Can Grease Hubs be Replaced with Oil Bath Hubs on 5th Wheel Trailer

Question:

I have a 5th Wheel with greased hubs. Can I switch over to oil bath hubs on a 17k lbs 5th Wheel?

asked by: Kyle L

Expert Reply:

You should be able to replace the grease hubs on your trailer to oil bath assemblies. Oil bath hubs have a threaded bore that accepts a threaded oil cap. You will just need to make sure that the replacement hubs use the same inner and outer bearings and feature the same bolt pattern as your existing units. To determine what bearings your current hubs use, you will just need to pull the hub and look for the numbers that should be stamped onto the bearings themselves. If you cannot read the numbers, you can also take a few measurements along the spindle where the bearings sit. I have attached an image that shows where these measurements will be taken. I recommend using a digital caliper like # PTW80157, as the measurements need to be exact.

For example, the Dexter Oil Bath Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly # 8-219-9UC3-A is designed for 5,200 to 7,000 pound axles and features an 8 on 5-1/2 inch bolt pattern. It uses the # 25580 inner bearing and # 14125A outer bearing.

I have attached a link that will take you to our available selection of oil bath trailer hubs.

expert reply by: Chris R