Replacement Hub and Tire/Wheel for a 2K Boat Trailer Axle

Question

Question:

The axle on my boat trailer rusted through. It’s not straight but measures 61.5” center to center spring mounts and 76.5” hub to hub. Is this close to a standard size axle? I know measurements aren’t perfect due to axle being bent from rust. Just hoping it’s close to something common. Im looking for a complete 4 or 5 lug axle assembly 2k rated with wheels and tires. Let me know if it’s something you carry. Thanks

asked by: Kevin B

0

Expert Reply:

I do have hub and tire/wheel options for your application but unfortunately the dimensions you're needing for your boat trailer axle aren't close to standard measurements so you're looking at a custom order through your local trailer shop.

With that being said, I'll go ahead and make some recommendations for hubs and tire/wheel combos so you'll be set once you get your axle. I do recommend making sure that your trailer shop gets an axle that matches the bearing and seal specs that I'm posting:

Idler Hub with BTR Spindles - # AKIHUB-545-2-G-2K
Idler Hub with BT8 Spindles - # AKIHUB-545-2-G-EZ-1K

Hub and Drum with BTR Spindles - # AKHD-545-2-EZ-2K
Hub and Drum with BT8 Spindles - # AKHD-545-2-EZ-1K

Then for a tire/wheel combo I recommend the Kenda Karrier S-Trail ST145/R12 Radial Tire w/ 12" White Spoke Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 # AM31199DX. This has a load range of D (1,220 lbs at 65 psi) and a max speed rating of 81 mph so it is an excellent choice for transporting your boat on the highway. The wheel has a standard white powder coat so you will want to make sure you rinse it off after submerging the trailer if you'll be in salt water.

Attached is a review video for this tire/wheel for you to check out.

expert reply by: Jon G

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Answer 1

The Dexter Trailer Hub Assembly #8-258-50UC1-EZ that you referenced will fit well on your axle. I spoke with Dexter and they confirmed the bearings used for your axle are L44649 for both the inner and out bearings and the grease seal has a 1.500 inch…

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Answer 2

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 3

Even though I cannot comment specifically on the grease you used because I am not familiar with it, I can tell you the best grease for trailer bearings is a a grease with a rating of GC-LB, which just means it is made to withstand very high…

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Answer 4

A BT8 spindle would have a diameter of .99 of an inch where the bearings would both install and would have a diameter of 1.24 where the great seal would ride. That would require a hub part #AKIHUB-440-2-1K for an idler hub. A BTR spindle would have…

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Answer 5

To determine the size of the hub assembly you need to purchase you have to determine which bearings are in the old assembly. If the old assembly has L44649 inner bearings, you would use the hub you chose #8-258-5UC1. If the inner bearings are marked…

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Answer 6

The difference between an load range C and load range D tire in the same size is the capacity and psi rating. The two tires will still have the same dimensions and fit on the same wheel. The D rated tire has a higher capacity. For a ST175/80D13 like…

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Answer 7

To determine the size of the brake assemblies you need you have to measure the depth and width of the hub drum on the axle like what you see in the picture I attached. The most common size is 2-1/4 inch wide like the #T4071600-500 that you…

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Answer 8

To find the load capacity for your axle you should look on the trailer VIN plate or sticker that lists the VIN number. The weight rating of the axle should be listed on that same plate or sticker. Also, the axle could have a tag or plate on it that…

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Answer 9

Hey Richard, thanks for reaching out! The Dexter DX7.5 Drop-N-Go Brake Actuator #099-175-00 is a great option for a replacement actuator because it's a direct replacement for the common Model 60 actuators that were popular in the '90s.…

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Answer 10

The UFP H-1377 correlates to a Dexter #84 spindle, which is for a 3,500 pound axle. This will utilize an inner bearing #L68149 and an outer bearing #L44649. As this is being used on a boat trailer, I highly suggest going with the etrailer.com…

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Answer 11

Torque specs for wheel lug nuts will vary depending on the diameter of the lugs, type of lug nut and the wheel's material. The linked chart details the recommended torque for many combinations. Dexter Hub/Drum #84546UC3 has 1/2-inch studs and…

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Answer 12

Traditionally, trailer manufacturers did not use electric brakes on boat trailers because the brake magnet wiring and trailer wiring did not always have the best insulation or water protection. These days, more and more manufacturers are using…

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