Selecting Replacement Idler Hubs, Wheels and Tires for Sailboat Trailer

Question:

Hello, I have a few product questions. My goal is to replace both the entire hub assembly hub, bearings, races, bearing buddy, etc and tires on my sailboat trailer. Basically everything but the spindel. Hubs/Bearings Here is what I know about the hub/bearings - Inner and outer bearings L44643. I confirmed 1 inch inner diameter on bearings using digital calipers - 1 inch spindle, I think Bt8 - Bearings pitted and damaged, races on hub pitted. All needs replaced. - 5 on 4.5 inch stud pattern I would like the following - Replacement hub assembly. I think AKIHUB-545-2-1K is the correct part that should contain all I need. - Replacement bearing buddies. I am stuck here because I cannot figure out what the hub boreinch is for any of the hubs. More precisely, I have no idea what a hub bore is. Tires In regards to the tires. About all I can tell about my current dry rotted tires is that they are 8 inch LoadStar 5.70 -8inch tires with a load rating of B. Since I dont actually trust the maintenance procedures of the prior owner I would like to upgrade to load rating of C for peace of mind. My goal is to be able to pull on the interstate at 65 MPH. Right now I am looking at the Kenda Item # AM30150. I suppose since I am completetly replacing hub, tire, and wheel I could swap to anything that fits on 5 x 4.5 studs. Any advice is appreciated. I really dont want to go to a larger tire. This would raise the boat height and possibly make launching more challenging. Thank you.

asked by: Brent

Expert Reply:

For your trailer that has a 1-inch spindle and which requires hubs with part # L44643 as inner and outer bearings, we do have options shown on the linked page. These include both idler hubs like part # AKIHUB-545-2-1K that you referenced and hub/drums like # AKHD-545-2-EZ-1K. These items and the others shown have the 5-on-4-1/2-inch wheel bolt pattern.

You will want to confirm your axle weight rating (on the sticker or plate that is usually attached to the axle beam itself) so that you can select hubs with the weight capacity to match or exceed your axle rating. The hubs that will fit you spindle have ratings from 2000- to 2500-lbs. Many of these hubs come with bearings, races, seals, lug nuts and grease caps.

I will be glad to help you select the right Bearing Buddy once you decide on the hubs you want. The hub bore is the outside opening where the grease cap (or Bearing Buddy) installs.

For tires you can refer to the two linked articles and the page that shows all bias ply tire options in your size 5.70-8. We offer Load Ranges B, C and D in this size. Wheel/tire # AM30150 that you mentioned is indeed a 5-on-4-1/2 galvanized wheel with a Load Range C tire. This can handle up to 910-lbs at its rated 75-psi pressure and it is good to 65-mph.

For a bit more safety margin you might prefer the Load Range D item # AM30156 which also has a galvanized wheel, but this is rated for 1075-lbs at its rated 100-psi pressure.