Can You Switch From Hubs/Drums to Idler Hubs On a Boat Trailer with 3,500 Lb Axle

Question

Question:

I have a old boat trailer that had drum on it . Can I replace it with just a hub style. It a 3500 lbs and do I have to get a different spindel for it

asked by: Jeremy T

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

It is certainly possible to switch from hubs/drums to idler hubs on a trailer axle. For a boat trailer with 3,500 lb axle(s), the Trailer Idler Hub Assembly part # AKIHUB-545-35-G-K or part # AKIHUB-545-35-G-EZ-K for EZ-Lube would be just what you need. There would be no need for a new spindle either.

expert reply by: Conner L

1

Jeremy T.

5/3/2020

My 3500 lbs boat trailer drum axle.Do the spindle have to be a certain length. To put on a idler hub.

Reply

Chris R.

5/6/2020

There's no issue with switching from a hub/drum to an idler hub assembly. The spindle length won't come into play. For 3,500 pound units the etrailer models Conner mentioned above will work great.

Reply

Answer 1

The bearing inner diameters of what comes with the CE Smith Trailer Idler Hub Assembly #CE13515 comes with does match the dimensions you listed. This hub fits the wheel size 13 inch to 15 inch.

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Answer 2

I have another option for you, but we do not offer the Trailer Hub for 3,500-lb Axles - 5 on 4-1/2 #84545BX you were looking at pre-greased and assembled. The reason for this is the pre-greased and assembled hubs come that way from the manufacturer…

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Answer 3

Absolutely! The CE Smith Trailer Idler Hub Assembly w/ Case for 3.5K Axles - 5 on 4-1/2 - Galvanized - Pre-Greased #CE13515 is absolutely compatible with Bearing Buddies. Bearing Buddies are perfect for keeping the hubs greased and preventing water…

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Answer 4

I was able to verify for you what the correct replacement is for your Dexter 8-248 hub, and there is an option for standard or EZ Lube, as well as a galvanized option: - Dexter Trailer Idler Hub Assembly for 3,500 lb Axles #84545BX - Dexter Trailer…

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Answer 5

For mounting a 15" wheel on the CE Smith Trailer Idler Hub Assembly #CE13515 you will want to torque the wheel nuts to either 90-120ft-lbs on a steel wheel or 90-100ft-lbs on an aluminum wheel. I have included our a wheel torque chart below as…

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Answer 6

In order to find the correct replacement hub and spindle you will need to know the capacity of your axle along with the bearings you currently have. In order to find the size of the bearings you can look for part numbers on your existing bearings. If…

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Answer 7

The Easy Grease Trailer Idler Hub Assembly for 3.5K Axles #AKIHUB-545-35-G-EZ-K and the CE Smith Trailer Idler Hub Assembly w/ Case #CE13515 fit the same spindle, have the same bolt pattern, and are galvanized so yes, essentially the only things that…

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Answer 8

Before proceeding, I'd take a moment to confirm the spindle diameter, because there are two different bearing sets that are very close in dimension, so you'll want to be absolutely sure of the measurement you get. We recommend using a digital…

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Answer 9

If your trailer has inner bearing L68149 and outer bearing L44649 then it likely has a 5 on 4-1/2 bolt pattern. But to be sure we get you the right hubs I would need to know the bolt pattern of the wheels for sure. I have included a link to the right…

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Answer 10

Based on your bearing dimensions you do have a 3,500 lb axle. The CE Smith Trailer Idler Hub Assembly w/ Case for 3.5K Axles - 5 on 4-1/2 - Galvanized - Pre-Greased #CE13515 that you referenced would be a really great option as it has the correct…

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Answer 11

The #84 spindle is just a common way to identify the spindle dimensions typically used for 3,500 lb axles. So instead of listing out the parts, people can just say they have #84 spindles and it's easier to know what fits it. The CE Smith Trailer…

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Answer 12

If the spindle is damaged, it'll need to be replaced. The #CE13511 CE Smith hub is compatible with a 3500 lb axle that uses an L68149 inner/L44649 outer wheel bearing and a 10-19 grease seal. For a spindle, you'll need a 3500 lb spindle, but…

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