel, is there maybe a car wheel that would fit?
 

rockyrude

Lieutenant Junior Grade
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Sep 10, 2007
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1,120
Re: changing 8" wheels to something larger on a 4 lug rim.

Unfortunately, car wheels are offset from the hub, some more than others. Trailer wheels are centered, if you can clear the offset under the fenders then look at old fords.
 

reelfishin

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Mar 19, 2007
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3,043
Re: changing 8" wheels to something larger on a 4 lug rim.

I've owned two Sea Lion Trailers with 13" 4 lug rims, as well as a current Escort trailer that original came from a Bayliner 16' boat.

12" is more common though.

The lug pattern for most 4 lug trailers is 4 on 4". A 4" bolt circle is closest to a 100mm pattern on some Ford Escorts but those rims have the wrong offset.
Try this site for comparisons.

http://www.vehicle-bolt-pattern.com/
 

Titanium48

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Apr 24, 2008
Messages
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Re: changing 8" wheels to something larger on a 4 lug rim.

The lug pattern for most 4 lug trailers is 4 on 4". A 4" bolt circle is closest to a 100mm pattern on some Ford Escorts but those rims have the wrong offset.

Close, but still won't fit even if you ignore the offset. The 4 on 100 mm bolt circle is very common on small cars, but I've only ever seen the 4 on 4 inch (102 mm) bolt pattern on trailers. 12 inch, 4 bolt trailer wheels should be fairly easy to find though.
 

Moody Blue

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May 24, 2004
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3,136
Re: changing 8" wheels to something larger on a 4 lug rim.

Just replaced my 570-8 tires/rims with 530-12 tires and rims. Both 4 bolt rims.

Needed the extra load capacity and had clearance under the fenders so the switch was easy. The 12" tire is 2" larger in diameter so I now have 1" more ground clearance but thats no big deal to me.

Whats the reason for larger tire?
 

tallcanadian

Captain
Joined
Sep 7, 2006
Messages
3,245
Re: changing 8" wheels to something larger on a 4 lug rim.

Just replaced my 570-8 tires/rims with 530-12 tires and rims. Both 4 bolt rims.

Needed the extra load capacity and had clearance under the fenders so the switch was easy. The 12" tire is 2" larger in diameter so I now have 1" more ground clearance but thats no big deal to me.

Whats the reason for larger tire?


no real reason. i think a larger wheel/tire would tow better and be easier on the bearings. it will raise the trailer up a bit.
 

gizmoses

Cadet
Joined
Jul 12, 2009
Messages
12
Re: changing 8" wheels to something larger on a 4 lug rim.

I know that the Chevette rims will fit most trailers and in order to compensate for the offset turn the rim around. Your steam will be on the inside. The dimensions for the stock Chevette wheel are. Measuring from the outer rim to the base of the lug nut hole: 1?" (Outside rim ) and Measuring from the outer rim to the inner mounting surface: 4?" ( Inside rim )

My uncle has them on his boat trailer, and uses a standard 8" for a spare.
 

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,758
Re: changing 8" wheels to something larger on a 4 lug rim.

New 12 inch wheels are cheap (relatively) so don't take a chance on an auto wheel that very likely has the wrong offset, wrong, taper on the lug bolt hols, and wrong bolt hold spacing. Check your local farm stores as they often have a good selection of trailer parts. By farm stores I mean Fleet Farm, Farm & Fleet, etc.
 
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