Recommended Axles For Boat Trailer To Switch To Much Larger Wheels

Published 10/01/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(817)

$80.32

Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 12" - Left Hand - 6,000 lbs

(203)

$96.45

Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 12" - Right Hand - 6,000 lbs

(196)

$82.09

Dexter Hydraulic Drum Brake Assembly - Uni-Servo - 12" - Left Hand - 5,200 lbs

(5)

$117.85

Dexter Hydraulic Drum Brake Assembly - Uni-Servo - 12" - Right Hand - 5,200 lbs

(2)

$128.44

Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 5,200-lb to 7,000-lb Axles - 12" Diameter - 8 on 6-1/2

(1087)

$212.52

Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension - Standard Duty - No Drop - 5 Bolt Flange - 7,000 lbs

(127)

$1295.41

Question:

I have a boat trailer with a 4 on 4 bolt pattern and would like to install large wheels with 8 bolt pattern. Is it possible to replace the existing spindle and hub which would fit the 8 bolt pattern? If this is not possible, is it possible to replace the entire axle assembly with a hub to fit the 8 bolt patter larger tires and wheels = more clearance? Thanks for your help /

asked by: Roger B

Expert Reply:

Replacing the spindle on an axle is very difficult because the spindle needs to be exact and concentric or it can cause issues with tires and wheels. And any axle that has been designed for a spindle with a 4-bolt pattern will most likely not work with any spindles designed for an 8-bolt drum and wheel. If you have 13 inch tires on a wheel that has a 4 on 4 bolt pattern and switch to a 16 inch wheel with an 8 bolt pattern means you are going to raise the trailer up by about 3 inches.

One option to gain more clearance is to use an over-under kit like part # K71-384-00. This will work with axles that are rated for 3,500 lbs. It will raise the trailer the diameter of the axle and the depth of the leaf spring.

If you are wanting to change to an 8-bolt pattern wheel I recommend changing to an axle-less system like part # TASR7KS01, and then using part # 42866UC3 for a hub and drum. This hub and drum works with both hydraulic or electric brakes.

If you are using electric brakes I recommend part # 23-106 and part # 23-105.

For hydraulic brakes I recommend part # 23-325 and part # 23-324.