Recommendation to Replace Hubs and Electric Brake Assemblies for 2,000 Pound Axle

Question:

Want to replace electric brakes and drums on my 1994 Casita Spirit Deluxe travel trailer. I believe it has a 2200 lb Dexter easy lube axle, 7x 1.25 but everything I see on your site says that the axle is for 10-13inch wheels. Mine has 14inch 5 on 4.5 wheels on it. Could this be a 3500# axle, or could a 2200# axle handle 14inch wheels?

asked by: Tom F

Expert Reply:

As you mentioned in your question, all of our available hubs and electric brake assemblies for 2,000 pound axles are designed to fit with wheels that have a diameter of up to 13 inches. It isn't recommended to use a larger wheel because there simply wouldn't be as much support for the wheel where it meets the hub. This can potentially be an issue if you were to ever hit a curb or other object with the trailer, where this lack of surface support may cause the wheel or spindle to break.

Based on the weight of your 1994 Casita Spirit Deluxe Trailer, it would be very unlikely that it is equipped with a 3,500 pound axle. Most likely you have just been using a wheel that is a bit too large for the hubs that are on the axle.

For replacement electric brake assemblies, you can use the etrailer.com Brake Kit # AKEBRK-2. These 7 inch x 1-1/4 inch assemblies are designed for 2,000 pound axles, have a 4 bolt mounting flange pattern, and are compatible with 10 inch, 12 inch, and 13 inch wheels. Both the Left Hand and Right Hand assemblies are included.

In order to pick out replacement hub and drum assemblies, I recommend pulling an existing hub and checking for the bearing numbers that it uses. These numbers should be stamped right onto the inside of the bearings themselves. Most likely the spindle on your trailer uses the # L44649 (1.063 inner diameter) for both the inner and outer bearing, but you will want to verify this. If this is the case, I recommend the Dexter Hub and Drum # 8-257-5UC3-EZ. These E-Z Lube hubs feature the 5 on 4-1/2 inch bolt pattern you are needing and will work perfectly with the above mentioned brake assemblies.

I have also attached a link that will take you to our available selection of 13 inch wheel and tires that you can look through if you decide to change them. If you can tell me what size tire you currently use, I will be happy to make a good recommendation that will work well to replace them.