Replacement Trailer Hubs to Change to 5 on 4-1/2 Inch Bolt Pattern on 3,500 Pound Axle

Question:

I have a year 1995 Beckfoot trailer 3500 lb easy grease trailer axle with 5 on 4.75 hubs and L68149 / L44649 bearings. I believe it is called a #84 spindle. I want to change the hubs to the more readily available 5 on 4 1/2 hubs. Is there a difference if I use a Dexter or Regular round trailer hub replacements and, if there is, what is the difference?

asked by: Bob

Expert Reply:

As long as the weight capacity is sufficient and the new hubs use the same bearing set as your existing hubs, there will be no problem switching to compatible hubs with a more common 5 on 4-1/2 inch bolt pattern.

I recommend looking at the etrailer.com Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly # AKHD-545-35-EZ-K. These hubs are designed for 3,500 pound axles and have a 5 on 4-1/2 inch bolt pattern. They use the same # L68149 inner bearing and # L44649 outer bearing as your original units. They specifically will work on E-Z Lube trailer axles with the #84 spindle you mentioned having in your question.

An idler hub is a hub that has no provisions for trailer brakes because there is no brake drum. A hub/drum assembly like the above etrailer.com set has a brake drum that can be used with a brake assembly. Basically, you will typically choose/install an idler hub if your trailer does not have electric brakes and you do not plan on adding them.

I have attached a short video demonstration on this product for you to check out. I have also included a couple of articles on trailer hubs and bearings that you might find helpful.

expert reply by: Chris R