Replacement Axle and Hubs for Small Boat Trailer that Used Super Lube Hubs

Question:

I have a small boat trailer that I recently had the bearings blow out on. Looking to replace with new 1.5inch or 2inch square galvanized axle and 4x4 galvanized hubs. My spring center is 49.5inch and hub face is ~59. Looking online for replacements and I am a little confused on a couple things: Regarding Super Lube axles and hubs, if I buy a Tiedown Towzone axle with Super Lube spindles do I also need to buy Super Lube hubs? Can I put Super Lube hubs on another brand of axle? Would it be better to have the Super Lube spindles or hubs? Are Tiedown and Dexter the same manufacturer/related? If I buy an axle that has an appropriate hub face distance but is off on the pre-drilled spring center holes by 0.5, am I able to simply drill new holes on the opposite side? Thanks!

asked by: Tyler

Expert Reply:

We don't currently carry Tie Down products, but based on my research it looks like the only difference between the Super Lube Hubs and a standard trailer hub from any other manufacturer is that there is a grease fitting built right into the hub itself. This simply allows you to easily add grease to the hub and bearings for regular maintenance. As long as you make sure the hub uses bearings that will fit your trailer spindle, there is no reason you couldn't use a Super Lube Hub on a different brand axle or vise versa.

The grease fitting on the hub is the only difference, and this isn't going to affect its fit on a spindle.

When replacing the axle on your trailer, I really do recommend finding one with a spring center dimension that matches what you have. Since this is essentially where the axle will attach to the frame, even a slight difference might push the spring seats out of alignment with your trailer and I don't recommend modifying the axle itself.

While we don't have any square axles available, I do have an option that will work really well as a replacement and will also eliminate any concerns over picking out one with exact spring seat and hub face lengths. I recommend taking a look at a Timbren Axle-Less System like the 2,000 pound # A20RS440. This system will fit any frame width and can often eliminate the need for a thru axle altogether. Its built-in AEON progressive-rate springs will take the place of traditional leaf springs to provide you with two independent units that deliver a smooth and stable ride.

This particular set includes idler hubs with a 4 on 4 inch bolt pattern and EZ Lube spindles that will allow for easy greasing, much like the Super Lube hubs you had before. I have attached a video demonstration on this system so you can get a better idea as to how they install and operate.

expert reply by: Chris R

Mark V.

4/28/2020

timken bearing l44643 and 5 lug hubsTrying to find the right hub for my boat trailer.

Chris R.

4/29/2020

Are both the inner and outer bearings the L44643? If so, we have a number of assemblies that will work well as a replacement. For an idler hub the etrailer # AKIHUB-545-2-1K will work perfectly. If you need a hub/drum (your trailer has brakes) you can use part # AKHD-545-2-1K instead.