Parts Needed To Update 3" Axles From Donut Wheels To More Common Trailer Wheels and Tires

Question:

Hi, I have an older Lowboy trailer that I would like to convert to regular wheels instead of the old donut wheel type. The shaft sizes are outer bearing size is 1.250 and the trouble I am having is the inner bearing size is 1.375. It is a dual axle and I would like one axle to have brakes and one axle not. I thought about just putting a whole new spindle on the axles also and those axles are 3 inch in diameter. Any help or advise would be great.

asked by: Tray D

Helpful Expert Reply:

I recommend replacing your spindles with the #42 E-Z Lube Spindle # TRU37FR. This will allow you to have the more common size hub in the event you ever have a breakdown. It also gives you the ability to easily fill your hubs with grease as it has a grease zerk.

For the hubs, first you will need to check with local laws that you are able to run brakes on only one of your axles. Many laws now require trailers with braking axles to have brakes on all hubs. We have the Idler Hub # AKIHUB-865-7-2-EZ-K and Hub/Drum # AKHD-865-7-2-EZ-K which will both fit the #42 spindle above. These hubs come filled with bearings and a grease seal for 1 hub so be sure to order a pair per axle. The Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brake Kit # 23-464-465 comes as a set for both the left and right side for one axle. These are self-adjusting so there is no need for manually adjusting every 3,000 miles.

The Kenda Karrier ST235/85R16 Radial Trailer Tire with 16" Black Mod Wheel # AM32743B has the same 8 on 6-1/2" bolt pattern for the hubs above. The tires are rated for 3,640lbs per tire making them perfect for a 7,000LB axle. They also come with a 5-year warranty which is one of the longest warranties available for a trailer tire.