How to Measure a Trailer's Tire Bolt Pattern

Trailers are designed to haul farm loads, boats, livestock, horses and so much more.

There are a variety of trailers on the road today. From homemade trailers which can be simple in nature, to full size camper trailers which can weigh thousands of pounds. The standard bolt patterns on a trailer are based upon a five-lug system. The five-lug system means that there are five lug stems per wheel. Measuring to find a trailer's bolt pattern is an identical process, regardless of the size of the trailer.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure

Instructions

1. Place a tape measure against two lug bolts which are located directly across from one another.

2. Measure the distance from the center of one lug to the back side of the second lug (See Resources for diagram).

3. Write the measurement down using a pen and paper. Perform Steps 1 and 2 again from a different angle, to ensure accuracy and quality of your measurement.

Tips & Warnings

• Measuring bolt patterns on vehicles today is based upon how many lugs the vehicle has. Some vehicles have only a four-lug system, whereas some light duty and heavy duty passenger trucks can have up to a 10-lug system. Measuring the bolt patterns on each of these lug systems is a different process, depending on the number of lugs.

References

• ABC Trailer Parts: How to Measure Trailer Bolt Patterns, Picture Diagram Included
• MRT Wheels: How to Measure Bolt Patterns, 4,5,6,& 8 Lug System Schematics
• Blazer Forum: Measuring Wheel Offset, Picture Diagram Reference

Resources

• ABC Trailer Parts: How to Measure Trailer Bolt Patterns, Picture Diagram Included