Posted 2008-12-27 11:44 AM (#96544) Subject: Lug pattern on horse trailer
New User
Posts: 3
Location: Gold beach,oregon,97444
I have a 1974 circle j four horse horse trailer thats about 27ft long. My question is are lug patterns on horse trailers the same as lug patterns on 1/2 ton, 3/4 ton, and one ton trucks. Are the patterns suppose to get bigger as the trailer gets bigger. I couldn't emagine that someone would have took the big axles off and put smaller axles on this trailer. Any info would be great this is really got me wondering now about my axles. Thanks
Posted 2008-12-27 12:23 PM (#96548 - in reply to #96547) Subject: RE: Lug pattern on horse trailer
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Originally written by appy292 on 2008-12-27 1:12 PM
So if this trailer is 27ft long is a five hole lug pattern big enough. .
Big enough? Do you mean weight capacity? That will be determined by the axle ratings and the wheel/tire capacities. Many 5 bolt wheels don't exceed 15" in diameter, which will still allow a "C" or "D" tire range weight rating. There are many variables in the capacities of the various components. Generally speaking, a five bolt wheel has less capacity than a six bolt wheel, which in turn has less capacity than an 8 bolt wheel.
A long three or four horse trailer with 15" wheels, may easily be at its maximum weight carrying limit.
Posted 2008-12-27 12:24 PM (#96549 - in reply to #96547) Subject: RE: Lug pattern on horse trailer
Regular
Posts: 64 Location: Oklahoma City
On the older horse trailers the bolt patterns were different than they are now. You would have to physically examine the beam to determine what size axles you have under that trailer. I am assuming they are the old spring axles (not torsions) The 5 hole pattern could be from 3500 lb. beams up to 6000 lb beams. I would guess you have either 5200 lb axles or 6000 lb axles. Even then 8 hole wheels were required to go to 7000 lb axles.
Posted 2008-12-27 1:30 PM (#96555 - in reply to #96549) Subject: RE: Lug pattern on horse trailer
New User
Posts: 3
Location: Gold beach,oregon,97444
How do I examine the BEAM? Is the beam the part that runs under the trailer to both tires? So by your guess each axle would carry 5200 to 6000 lbs? Sorry for asking but you don't learn if you don't ask right?
Posted 2008-12-27 3:02 PM (#96559 - in reply to #96544) Subject: RE: Lug pattern on horse trailer
Expert
Posts: 1351 Location: Decatur, Texas
The answer to the actual question. Yes, the lug pattern is the same. 5 (5 on 4 3/4's) and 6 lug is a GM pattern and the 8 lug is the same as Ford GM and Dodge! Just have to make sure the rating on the wheels is heavy enough for the trailer. Wheel rating must match or exceed that of the tire you are installing.
Posted 2008-12-29 10:50 AM (#96624 - in reply to #96555) Subject: RE: Lug pattern on horse trailer
Regular
Posts: 64 Location: Oklahoma City
Yes, the beam is the round tube that runs from wheel to wheel. On the older axles they would have a marking that showed the beam capacity of each axle. You could get under the trailer and see if the marking was still there, although it may not be at this age. Yes, I am guessing you have 5200 to 6000 on each axle. You are right, if you don't ask you can't learn.
Lug pattern on horse trailer
