This article will help you choose the right wheels for your trailer. To make it clear, wheels refer to both the rim + tyre. This article is for those who do not have prior information.
This article can assist in
Second-hand trailers have been purchased by those who are seeking bargains.
People who own a trailer that isn’t roadworthy
GVM Upgrade
Upgrading wheel + tyre size for off-road usage
This article explains how to assess your trailer and choose wheels to match.
Step 1: How do you determine the correct size of wheel
This isn’t a difficult concept, since people are used to talking of wheels for their vehicles.
For information on trailer PCD wheel tyre assembly, visit TrailerTek.
Of obviously, trailers are completely different kind of vehicle and aren’t able to function the same manner as a car would, and they do not come with a logbook that stipulates the right size to purchase.
It is possible to accommodate all sizes, for example, an automobile with 14″ wheels will probably accommodate 13″ wheels. However it is possible to put 14″ wheels onto the trailer that is designed to accommodate 13″ wheels, however, when you load the trailer, the mudguard may press against the tyre which can compromise safety because of tyre damage.
The most effective size will be the one you choose. In order to ensure that your trailer is at a level, you must select the appropriate size wheels. The trailer will not be able to ride flat in the event that the wheels are either too large or too small.
The law in force today requires a tyre compliance sticker be attached to the left-hand side of the mudguard (Kerbside). This should contain details about the correct size of your wheels and the correct pressure of your tyres.
If there’s no data about compliance, it might be worth taking a look at the wheel’s diameter and the way it fits into the mudguard.
It’s possible for manufacturers of trailers to alter the mudguards of their trailers to allow for bigger wheels. This is something we can do during a GVM upgrade.
Step 2 – How to determine the stud pattern you should obtain
Different trailer manufacturers and models have different bolt/stud designs on their hubs. Hubs are where you attach the wheels onto.
Our clients also have the option of choosing from a variety of stud patterns available for trailer manufacturers.
It is easy to spot the pattern of studs.
There are two main measurement methods to determine what is the stud pattern on your wheels.
The number of bolts employed. This can be found by actually looking at the hub of the wheel. Most hubs and wheel hubs use 4, 5 or 6 studs.
The Pitch Circle Diameter (PCD) is a measurement taken from one stud across the hub’s center to the opposite stud. It is usually difficult to determine because the hub’s center sticks out further than the studs, making an precise measurement difficult without correct tools. Draw a circle with all the bolts on the wheel and determine the radius.
Then, you could think, eg.I’m after a 4 stud wheel that has a 120mm PCD, or similar.
You can also replace the hubs. This is the ideal way to do your bearings.
Step 3 – Knowing the wheel and the tyre rating
GVM (weight + carrying capacity) will be the weight and carrying capacity of your trailer. For instance, small trailers are typically weighing 750kg GVM.
In the previous example it is recommended to buy two wheels that weigh at 375kg or more.
Step 4 – Selecting between galvanized and alloy steel rims
What’s the difference between steel and alloy rims?
Alloy wheels are lighter for the same dimensions.
There’s a bit of a belief that people “should get alloy because alloy is more resistant to rust than galvanised steel”. It is false because most alloy wheels are manufactured from marine-grade alloy.
Our research has shown that alloy wheels (nonmarine grade) corrode faster than galvanised steel. This is because water gets trapped between the rim and tyres between the bead and valve. This happens because the alloy begins to oxidize and expand and can lead to numerous problems when it comes to replacing tyres , or fixing punctures. The bead is not able to seal due to the corrosion and , consequently, leak air pressure.