How to Measure Your 5-Lug Bolt Pattern Trailer Wheel (Step-by-Step Guide)
If you are replacing a trailer hub, brake drum, or wheel and you are not sure which bolt pattern you have, you are not alone. The 5-lug pattern is one of the most common on utility, boat, and small equipment trailers, but it is also one of the most confusing to measure correctly.
At Trailer Parts Unlimited, we’ll show you exactly how to measure your 5-lug bolt pattern the right way so you can order the correct parts the first time.
What “Bolt Pattern” Means
Your trailer’s bolt pattern (also called a lug pattern or wheel bolt circle) refers to the number of lug holes and the exact diameter of the imaginary circle they form.
For example:
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5 on 4.5" means 5 lug holes spaced on a 4.5-inch circle.
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5 on 5" means 5 lug holes spaced on a 5-inch circle.
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5 on 5.5" means 5 lug holes spaced on a 5.5-inch circle.
If that circle measurement is off even slightly, your new wheel or hub will not fit.
Which Trailer Wheels Usually Have Different Bolt Patterns
Here’s an important detail most people overlook:
Nearly all 8", 10", 12", 13", and 14" trailer wheels use the standard 5 on 4.5" bolt pattern. That covers 99.9% of what you’ll see on most small and medium trailers.
The only size you really need to double-check is the 15-inch trailer wheel. These can come in multiple bolt patterns, including 5 on 4.5", 5 on 5", and 5 on 5.5", depending on the trailer and axle setup.
Once in a great while, you might see a 14-inch wheel with a different pattern, but that’s almost always from a car wheel or a very old trailer that used passenger car tires.
So, if your wheel is 8" through 14", it’s almost guaranteed to be a 5 on 4.5" pattern. If it’s 15", always measure to be sure before ordering.
Exact Step-by-Step: How to Measure a 5-Lug Bolt Pattern
Because a 5-lug wheel has an odd number of holes, you can’t measure directly across like you would with a 4, 6, or 8-lug wheel. Follow these steps to get the exact measurement.
Method 1 – Tape Measure Method
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Lay the wheel flat, face up.
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Measure from the center of one lug hole to the outer edge of the lug hole directly across from it, skipping one hole.
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Match your measurement to the correct pattern using the chart below.
| Bolt Pattern | Exact Center-to-Edge Measurement | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| 5 on 4.5" | 2.625 inches (2-5/8") | Most 3.5K to 5.2K trailer axles (Dexter, Lippert, Carter) |
| 5 on 4.75" | 2.75 inches (2-3/4") | Older or custom trailers |
| 5 on 5" | 3 inches (2-15/16") | Some 5.2K–6K axles |
| 5 on 5.5" | 3.25 inches (3-1/4") | Heavy-duty utility or off-road trailers |
Method 2 – Request a Free Bolt Pattern Template
If you want to be 100% accurate, we offer free bolt pattern templates at our store in Huntsville, Texas. You can stop by to pick one up or request one by mail, and we’ll ship it to you at no charge.
This template makes it quick and easy to identify your exact bolt pattern before ordering wheels, hubs, or drums.
Pro Tips from Carter Axles
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Always measure in inches, not millimeters.
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If your hub or drum is removed, measure from stud center to stud center, skipping one stud.
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Check your wheel center hole (pilot bore). Most 5-lug trailer wheels are either 3.19" or 3.31".
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5-lug hubs are most common on 3,500 lb trailer axles, using 1/2"-20 studs and L68149/L44649 bearings—the same setup used on Dexter, Lippert, TK, and Carter axles.
Matching Hubs, Drums, and Wheels
If your trailer has a 5 on 4.5" or 5 on 5" pattern, these parts from Trailer Parts Unlimited will fit:
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5-Lug Idler Hubs (3,500 lb) – pre-greased, includes bearings, seal, and cap.
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5-Lug Brake Drums (10" x 2-1/4") – fits 3.5K axles, standard with 1/2" studs.
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ST205/75R15 or ST225/75R15 Wheel and Tire Combos – mounted and ready to install.
All Carter-branded axles and hub kits are fully interchangeable with Dexter and Lippert components, giving you top-quality parts at a fair price without the big-box markup.
Summary
To measure a 5-lug bolt pattern correctly:
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Count your lug holes (should be 5).
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Measure from the center of one lug hole to the outer edge of the one across from it.
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Match your exact measurement to the correct pattern using the chart above.
If your wheel is 8" through 14", it will almost always be 5 on 4.5".
If your wheel is 15", check it carefully — there are multiple patterns in that size range.
And if you’re unsure, stop by our store or request a free bolt pattern template. We’ll make sure you get the right parts the first time.
Shop 5-Lug Trailer Parts
Trailer Parts Unlimited stocks everything from 3.5K–8K hub kits, bearings, seals, and brake assemblies to full Carter Axle Kits. All products are available for pickup in Huntsville, TX or shipped nationwide.
Shop now: TrailerPartsUnlimited.com
631 TX-75 N, Huntsville, TX 77320
Phone: 844-898-8687