New hubs.

[JamesCoste]

I'm putting new hubs and tires on my boat trailer. <br />

<br /><br />I am going to replace the old rusty hubs with galvanized ones. I'm going to remove my old hubs to determine the size I need. I have the option to get 4-lug or 5-lug hubs. Since I'm getting both tires and hubs, what does it matter about the number of lugs. The price is the same. <br /><br />Are 5 lugs better than 4 lugs?

 

[ST]

Re: New hubs.

Hi James,<br />I am not going to try to answer your question, sorry, hope someone(s) in the know would response for you. <br /><br />I just can't help but noticing that I had the same boat (our first)like yours: mine was 1981 "T16"-I think- Glastron with 90 hp Merc. We had a lot of fun with it; especially when our kids were still around; that combination enable me to pull 2 skiers with 4 people on board with no problem. The last few years when I still had it, I noticed the rear deck rotted; it gives when I stand on it. I guessed the battery's acid vapor may have caused it! I hadn't been using that boat the last 3 years or so when I still had it; and left the battery without it's container in there. I thought I'd like to pass this little info along, so it won't happen to your seemingly well preserved boat.

 

[JamesCoste]

Re: New hubs.

That boat was a mess when I became it's owner (the 2nd). I will keep the battery in it's battery box. Good advice. Here are some pictures of the restoration: Glastron Restoration. <br /><br />I'm sure somebody will come along and answer my hub question. Iboat's forums haven't failed me yet.

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: New hubs.

James if your getting tires, wheels, and hubs it wont make any difference....If your getting tires and hubs it will, because your wheels have to match the hub pattern (4 or 5 lug). The only benifit to to five lug is the extra lug. On a boat trailer that size it really wont make any difference.

 

[JamesCoste]

Re: New hubs.

Thanks Reel Poor.<br /><br />I am getting new wheels as well. I'll probably get the 5-lug hub and wheel that will match.

 

[bubbakat]

Re: New hubs.

James I would get the five lug set up. because For one, I like the extra holding of the five lug. later on if you run upon a nice set of wheels you want to put on, you will have more options in styling then.

 

[Bondo]

Re: New hubs.

Ayuh,........<br /><br />Go with the 5 lug wheels,+ hubs.......<br /><br />5 lug is the Industry Standard.......<br /><br />4 lugs are/is Outdated....And,.. Are getting Harder to Find......

 

[JamesCoste]

Re: New hubs.

5-lug it is. Thanks for the confirmation that it is a good choice.

 

[Pony]

Re: New hubs.

James this may be a bit off topic so bear with me...............<br /><br />I had a trihull that looks like it may similar in weight to yours. When I replaced my tires, I figured as long as I was replacing them all I might as well go bigger.<br /><br />I had 4.80-12 tires on it and replaced them with the next bigger tires.(5.30-12 I believe). It made trailering a bit easier and the load rating was better. They weren;t any more expensive, only difference was they barely fit in under the fenders, so I had to adjust them a bit. I am glad I mad the choice to go bigger on the tires. Just thought I'd share that with you as long as you are going all new. Heres a pic of mine with the bigger tires. (compare them to the ones and your trailer)<br /><br />

 

[JamesCoste]

Re: New hubs.

Pony.<br />I've definitely got some room under the fenders. I could stand to go a little larger. Don't larger tires typically run a little cooler on the bearings since they spin less per mile?<br /><br />I'm sure there are other advantages as well.<br /><br />I'm off the rest of the week. <br /><br />Tomorrow morning I get to play a round of golf (probably shoot around 106).<br /><br />On Thursday, I'll begin the replacement on my hubs, wheels, etc. I will get a spare tire soon in the future as well. I just noticed that on your trailer. Oh, nice boat.

 

[djvan]

Re: New hubs.

Sure(sp?) rub it in. We are having freezing rain and snow regularly.<br /><br />DougV>

 

[JamesCoste]

Re: New hubs.

I would love to have a "little" snow. Only my 10-year old has seen snow and that was when we were visiting family in N.C. <br /><br />It'll be about 70 degrees today.

 

[DJ]

Re: New hubs.

James,<br /><br />If you can, by all means, go to 13's.

 

[Laddies]

Re: New hubs.

James, the key word is "little" and if possible go 13"

 

[Pony]

Re: New hubs.

Originally posted by DJ:<br /> James,<br /><br />If you can, by all means, go to 13's.

Yup as big as allowable........

 

[phantoms]

Re: New hubs.

I would go 13"s and not bigger. Too big a tire and you'll find the boat sits too high and you're having to put all four wheels of the tow vehicle in the water just to load/unload your boat.

 

[paulie0735]

Re: New hubs.

Please make sure that what ever you put on is a matched set of wheels studs and nuts. If the nuts are not the correct size and shape for the wheel you may find that the tapered end of nut will bottom against the backing plate before it’s tight against the wheel, they can seem fine and tight until you get up the road a bit and they work loose, at best you’ll be up for a new set of wheels at worst…………….