Replacement Bearings and Axle Parts for Imported Utility Trailer

Question:

i recently purchased a folding utility trailer thats about 2 years old and made in China. Do they use standard size hubs and bearings like we do here? Im wanting to put bearing buddies on it as i will be using it for a kayak trailer, but my hub measures 2.040inch and of course the dust cap is a few thousandths bigger for a tight fit. The closest i can find is for a 2.047inch bore, which seems a little to big for what i have. Any suggestions? Thanks

asked by: Bill T

Expert Reply:

You have discovered the dark side of "bargain" import trailers: non-standard and tough-to-find replacement parts. You are correct that the nearest diameter size of Bearing Buddy to your 2.040-inch measurement is the 2.047-inch size like # BB2047 (in chrome finish) and # BB2047SS (in stainless steel).

I also checked our standard grease caps, shown on the linked page, and these too do not offer a perfect match to your hub bore.

A difference of 7/1000ths of an inch in diameter is a bit more than is usual for a Bearing Buddy fit. Chances are size 2.047 will be a bit big.

If you want to make the trailer more easily serviceable for the long run, then you might want to consider changing the axle. This would simplify the process of finding replacement parts. I linked our page for trailer axles. You'll want to match up your axle capacity.

For example, if the current axle is rated for 2K and measures 60-inches between hub faces (and 48-inches between spring seats) and takes 5-on-4-1/2 idler hubs, you could use a kit like # 20545I-EZ-60-15 which includes the axle beam, hubs, bearings, races, seals, lug nuts and even grease.