Wheels rusted

[Billfo]

My 2000 trailer (bought used) has rust on the wheels. Can I replace them with chrome or Alum wheels from a car ? Looks like I can get some locally off craigslist -cheap ! "I plan on keeping the Marathon tires"

 

[PiratePast40]

Re: Wheels rusted

I was looking at the same thing but nixed the idea when I looked closer at the two types of wheels. Car wheels are typically offset while my trailer wheels are centered over the hub so the car wheels won't fit under the fenders. Yours might be different - just something to consider.

 

[Genonbamagirl]

Re: Wheels rusted

Make sure the offset will work and the bolt pattern is the same and yes, they will work fine. I would test fit them before I bought them.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Wheels rusted

Ayuh,... Finding the right bolt pattern is Easy,...
As noted,.. Finding the right Off-set is another story...

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Wheels rusted

Why not throw a coat of paint on the old ones ..... until the perfect set comes along?

 

[robert graham]

Re: Wheels rusted

Like Bob Vt says, maybe slap some paint on them. Clean with wire brush, add a good rust-proof primer, then paint. If you just got to have some pretty, new wheels, check with Northern Tool Supply, they have a lot of trailer wheels and items. Galvanized wheels might be a good choice. Good Luck!

 

[WIMUSKY]

Re: Wheels rusted

I put chromed trailer wheels on once. They rusted in a hurry. I would stick with paint or galvanized.

 

[marlboro180]

Re: Wheels rusted

One could always take the tires off, get the rims blasted and powder coated to match the rig.

 

[jeeperman]

Re: Wheels rusted

One could always take the tires off, get the rims blasted and powder coated to match the rig.

You could do that but keep in mind that any steel wheel is at least a two piece wheel.
The rim is either welded or riveted to the center section.
The center section is bent back from the outside where it joins the rim, on the vast majority of steel wheels. If that v-groove/crevice is not welded over (usually not, usually welded only on the hub side) that v-groove/crevice is the toughest spot to stop from rusting.
Sand blasting wont get into that v-groove/crevice good enough and powdercoating applied electrostatically does not like to get in there either. And if the shop that does the powdercoating does not do it properly the coating will not flow into that crevice properly to seal it good.

Usually rims from a rear wheel drive vehicle have an offset that can be used on a trailer.

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Wheels rusted

And if the shop that does the powdercoating does not do it properly the coating will not flow into that crevice properly to seal it good.

Then dont pay them.


You can paint them, or ask Santa to get you a couple from Home Depot for Christmas. They sell a variaity of them for most trailers and they come with new tires also.

 

[Billfo]

Re: Wheels rusted

By the way these are 14" tires like on a car (I think 195-14) not the 8-12" little trailer tires. Wonder if alum car wheels with no offset would work..

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Wheels rusted

When you get your next set just pump your bearing buddys until you blow the seal and you will have a nice rust preventative coating of grease over the entire wheel.

 

[Billfo]

Re: Wheels rusted

Now theres an idea !!

When you get your next set just pump your bearing buddys until you blow the seal and you will have a nice rust preventative coating of grease over the entire wheel.

 

[alumi numb]

Re: Wheels rusted

Reverse Electrolysis!

 

[shepster]

Re: Wheels rusted

A trailer rim is a narrower rim than a car rim. A Ford Ranger 5 lug aluminum rim does look good though.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Wheels rusted

You can't find car wheels, aluminum or otherwise with no offset. Rear wheel drive cars have wheels with the centers offset to the inside. Front wheel drives are offset to the outside. Not only is there a bolt pattern issue but there is a metric/SAE consideration as well. Your boat trailer has an SAE bolt pattern (4, 4-1/2, 4-3/4, 5 inch bolt circle etc). Many autos made in recent years have gone to a metric bolt circle. While the difference may be slight, it is not a perfect fit and the lugs will loosen. Then there is the issue of the taper on the lug nuts. So unless you know what you are doing, swapping wheels is not as simple as it used to be.

 

[jeeperman]

Re: Wheels rusted

There are automotive wheels out there that will work on trailers. The choices are dwindling every year but if you do your research you can still find some.
You also need to check and see if the center hole is big enough for the trailer hubs.
And if your trailer has brakes, that the wheel will clear the brake parts.

 

[Billfo]

Re: Wheels rusted

Thats alot to consider....

You can't find car wheels, aluminum or otherwise with no offset. Rear wheel drive cars have wheels with the centers offset to the inside. Front wheel drives are offset to the outside. Not only is there a bolt pattern issue but there is a metric/SAE consideration as well. Your boat trailer has an SAE bolt pattern (4, 4-1/2, 4-3/4, 5 inch bolt circle etc). Many autos made in recent years have gone to a metric bolt circle. While the difference may be slight, it is not a perfect fit and the lugs will loosen. Then there is the issue of the taper on the lug nuts. So unless you know what you are doing, swapping wheels is not as simple as it used to be.