Determining Axle Rating, Replacement Bearings, And Bolt Pattern For Axle On Homemade Trailer
Question:
Hello! I am trying to determine the weight capacity approximate of my tapered spindle and also figure out what kind of replacement wheels/bearings I need. The trailer is homemade 6x12 and the wheels are 4-bolt pattern and appear to be Volkswagon. There is no title or VIN information so I can only go off these measurements. Might you be able to help?
asked by: Alex C
Expert Reply:
I would be happy to help you determine which bearings and wheels your 6' x 12' home made trailer uses, and its axle capacity.
Starting with the bearings you will need to remove one of your current hubs and look for the bearing numbers stamped in the face of each bearing as shown in the included picture of the # L44649.
If your bearings are worn to the point that you cannot read the bearing numbers you will need to use digital calipers like # PTW80157 to precisely measure your spindle according to the included diagram.
Moving on to the wheels, the most common 4 bolt pattern is the 4 on 4" but you will want to confirm this by measuring your current wheels using the included help article. I went ahead a linked our selection of wheels that use the 4 on 4" bolt pattern for you to take a look at.
Lastly for the axle rating, since the trailer is homemade and there is no GVWR you will need to look for the axle tag which is located on the center of the axle facing rearward. If the tag is gone, the bearing combination will give a rough guess to the axles capacity, but it won't be possible to get an exact rating without the axle tag.
If you can provide the bearing numbers or bearing measurements I would be happy to recommend the correct replacement bearings for you.
![Samuel C](https://images.etrailer.com/static/images/catg/people/2240_tn.jpg)
Products Referenced in This Question
4" Carbon Fiber Digital Caliper
- Hand Tools
- Measuring and Layout Tools
- Digital Calipers
- Carbon Fiber
- Performance Tool
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Product Page this Question was Asked From
Replacement Trailer Hub Bearing - L44649
- Trailer Bearings Races Seals Caps
- Bearings
- Standard Bearings
- 1.063 Inch I.D.
- Bearing L44649
- Race L44610
- 3500 lbs Axle
- etrailer
more information >
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