How to Measure a Trailer Wheel & Tire

Welcome to Trailer Canada's
"How to Order a Trailer Wheel and Tire Video".

Here we are measuring a trailer wheel. We will begin by measuring the diameter of the pilot hole. Note that the pilot hole refers to the hole in the center of the wheel. It is important to keep in mind that when ordering your replacement wheel or wheel & tire for your axle, you will need to know several things; the wheel size diameter which is fourteen inches in this case, the wheel bolt pattern five bolt on four and one half, and the pilot hole diameter three point one nine inches. Here we are measuring the bolt pattern from a five bolt spring axle. If you have an axle with a five bolt wheel you will need to check the wheel bolt pattern or bolt circle. You can download the bolt circle template from our website. Measuring the bolt circle pattern will ensure that if you order an axle your wheel will fit onto the hubs. The most common bolt pattern on a trailer with five bolt wheels is five on four and one half inch bolt pattern. For axles with a six bolt wheel the bolt pattern is six on five and one half, and for axles with eight bolt wheels the bolt pattern is eight on six and one half.

We will now measure the rest of the wheel. We know that this particular wheel has a diameter of fourteen inches, a pilot diameter of three point one nine inches and a wheel bolt pattern of five on four and one half inches. Determining the width of the wheel and offset values comes next. In this case the width is five and one half inches with an offset value of zero inches. Which means the rim is neither set farther out - outset, nor is it set closer to the trailer frame - inset. In fact, it is typical of most trailer rims to have an offset value of zero inches, unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer.
When ordering wheels and tires you will also need to know the tire size. The combined capacity of the tire should meet or exceed the rated capacity or the axle while the tire size will indicate the width of the rim needed. It is especially important to remember that automotive wheels have different specifications and are not designed for trailer applications.

Before you place an order for a trailer wheel or wheel and tire, we will need to know the tire specifications which you'll find embossed on the tire's sidewall. The bolt pattern, if it's a five bolt wheel and the pilot hole diameter. With this information you can place your order. Trailer wheels are commonly available in steel painted white in either spoked or modular styles. Aluminum wheels in various styles are availalbe in the most popular configurations.

Call Trailer Canada within Canada Toll Free: 888.645.6998.
Outside of Canada: 1.780.645.6998 or email parts@trailercanada.com

Get in touch with us either way for a quote or to process your order.


Production: Ron Belzil
Multi Media: Darrell Drouin
Script: and Creative Nathan Belzil
Many thanks to Marvin Bjornstad and Darren Pratch of Portage College

How to Measure a Spring Axle

Measuring Spring and Torsion Axle (PDF)

This is the first video in our Trailer Canada how to video series.
This video will show you how to properly measure a spring axle.
Please note all dimensions are expressed in imperial units which are inches and feet.

Before you get started we recommend that you gather the following: an assistant, a tape measure, two straight edges, bolt circle template which you can download in a PDF format from our website, a notepad, a pen and a digital caliper.

Here we are measuring the bolt pattern from a five bolt spring axle. If you have an axle with a five bolt wheel, you will need to check the wheel bolt pattern or bolt circle. You can download the bolt circle template from our website. Measuring the bolt circle pattern will ensure that if you order an axle your wheels will fit onto the hubs. The most common bolt pattern on a trailer with five bolt wheels is a five on four and a half inch bolt pattern. For axles with a six bolt wheel, the bolt pattern is six on five and one half and for axles with eight bolt wheels, the bolt pattern is eight on six and one half.

First thing we are going to do is measure the axle tube diameter. The axle tube diameter indicates to us the capacity of the axle. In this case we have a measurement of two and three eighth inches which means it's a thirty five hundred pound axle. Next thing we'll do is remove the wheels from the axle. This will expose the hub faces so that we can take an accurate measurement. We'll take our straight edges, put them along the hub face and we are showing a measurement of seventy three inches. So, seventy three inches is the hub face to hub face measurement. Make sure you write your measurements down so you don't forget.

Next, we're going to measure the spring seats. What we call spring center to spring center.
These are the spring seats. You must measure from center to center of the spring seats. Hold it right to the center of that hole. You'll need to specify whether the springs are underslung or overslung. This is an overslung spring setup and this is an underslung spring setup.
We are showing a measurement of fifty eight inches. So our spring center to spring center measurement is fifty eight inches and that gives us our basic dimensions.

Now you are ready to order an axle.
It is important that we get precise measurements from you so that the axle will fit.

Production: Ron Belzil
Multi Media: Darrell Drouin
Script: and Creative Nathan Belzil
Many thanks to Marvin Bjornstad and Darren Pratch of Portage College

How To Select Torflex Axles

Determining GVW, what axles, brakes, and frame dimensions you need.

1. How to Determine the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
When building a trainer, the total Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) must be determined in order to select the right axle or axles for the application. GVW includes the weight of the empty trailer and the weight of the intended cargo. (Example: 2,000 lb empty trailer weight + 8,000 lb cargo = GVW of 10,000 lbs.)

2. How Many Axles?
After determining the GVW, the number and capacity of the axles must be selected. For example, if you want 10,000 lb GVW and want tandem axles, the minimum required capacity is 6,000 lb per axle.

3. Brakes?
First, determine if you want brakes on each axle. Most provinces require by law that at least one axle has brakes. Many provinces require that all axles have brakes. To determine how many brakes are necessary in a province, contact the local Department of Motor Vehicles. Second, determine what type of brake do you prefer. Choose from Electric, Hydraulic Single-Serve, or Hydraulic Dual-Serve.

4. What is the Length of the Axle?
Of the several ways and industry terms to describe this procedure, the most popular term is "Hub Face" which is the measurement from the base of the wheel stud to the base of the wheel stud on the opposite end of the axle.

5. Which Bolt Pattern?
The Bolt Pattern of the axles can vary depending on the capacity of the axle. The Bolt Pattern also determines what type tire and wheel can be used. If there is a specific tire and wheel you would like to use, please relay that information so we can help you to determine the proper bolt pattern and axle.

6. What is the Outside Frame Dimension?
Since the mounting brackets of the Torflex axles mount directly to the frame of your trailer, it is necessary to know the outside frame measurement in order to install them on the axle correctly.

7. How to Determine the Trailing Arm Starting Angle
The starting angle is the position of the spindle in reference to the trailer frame. Conctact our office for help in select the starting angle for your Torflex axle.

Download the PDF File here

Measuring Spring and Torsion Axle (PDF)

Advantages of the ATV / Snowmobile Trailer

If you are planning to tow a trailer over poor roads with muddy or snowy conditions, you may wish to choose a trailer in which the trailer axle tire width is reasonably close to the width of the towing vehicles tire width. As long as the trailers axle width is close it will cut into the towing vehicles tracks. This will greatly improve mobility and tow-ability. We find that ATV'ers and snowmobilers will generally be better served with an ATV/Snowmobile trailer not only because of the full 8' width that is required to haul two snowmobiles side by side but also because of the towability of the trailer due to the placement of the trailer axle tires or the width being close to the width of the towing vehicle. This allows the user to pull the trailer through much more difficult conditions.

How to Select Tubular Axles and Running Gear

Determining GVW, what axles, brakes, springs, and hanger kit you need

1. How to Determine the GVW - the Gross Vehicle Weight The total Gross Vehicle Weight of the trailer to be built must be determined in order to select the axle or axles to properly fit the application. GVW is the Gross Vehicle Weight including the weight of the empty trailer and the weight of the intended cargo. (Example: GVW of 10.000 Ibs. = 2.000 lb. empty trailer weight + 8.000 Ibs. cargo.) 2. How Many Axles? After GVW is known, you must select the number and capacity of the axles. For example, if you want 10,000 lb. GVW and want tandem axles, the minimum required capacity is 6,000 lb. per axle. 3. Brakes? Determine if you want brakes on each axle. Most provinces require by law that one axle has brakes. Some provinces require that all axles have brakes. To determine how many brakes are necessary in a province, contact the local Department of Motor Vehicles. What type of brake do you prefer: Electric, Hydraulic Single-Serve, Hydraulic Free-Backing, Hydraulic Duo-Serve, Hydraulic Disc or Air "S" Cam Brakes? 4. What Type of Trailer Are You Preparing? Is the trailer you are outfitting going to be a Bumper Pull, Gooseneck, King Pin or Pintle Eye Type? Is the trailer going to be a flat bed with the bed above or between the tires? Is the trailer going to need to be built with a low ground clearance? With an extra wide bed? 5. What Type of Spindles Are Going To Be Required? Straight spindles are used mostly when the bed is over the tires or when low ground clearance is not required. Examples are flat beds, pull-type utility trailers, etc. Drop spindles are used when the lowest possible ground clearance is desired. Examples are Livestock and Horse Trailers, Car Haulers, Enclosed Cargo Van Trailers, etc. 6. What Are the Spring Centers? Spring Centers are the CL (centerline) measurement of the Spring Mounting Pads on the axle. (Usually matched to the approximate frame width of the trailer.) 7. What Bolt Pattern? The Bolt Pattern of the axles can vary depending on the capacity of the axle. The Bolt Pattern also determines what type tire and wheel can be used. If there is a specific tire and wheel you would like to use. please relay that information so we can help you to determine the proper bolt pattern and axle. 8. What is the Length of the Axle? The next step is to determine the length of the axle. Of the several ways and industry terms to describe this procedure. the most popular term is "Hub Face" which is the measurement from the base of the wheel stud to the base of the wheel stud on the opposite end of the axle. Another term frequently used is "Track". Track is the center of the tire to the center of the opposite tire. This measurement varies depending on what type of wheel used because each type of wheel (White Spoke, O.E.M., Custom) could have a different offset and this changes the tire center. 9. What Type of Springs? There are two basic types of springs to choose from: Double Eye or Slipper Springs . Double Eye Springs are used on the shackle-type suspensions. Slipper Springs are the heavy-duty type of springs used with slipper-type suspensions and will provide longer and more rugged service. Springs are sold with axles in sets of (2 each) and (1 each) U-Bolt Kit per axle. 10. What Hanger Kit? There are several Hanger Kits to choose from -- single, tandem or triple for double eye or slipper-type springs. Complete Hanger Kits consist of the Equalizer and Spring Hangers to attach to the frame. Shackle Straps (if double eye springs). Equalizers for tandem or triple Hanger Kits. Hangers and all the necessary bolts and nuts to attach the Equalizers, Springs and Shackle Straps. Measuring Spring and Torsion Axles

Wheel Bearing Maintenance

One of the most important items to maintain on a trailer are the wheel bearings. The wheel bearings should have enough lubricant (wheel bearing grease) and the tapered wheel bearings should have the correct adjustment. The procedure for checking wheel bearing tightness is as follows: Block the trailer on a level spot so it cannot move, raise the trailer one side at the time. Locate the jack in a safe location preferably on the trailer frame. Raise it up just enough so that the wheels are free to rotate. Check for wheel play (looseness) by placing on hand at front and one at the rear of the tire and rock it back and forth. If there is play remove the axle cap with a sharp object such as a screwdriver or fine chisel. Under the axle cap there is a castlelated nut with a cotter pin or a special washer (EZ lube spindle). The cotter pin must be straightened and pulled out and the EZ lube washer tabs must be pried up and out of the way of the nut so that the nut can be tightened. Tighten the castle nut one notch at the time then rotate the wheel. There should be a little resistance on the wheel when it is rotated. Too much resistance will cause the bearing to overheat. Finally, to install the axle cap, line the cap up straight with hub, using a drift (hammer) and a wooden spacer such as a short piece of 2"x4" material drive the axle cap on. Hammer it straight on. Do not hammer directly onto the axle cap as it will become damaged. Let trailer down, remove jack and apply the same procedure to the other side.

Electric Brake and Electronic Brake Control Setting

Modern trailer electric brakes are of course a full time operational brake system used on most of today's small and medium duty trailers. They are not to be compared with the mobile home trailer brakes that were never designed as a full time operational braking system. There are two systems working together with the electric brake system. One is the brake actuator or electronic brake control and the other is the electric drum brake system typical of many trailers. Both the electronic brake control and the drum brakes can be adjusted. When a trailer is new it can take a few hundred kilometres for the brake shoes to seat in. Once the brake shoes have set in it is then possible to adjust the sensitivity and gain on the electronic brake control. The sensitivity and gain will vary somewhat with respect to typical load weight. If however when you apply the brakes and the trailer brakes seem to delay and then lock full on this probably means that you will need to adjust the brake shoes so that they are closer to the brake drum. Adjusting the brake shoes will eliminate the delay and by further fine tuning the electronic brake control this will make the braking operation smooth and seamless. If you are not getting enough braking from the trailer you can set the gain up higher. If after adjusting the gain you find that the trailer is not providing enough braking it may be that your electronic brake control does have the capacity to handle the load. Check with the manufacturer or your dealer. You may have to upgrade your electronic brake control to one with a higher output capacity.