Trailer wheels handle far more stress than most people think. A fully loaded boat trailer easily hits 1200 pounds, yet we see buyers constantly skip the safety margins when picking replacement wheels and tires. Several tire and wheel manufacturers actually recommend keeping at least a 15% load cushion for trailer tires – something eager buyers tend to ignore completely.
Weight is just the starting point though. Getting the right trailer wheels means understanding load ratings and size specs that can get pretty technical. Aluminum trailer wheels beat steel options in many ways, but you need to crunch the numbers carefully. Take a trailer with a 20,000-pound GVWR – you'd need tires rated for at least 3,833 pounds each to keep those safety margins intact. Then you've got the huge variety of choices, from 8 lug trailer wheels to specialized boat trailer setups, which can overwhelm even seasoned trailer owners.
We've watched countless customers make expensive mistakes when upgrading their trailer wheels. This Performance Plus trailer wheels review will show you what most buyers get wrong and help you make smart decisions that put both performance and safety first for your specific trailer setup.
Performance Plus specializes in trailer wheels built for durability and reliability across different applications. Their inventory covers multiple styles, finishes, and materials to match various trailer types and usage needs.
Material choice affects everything from performance to maintenance and how long your wheels last. Performance Plus stocks both steel and aluminum options, and each has its own strengths.
Steel wheels are the budget-friendly pick for most trailer owners. These wheels take serious abuse and keep going. Performance Plus offers galvanized steel options that resist corrosion much better than painted steel, which rusts fast in tough conditions. Steel wheels are heavier though—about 78 pounds versus aluminum's 47 pounds—but that extra weight means serious strength for heavy-duty jobs.
Aluminum trailer wheels save you significant weight—roughly 30 pounds lighter per wheel than standard steel. That weight reduction really shows up in fuel efficiency, especially on long hauls. Plus, aluminum naturally fights corrosion, making it perfect for boat trailers that see water regularly. Yes, aluminum costs more—sometimes three times what steel runs—but many folks find the investment pays off in both looks and practical benefits.
Performance Plus trailer wheels work across many different trailer types. They're particularly solid for flatbed and utility trailers that need reliable performance under changing load conditions.
Boat trailer owners get real advantages from aluminum wheels, mainly because they won't rust. Since these trailers hit the water during launching and retrieval, aluminum's rust-proof nature becomes incredibly valuable over time. The weight savings from aluminum wheels also makes towing and launching boats noticeably easier.
RV and travel trailer owners usually want both good looks and solid performance. Performance Plus wheels deliver on both fronts with stylish options that still handle high load capacities. Many RV enthusiasts love how polished aluminum wheels improve their rig's overall appearance.
Performance Plus stocks various wheel sizes to handle different trailer specs and load requirements. Their 17.5-inch aluminum trailer wheels are popular sellers, offering excellent load-bearing capacity up to 6,050 pounds per wheel. These work great for upgrading from 16-inch setups without major trailer modifications.
The 17.5×6.75 aluminum wheels get chosen often for heavy-duty applications. They feature an 8 on 6.5-inch bolt pattern and max PSI rating of 125. These specs make them right for commercial-grade tires and heavier loads.
Smaller utility trailers have options too, like 8×5.375 wheels with 4 on 4-inch bolt patterns that support up to 1,100 pounds per wheel. Their 15×6 wheels with 6 on 5.5-inch bolt patterns can handle up to 2,860 pounds each.
Picking the right size means considering your trailer's specific needs—weight requirements, clearance specs, and how you'll use it. The comprehensive selection at Performance Plus Tire helps you find wheels that match your trailer's particular demands while keeping proper safety margins.
What makes some trailer wheels perform better than others? The difference comes down to the engineering details. Performance Plus wheels pack several technical specs that directly affect safety, how long they last, and how well they perform on the road.
Getting load ratings right is huge when you're picking trailer wheels. Performance Plus wheels show clear load capacity ratings that tell you exactly how much weight each wheel can handle safely. Go over these limits and you're looking at early wear and possible wheel failure – that's why I always tell people to pick wheels with load ratings higher than your trailer's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).
The load range system makes it easy to compare durability:
Load Range B (same as the old 4-ply rating)
Load Range C (same as the old 6-ply rating)
Load Range D (same as the old 8-ply rating)
Performance Plus really shines here by offering wheels with the right load ratings for different trailer types. Their wheels come with detailed specs that help you match the perfect wheel to your specific trailer weight needs. Something most people don't know – trailer tires mounted as singles can handle more weight than the same tires mounted as duals because dual tires often carry uneven loads due to road crown differences.
Bolt patterns are another key factor that sets Performance Plus wheels apart. The pattern gets defined by two numbers: how many lugs you have and the diameter of the circle they make. Even though they look similar, not all 5-lug wheels use the same patterns – you'll find variations like 5 on 4.5", 5 on 5", and 5 on 5.5".
Looking for industry standards? The 5 lug on 4.5 inches (545) pattern is your main standard, with 5 lug on 5 inches (550) as the backup option. With 8-lug wheels, you'll typically see patterns like 8 on 6.5" and 8 on 275mm.
Here's what I've learned about measuring bolt patterns correctly – it prevents expensive mistakes. For wheels with even-numbered lugs (4, 6, 8), measure from the center of one bolt hole straight across to another. For 5-lug wheels, measure from the edge of one bolt hole to the center of the bolt hole that's two spots away.
Performance Plus wheels look great because they offer different finish options. Each finish doesn't just change how they look – it affects how durable they are and how much maintenance they need.
Chrome-plated finishes give you that classic mirror-like shine many trailer owners want. These wheels get multiple layers of copper, nickel, and chromium coating, creating an extremely bright, showroom-quality look without needing a protective topcoat to stop rust.
Powder-coated finishes offer exceptional toughness through a dry paint and heat process. This creates a tough finish that stands up to rust, heat, chips, and scratches. Just remember – these finishes are permanent. You can't really recoat them in a new color later.
Clear-coated finishes give you flexibility and protection. Some Performance Plus wheels have a machined surface where they remove a thin layer of metal for brightness, then apply a clear sealant that protects against corrosion while keeping the wheel looking sharp.
Check out Performance Plus Tire's complete selection of trailer wheels to find the perfect combination of load rating, bolt pattern, and finish for your specific trailer needs.
Whether you're hauling a boat, RV, or utility trailer, getting the wheel specs right ensures both safety and performance. The attention to these engineering details is what makes Performance Plus wheels stand out from standard replacements – a smart investment for serious trailer owners.
Picking the right tires matters just as much as getting proper trailer wheels. The radial and bias ply tires debate trips up a lot of buyers, leading to expensive mistakes that hurt both safety and performance.
The big difference is how they're built inside. Bias ply tires have crisscrossed nylon layers at 30-45 degree angles to the centerline, creating a thick, stiff structure. Radial tires work differently - they use polyester cords running at 90-degree angles to the direction of travel with steel belts reinforcing the tread area.
This construction difference really affects how your trailer rides. Radial tires give you a noticeably smoother, quieter ride. Their flexible sidewalls keep better contact with the road through a wider footprint. That means radials track better behind your towing vehicle and give you better sway control around curves - a safety factor that too many buyers don't think about.
Which tire type you need depends mostly on how you use your trailer:
Choose radial tires when:
Traveling highway distances regularly
Seeking maximum fuel efficiency (radials have less rolling resistance)
Prioritizing longevity (radials typically last 2-3 times longer)
Towing at higher speeds (radials have M-ratings safe up to 80 mph)
Bias ply tires still work well for occasional use, rough terrain, or when you need maximum sidewall strength. Their tough construction handles punctures better in off-road situations. If you don't travel long distances often, bias ply tires give you decent performance at a lower price.
Here's what most people miss - heat management. Radial tires get rid of heat way better than bias ply options. This cooling advantage matters because too much heat is the main reason tires fail.
We've seen documented highway trips in 90-degree weather where bias ply tires ran much hotter than radials, causing multiple failures. The steel mesh in radials spreads heat across a wider area, cutting down blowout risk during long hauls.
This heat management also means your tires last longer. Radial trailer tires typically give you around 18,000 miles of service when maintained properly. The higher upfront cost often pays off in the long run despite costing more initially.
Here's something critical - never mix radial and bias ply tires on the same trailer. This creates dangerous handling problems that could cause accidents.
Smart trailer wheel shopping goes way beyond just looking at the price tag. You'll usually run into two choices when buying trailer wheels: get the wheels by themselves or go with pre-mounted wheel and tire combo packages. Figuring out which gives you better value means understanding what you're actually paying for and where you might save some cash.
Trailer wheel prices can vary quite a bit. Basic steel wheels start around $50-$150 each, while standard aluminum trailer wheels typically run $100-$500 per wheel depending on size and design. Performance Plus offers discounts from 10% to 50% on major wheel brands, which keeps their pricing pretty competitive.
Tires bump up your total investment significantly. Economy tires start around $50-$100 each, with mid-range options running $100-$300 per tire. Then you've got installation fees, mounting, and balancing that add about $50 per wheel in labor costs.
Pre-mounted wheel and tire packages can save you money in several ways. These assemblies come fully inflated and ready to bolt right onto your trailer, so you skip the separate installation costs completely. Many suppliers throw in free mounting when you buy compatible tires and wheels together – that's immediate savings right there.
The long-term value is where combo packages really shine. With separate wheels and tires, you'll pay for mounting services every time you change tires. Having pre-mounted assemblies makes changes faster and potentially free if you do them yourself.
Raceline trailer wheels have built a solid reputation as premium options with high-efficiency performance across different driving conditions. They come in multiple finishes like matte black, gloss, and chrome, giving you style plus function.
Performance Plus generally delivers better value than competitors. Their discount tires give you premium performance at affordable prices without cutting corners on quality. Unlike some retailers that charge extra for accessories, many combo packages include center caps, lug nuts, and necessary TPMS sensors.
Worried about upfront costs? Financing options make these purchases easier to handle. Performance Plus offers wheel and tire financing with flexible payment plans, so you can upgrade right away while spreading payments over time.
Check out Performance Plus Tire's trailer wheel selection to explore the full range of options and find the perfect wheel and tire combination for your trailer.
Getting trailer wheels installed properly is absolutely crucial for safety and performance. Even the best wheels can fail if you mess up the installation. Here are the key installation aspects that trip up many trailer owners.
Getting bolt patterns wrong costs you time and money. The pattern has two numbers: lug count and bolt circle diameter. For wheels with even-numbered lugs (4, 6, or 8), measure from the center of one bolt hole directly to the center of the opposite hole.
For 5-lug patterns, you've got three reliable methods:
Measure from the center of one bolt hole to the farthest edge of one of the two farthest holes
Measure from the center of one bolt hole to where an imaginary opposite bolt would be
Measure adjacent holes center-to-center, then compare to standard measurements:
2⅝" indicates a 5 on 4½" pattern
3" indicates a 5 on 5" pattern
3¼" indicates a 5 on 5½" pattern
Not enough clearance between tires and trailer components spells trouble. You want at least 2" between tire sidewalls and any frame components. The offset—distance from wheel centerline to mounting surface—plays a big role in this clearance.
Wheel offset comes in three types:
Positive offset (inset): Mounting surface closer to street side
Zero offset: Mounting surface centered between wheel edges
Negative offset (outset): Mounting surface closer to brake side
Pick the wrong offset and you'll run into clearance problems with suspension components or have wheels sticking out past your fenders.
An unbalanced tire causes vibration, hurts fuel economy, and wears out fast. Here's something many people don't know: balancing all wheels—not just steer positions—really extends tire life. Studies show proper balancing can boost steer tire life by 25%, drive tires by 35%, and trailer tires by over 50%.
Before final tightening, spin the wheel to make sure it runs true. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern, gradually increasing torque until you hit manufacturer specs. This prevents warping and keeps pressure even.
For best results, try these mounting techniques:
Use computerized balancing equipment for precision
Check for radial and lateral runout before installation
Rebalance wheels about every 20,000 miles
Get installation right and you'll extend the life of both wheels and related components while enjoying a smoother, safer towing experience.
Years of working with trailer equipment have shown me that too many buyers get caught up in price tags and looks while missing the safety essentials. Picking the right trailer wheels goes way beyond finding something that matches your truck. That 15% load cushion manufacturers talk about? It's there for a reason - to keep you safe when road conditions get rough.
Steel wheels work great for durability and budget concerns, but aluminum really shines for boat trailers that see water regularly. Your specific trailer use should drive this choice, not just the price difference.
Load ratings, bolt patterns, and proper fitment trip up more buyers than you'd think. Getting these specs right prevents the kind of failures that can cause real accidents. The radial versus bias ply tire decision matters too - radials handle heat better, last longer, and track straighter at highway speeds.
Combo packages usually save money over buying wheels and tires separately, especially when you factor in long-term costs. Take time to really look at your trailer's weight needs and how you'll use it. You can check out all the options for your specific setup at Performance Plus Tire's comprehensive trailer wheel selection, where the technical details and styling choices are laid out clearly.
Even the best wheels won't help if you install them wrong. Measuring bolt patterns accurately, watching clearances, and proper balancing all make a difference in how long your wheels last. Trailer wheels do a lot more work than most people realize. Don't cut corners on quality or specs when safety's on the line - your trailer depends on getting these details right.
Most trailer wheel buyers focus on price and appearance while overlooking critical safety specifications that could prevent dangerous failures on the road.
• Maintain at least 15% load cushion above your trailer's weight - a 20,000-pound GVWR trailer needs tires rated for 3,833+ pounds each • Choose aluminum wheels for boat trailers due to superior corrosion resistance; steel works for utility applications requiring maximum durability • Radial tires outperform bias ply with better heat dissipation, 2-3x longer tread life, and safer highway performance up to 80 mph • Measure bolt patterns precisely - even small errors lead to dangerous fitment issues and potential wheel failure • Pre-mounted wheel/tire combos often provide better long-term value than separate purchases due to eliminated mounting costs
Proper installation with correct torque specifications and balanced wheels can extend tire life by up to 50%, making technical precision as important as initial product selection for trailer safety and performance.
Q1. Are Performance Plus trailer wheels worth the investment? Performance Plus trailer wheels offer excellent value, combining durability, proper load ratings, and corrosion resistance. Their aluminum options are particularly beneficial for boat trailers, while steel wheels provide maximum durability for utility applications. The investment is worthwhile for those prioritizing safety and longevity.
Q2. What's the difference between radial and bias ply trailer tires? Radial tires offer superior performance for most trailer applications. They provide better heat dissipation, longer tread life (2-3 times that of bias ply), and safer highway performance up to 80 mph. Bias ply tires are suitable for occasional use or rough terrain, but radials are generally recommended for regular highway travel.
Q3. How do I ensure I'm choosing the right size trailer wheels? To choose the correct size, consider your trailer's weight requirements, intended use, and clearance specifications. Measure the bolt pattern accurately and pay attention to load ratings. Ensure the wheels you select can safely support your trailer's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) with at least a 15% safety margin.
Q4. Are wheel and tire combo packages a better deal than buying separately? Wheel and tire combo packages often provide better long-term value. They come pre-mounted and balanced, eliminating separate installation costs. These packages can also save money on future tire changes and often include accessories like center caps and lug nuts, making them a cost-effective choice for many trailer owners.
Q5. What are some common installation mistakes to avoid with trailer wheels? Common installation mistakes include incorrect bolt pattern measurement, inadequate clearance consideration, and improper balancing. Always measure bolt patterns precisely, maintain at least 2 inches of clearance between tire sidewalls and frame components, and use computerized balancing equipment. Proper installation with correct torque specifications can significantly extend wheel and tire life.
