Can The Capacity Of An Axle Be Determined By Looking At The Hubs?
Question:
Hi, Are you able to help me identify my trailer axles based on some pictures of the hubs? Im trying to find out what the axles are rated to and what parts I need to replace the bearings. Thanks
asked by: Kevin G
Expert Reply:
Though it is sometimes possible to identify an axle's capacity based of the hub, it is not always 100% accurate. Due to this, I tell people to not rely on just this alone. As a quick example, if you look at the Dexter Hub # 8-259-50BTUC1 and # 8-259-50UC1-EZ, they will both use the exact same 8-259 hub. However, the # 8-259-50BTUC1 will use the # L44643 inner and outer bearing and is rated for use on a 2,000 pound axle. The # 8-259-50UC1-EZ will use the # L44649 inner and outer bearing and is rated for a 2,200 pound axle.
With that being said, I highly recommend removing one of the hubs to gain access to your bearings. This will be a more sure fire way of knowing what you have. You can also use the diameter of the axle tube to help narrow it down as well. As a couple examples, a 3,500 pound axle will have a 2-3/8" diameter and a 5,200 to 7,000 pound axle will have a 3" diameter.
If all else fails, you can also contact the trailer manufacturer with the trailer's VIN. If they are still around and if the trailer wasn't home made, they keep stuff like this on file and should be able to tell you exactly what you have.
Products Referenced in This Question
Trailer Hub Assembly for 2,000-lb Axles - 5 on 4-1/2 - 10" - 12" Wheels - Galvanized
- Trailer Hubs and Drums
- Hub
- Standard
- L44643
- L44643
- For 2000 lbs Axles
- 1/2 Inch Stud
- 5 on 4-1/2 Inch
- 10 Inch Wheel
- 12 Inch Wheel
- Dexter
more information >
Dexter Trailer Idler Hub Assembly for 2,200-lb E-Z Lube Axles - 5 on 4-1/2 - Galvanized
- Trailer Hubs and Drums
- Hub
- EZ Lube
- L44649
- L44649
- For 2000 lbs Axles
- 1/2 Inch Stud
- 5 on 4-1/2 Inch
- 10 Inch Wheel
- 12 Inch Wheel
- Dexter
more information >
Replacement Trailer Hub Bearing - L44643
- Trailer Bearings Races Seals Caps
- Bearings
- Standard Bearings
- 1.000 Inch I.D.
- Bearing L44643
- Race L44610
- 2000 lbs Axle
- etrailer
more information >
Replacement Trailer Hub Bearing - L44649
- Trailer Bearings Races Seals Caps
- Bearings
- Standard Bearings
- 1.063 Inch I.D.
- Bearing L44649
- Race L44610
- 3500 lbs Axle
- etrailer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Demco Trailer Coupler w/ 5-Position Adjustable Channel - eZ-Latch - Black - 2-5/16" Ball - 20K
- Adjustable Trailer Coupler
- Coupler with Bracket
- 20000 lbs GTW
- 2-5/16 Inch Ball Coupler
- Auto Latch
- 10 Inch Height Adjustment
- Demco
more information >
Continue Researching
- Shop: Kodiak Disc Brakes - 11" Rotor - 8 on 6-1/2 - Dacromet - Leaf Spring - 10K Dexter and Lippert
- Shop: Trailer Hub Assembly for 2,000-lb Axles - 5 on 4-1/2 - 10" - 12" Wheels - Galvanized
- Q&A: rebuilding boat trailer
- Q&A: Cross Reference Chart for Kodiak Trailer Disk Brake Pads to Automotive Applications
- Shop: Kodiak Hydraulic Brake Hose - FIF and 90-Degree Male Fittings w/ Stainless Flares - 1.5'
- Shop: Clip for Dexter Flexible Brake Line Tubing
- Shop: Dexter Trailer Idler Hub for 2,000-lb and 2,200-lb Axles - 5 on 4-1/2 - Galvanized
- Shop: BT8 Spindle for 2,000-lb Trailer Axles - 1-1/4" Diameter
- Shop: DeeZee Specialty Series Trailer Tongue Tool Box - A-Frame - Plastic - 6 Cu Ft - Black
- Video: DeeZee A-Frame Trailer Tongue Toolbox Installation
- Search Results: dacromet
- Search Results: 3500
- Search Results: spindle
- Search Results: bearing greaser
- Search Results: bearing packer
- Q&A: What is the Best Grease for Trailer Bearings
- Q&A: Replacement Hubs and Bearings for a 1-1/16 spindle
- Q&A: Bearing Kit for Dexter 8-259 Trailer Hub
- Search Results: dexter 8 259
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Video: Dexter Axle Trailer Hubs and Drums - Hub - 8-259-50UC1 Review
- Q&A: Recommended Hub Assembly For Snowmobile Trailer With Dexter EZ-Lube Axle
- Q&A: Is The BT8 Spindle # TRU94FR Compatible With The Trailer Idler Hub Assembly # AKIHUB-440-2-1K
- Video: Gorilla-Lift Utility Trailer Tailgate Lift Assist Review
- Shop: Truck Bed Tailgate Assist
- Shop: Tailgate
- Video: Optronics Trailer Lights - Tail Lights - STL78RB Review
- Video: Optronics Trailer Lights - Tail Lights - STL72RB Review
- Video: Optronics Oval LED Trailer Light Review