Possible Ways to PIck out Hubs for Trailer without Removing Bearings

Question:

If I have a 5x4.5 trailer wheel what are the odds that the standard drum will fit the spindle? Is there anyway to tell without pulling the wheel and if do have to pull the wheel what is the best way to measure the bearing size from the spindle? thanks

asked by: Joseph

Expert Reply:

If you can get a brand of the axle plus any capacity info you can find I'd most likely be able to get you the correct hub. But it really just depends and is a case by case setup. You can also measure the diameter of the axle to get an idea what capacity you have.

Typical Axle Diameters Based on Axle Capacity
- 1,000-lb - 2,000-lb Axles: 1-1/2 inch - 1-3/4 inch diameter
- 3,500-lb Axles: 2-3/8 inch diameter
- 6,000-lb - 7,200-lb Axles: 3 inch diameter
- 8,000-lb Axles: 3-1/2 inch diameter
- 9,000-lb Axles: 4 inch diameter
- 10,000-lb Or more axles: 5 inch diameter

If you wanted to measure the spindle you'd need a digital caliper like the # PTW80157 to get exact dimensions. The picture I attached points out where to measure the spindle as well.