Are all 5-lug trailer hubs the same?

No. “5-lug” only describes the number of wheel studs, not the hub’s bolt circle, bearings, spindle fit, load rating, or brake compatibility. Two hubs can both be 5-lug and still be incompatible with your axle, wheel, or brakes. Understanding bolt pattern, bearing sizes, and axle capacity is essential before buying or mixing components.

What “5-lug” really means—and what it doesn’t

In trailer parts, “5-lug” refers strictly to the number of fasteners securing the wheel. The details that actually determine fit—such as the bolt circle diameter (e.g., 5 on 4.5), bearing sizes, seal dimensions, and hub style—vary widely across hubs that all have five studs. Treat “5-lug” as a starting point, not a spec.

Key differences among 5-lug trailer hubs

The following list outlines the critical variables that can make two 5-lug hubs incompatible, even if they look similar at a glance.

• Bolt pattern (PCD): Common patterns include 5 on 4.5, 5 on 4.75, 5 on 5.0, and 5 on 5.5 inches. Wheels and hubs must match exactly.
• Bearing and race sizes: Typical combinations differ by axle rating—for example:
  

  • 2,000–2,200 lb axle: L44649 inner and outer (1.063 in ID)
  • 3,500 lb axle: L68149 inner (1.378 in ID) and L44649 outer (1.063 in ID)
  • 5,200–6,000 lb axle: 25580 inner (1.750 in ID) and 15123 outer (1.250 in ID)
  • 7,000 lb axle: 25580 inner (1.750 in ID) and 14125A outer (1.250 in ID)

• Seal size: Inner diameter must match the spindle; outside diameter must match the hub bore. Sizes vary by manufacturer and axle rating.
• Hub type: Idler (no brakes), hub/drum (for electric, hydraulic drum brakes), or hub/rotor (disc). These are not interchangeable without matching brake hardware.
• Stud size and thread: Commonly 1/2-20 on light/3.5K hubs; heavier hubs may use 9/16-18 or 5/8-18. Lug-nut style (60° conical) must match the wheel seats.
• Pilot/bore and centering: Most trailer setups are lug-centric (centered by the lugs), but the wheel’s pilot bore must still clear the hub and dust cap; common 5-lug trailer wheels often have ~3.19 in pilot bores.
• Load rating: The hub must meet or exceed the axle and wheel/tire ratings; higher-capacity components may share a lug count but use different internal parts.
• Wheel offset and design: Trailer wheels are typically near-zero offset and built for trailer loads; many automotive 5-lug wheels have offsets and load ratings unsuitable for trailers.

Treat each of these specs as a required match. A hub that misses even one may not fit—or could create a safety risk if forced to fit.

Common 5-lug bolt patterns on trailers

These are the bolt circles you’ll encounter most often on 5-lug trailer hubs and wheels. Always confirm with measurements or part markings before ordering.

• 5 on 4.5 in (5×114.3 mm): Most common on 3,500 lb axles and many utility trailers.
• 5 on 4.75 in (5×120.7 mm): Less common in trailers; verify carefully.
• 5 on 5.0 in (5×127 mm): Sometimes used when matching certain tow-vehicle or Jeep wheel patterns; ensure wheel load rating and offset are trailer-appropriate.
• 5 on 5.5 in (5×139.7 mm): Seen on some specialty or older setups; not the default for modern 3.5K axles.

Because 5-lug patterns are close in appearance, measuring or decoding markings is more reliable than eyeballing.

How to identify the correct 5-lug hub for your trailer

Use the steps below to match parts precisely and avoid fitment or safety issues.

1. Read the axle tag or stamping: Look for the manufacturer, axle capacity (e.g., 3,500 lb), and sometimes the spindle or hub kit number.
2. Verify the bolt pattern (PCD): For 5-lug, measure from the center of one stud to the outer edge of the stud directly across. Compare to standard sizes (4.5, 4.75, 5.0, 5.5 inches).
3. Check bearing numbers: Remove the hub and read the bearing/race numbers stamped on the metal (e.g., L68149, L44649). These are definitive.
4. Measure the spindle: Use calipers to confirm bearing journal diameters and seal land diameter; match to bearing and seal sizes.
5. Note hub type: Idler vs drum vs rotor must match your brake system.
6. Confirm stud size and lug nuts: Ensure wheel lug holes and nut seat type (usually 60° conical) match the hub studs.
7. Match grease/dust cap size: Common sizes include ~1.98 in and ~2.44 in; important for wheel center clearance and bearing protector fit.
8. Check wheel load rating and offset: Use wheels rated for trailer service with near-zero offset and correct pilot bore.

Documenting these details once will make future hub or wheel replacements faster, cheaper, and safer.

Interchangeability: what usually swaps—and what doesn’t

Here’s a practical guide to what can and cannot interchange among 5-lug hubs and wheels.

• Usually compatible: A 5 on 4.5 in idler hub designed for a 3,500 lb axle will fit another 3,500 lb axle only if the spindle uses L68149/L44649 bearings and the seal size matches—brand-to-brand differences still exist.
• Not compatible: A 5 on 4.5 in hub for a 2,000 lb axle (L44649/L44649 bearings) will not fit a 3,500 lb spindle (L68149/L44649) even though both are 5-lug and share the same bolt pattern.
• Risky swaps: Automotive 5-lug wheels with deep offsets or lower load ratings; they can overload bearings and tires or interfere with fenders and brakes.

When in doubt, build the match around the spindle (bearing and seal sizes) first, then the bolt pattern, then the wheel details.

Torque, hardware, and safety notes

Proper mounting and torque are as important as choosing the correct hub. Keep the following in mind when installing 5-lug hubs and wheels.

• Lug nut torque: Common guidance is 90–100 ft-lb for 1/2-20 studs on steel trailer wheels; 120–140 ft-lb for 9/16-18 studs. Always follow the wheel and axle maker’s specs.
• Retorque procedure: Recheck torque after 25–50 miles and periodically thereafter, especially with new wheels.
• Lug-nut seat: Use 60° conical nuts if the wheel uses tapered seats; mismatched seats can loosen and damage wheels.
• Bearing setup: Pack bearings thoroughly, set endplay per manufacturer spec (typically slight endplay, not preload), and use new cotter pins or tang washers.
• Grease and seals: Use a high-quality wheel bearing grease rated for disc/drum temperatures; replace seals whenever the hub is removed.

These practices prevent heat buildup, loosening, and premature wear—common causes of roadside failures.

Bottom line

All 5-lug trailer hubs are not the same. You must match bolt pattern, bearing and seal sizes, spindle dimensions, hub type, and load rating. Confirm with part numbers and measurements before buying or swapping components.

Summary

Five lugs alone don’t guarantee compatibility. Identify your bolt circle (e.g., 5 on 4.5), confirm bearing/seal sizes from stamped numbers, match the hub type to your brakes, and ensure stud size, wheel design, and load ratings align with the axle. Following these steps will ensure a safe, proper fit and avoid costly mistakes.

Are all 5 lug trailer wheels the same pattern?

No, not all 5-lug trailer wheels have the same pattern; common patterns include 5 on 4.5 inches and 5 on 5 inches, with others like 5 on 4.75 and 5 on 5.5 inches also existing. To ensure proper fit and safety, you must measure the specific bolt pattern on your trailer’s hub, as it’s defined by the number of lugs and the diameter of the circle they form.
 
This video demonstrates how to measure a 5-lug trailer hub bolt pattern: 31sBlueswift AxlesYouTube · Jan 2, 2024
Why 5-lug patterns vary:

• Bolt Circle Diameter: The number followed by the “on” in a bolt pattern, such as “5 on 4.5,” refers to the diameter of the circle on which the lug bolts are centered. 
• Industry Standards: While 5 on 4.5 is a very common standard for smaller trailers, different manufacturers use other standard patterns for various applications and trailer sizes. 

How to measure for the correct pattern:

• Count the lugs: Confirm you have a 5-lug pattern. 
• Measure the bolt circle:
  1. Take a tape measure. 
  2. Hook the tape onto the back edge of one lug. 
  3. Skip one lug and measure to the center of the next lug. 
  4. The measurement you get (e.g., 2.5 inches, 3 inches) will correspond to a specific pattern, like 5 on 4.5″, 5 on 5″, or other variations. 

This video explains how to measure a 5-lug wheel bolt pattern: 1mJohnson Trailer PartsYouTube · Mar 16, 2023
Common 5-lug bolt patterns: 

• 5 on 4.5″: (Most common for trailers)
• 5 on 4.75″
• 5 on 5″
• 5 on 5.5″

How do I know what hub I need for my trailer?

To find the right trailer hub, measure your trailer’s spindle using a digital caliper to find the inner and outer bearing diameters and the grease seal diameter. You also need to know the wheel’s bolt pattern (e.g., 5 on 4.5″), and the axle’s weight rating. If you don’t have a digital caliper, you can look for part numbers stamped on the old bearings and grease seals, or use a flexible tape measure to find the spindle’s circumference. 
1. Measure the Spindle Diameter
This determines the size of the inner and outer bearings and the grease seal that will fit your spindle. 

• Digital Caliper Method:
  • Use a digital caliper to measure the diameter of the spindle at the locations where the bearings and grease seal sit. 
  • Record the measurements to the thousandths of an inch. 
• Tape Measure Method:
  • Wrap a flexible tape measure around the spindle at the bearing locations. 
  • Divide the circumference by Pi (π) to get the diameter. 

2. Identify the Bearing and Seal Numbers 

• Look for Stamped Numbers: Opens in new tabRemove your old hub and look for part numbers stamped on the inner and outer bearings, and on the grease seal. 
• Use a Measurement: Opens in new tabIf you can’t find numbers, measure the outer diameter of the grease seal and the inner diameter of the bearing seats on the spindle. 

3. Determine the Wheel Bolt Pattern 

• Count the Studs: Count the number of bolts on your trailer’s wheel hub. 
• Measure the Bolt Circle Diameter (PCD): 
  • 4- and 6-lug hubs: Measure from the center of one stud to the center of the stud directly across from it. 
  • 5-lug hubs: Measure from the center of one stud to the center of the stud that is two away. 
  • For example, a five-lug pattern where the measurement is 4.5 inches is a “5 on 4.5”. 

4. Check the Axle’s Weight Capacity 

• Locate the axle’s weight capacity, which is often stamped into the axle itself, usually near the center.

5. Confirm the Spindle Type 

• Check if your axle has a straight or a tapered spindle. Some hubs are designed for one or the other, and you need the correct one.

Once you have these measurements and specifications, you can use them to find the correct hub for your trailer.

Do all 5 lug rims fit the same?

No, not all 5-lug rims fit the same; a 5-lug rim’s bolt pattern (the distance between the lug holes) must precisely match your vehicle’s bolt pattern, and other factors like wheel diameter, width, offset, and center bore diameter must also be compatible to ensure a proper and safe fit. 
Key Factors for Wheel Fitment

• Bolt Pattern (PCD – Pitch Circle Diameter): This is the measurement of the circle on which the lug nuts sit. 
  • A 5-lug pattern is represented by a number like 5x100mm or 5×4.5 inches. The first number is the number of lugs (5), and the second number is the diameter of the bolt circle. 
  • Different vehicles, even of the same make, can have different 5-lug bolt patterns. 
• Wheel Diameter and Width: These dimensions must be compatible with your vehicle. 
• Offset: This is the distance between the rim’s mounting surface and the center of the wheel, affecting how far the wheel sits in or out from the car’s suspension. 
• Center Bore Diameter: The hole in the center of the wheel must fit over your vehicle’s hub for proper centering. 
• Brake and Suspension Clearance: The wheel must not interfere with your vehicle’s brakes or suspension components. 

How to Check for a Match

1. Identify Your Vehicle’s Bolt Pattern: Find the specific bolt pattern for your car. 
2. Measure Your Vehicle’s Bolt Pattern: You can find specific guides online to measure a 5-lug bolt pattern. 
3. Measure the New Rim’s Bolt Pattern: Verify the 5-lug rim matches your vehicle’s pattern exactly. 
4. Check Other Specifications: Confirm the rim’s width, diameter, offset, and center bore diameter match your vehicle’s requirements. 

Are 5 lug trailer hubs universal?

Unlike the 6 lug and 8 lug trailer hubs the 5 lug hub isn’t universal and comes in 4 different sizes.