How To Determine Correct Hub Assembly For a 17-Foot Boat Trailer

Question:

I need help picking the correct hub assembly for my trailer for a 17 ft boat. The bolt pattern is 5 on 4 and one-half inch for 13 in wheels and it needs to be a galvanized hub. But I dont know which of the different axle weight capacities I should get. Also, I dont know if I should get ez lube or standard hubs. Could you help me in picking which hub I should purchase? Thanks!!

asked by: Tom M

Expert Reply:

The easiest way to determine what hub assembly you will need is to get the part numbers of the inner and outer bearings and the grease seal part number from the hub assembly that is on the trailer now. If you do not have the old bearings, you will need to measure the spindle on your trailer to determine the size bearings that you will need, and what hub assembly will work. Trailer hub assemblies are not a universal fit.

If you can let me know the part numbers of your bearings and grease seal and I will be glad to help you find the correct hub assembly for your trailer. You will also want to verify the axle weight capacity.

You can determine if you need EZLube or Standard by looking at the spindle. If there's a zerk fitting at the end of the spindle, then you have EZLube. If not, you have Standard.

Finally I will need to know if you need idler hubs or hub/drum.

I have included a photo that shows where to measure on a spindle and were to find the bearing and grease seal part numbers.

expert reply by: Chris O