Recommended Hubs, Bearings, Wheels and Tires for Small Tandem Axle Trailer

Updated 10/12/2015 | Published 10/10/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Square #84 Spindle for 3,500-lb Trailer Axles - 1-1/2" Wide

(35)

$60.06

Trailer Idler Hub Assembly for 2,000-lb Axles - 4 on 4 - L44643 Bearings - Pre-Greased

(1441)

$44.93

Kenda 4.80-12 Bias Trailer Tire with 12" White Wheel - 4 on 4 - Load Range C

(7486)

$89.40

Replacement Trailer Hub Bearing - L44643

(2074)

$3.49

4" Carbon Fiber Digital Caliper

(26)

$12.23

Question:

I have a trailer with spindles already I need hubs for. It is a tapered spindle. The back bearing dim is 5 1/2 inches and front is 3 1/2. I measured with a flexible tape. It is a small 4 wheeler trailer. I need hubs bearings and rims and tires. What size do I need?

asked by: Jason W

Expert Reply:

To select hubs that will fit your trailer spindles you will need to match the bearing numbers or take very precise measurements using a digital caliper like # PTW80157. The bearings in the new hubs must match the old ones (or the spindle dimensions) in order for them to fit properly on your spindles. The linked image shows you the typical appearance and location of bearing part numbers. If these part numbers are not available measure the spindle at points C and D to get the inner and outer bearings' inner diameters.

You also want to match your hubs to the axle's capacity (usually noted on a plate or sticker on the axle) and to the wheel bolt pattern for the wheels you intend to use. You can use the linked page for trailer hubs to select the type you need, either an idler hub or a hub/drum for trailers with drum brakes.

Let's say your axle rating is 2000-lbs and your inner and outer bearings are # L44643. In this case you can use 4-on-4-inch bolt pattern idler hub # AKIHUB-440-2-1K which includes the hub, bearings, races, seal, grease cap, wheel bolts and lug nuts. This hub works with 8- 10-, 12-inch wheel diameters.

I also included a link for our page for wheels and tires. You can select these items individually or choose a pre-mounted wheel/tire combination. For a 12-inch 4-on-4 wheel with a bias ply tire in Load range C you can use Kenda # AM30620. Filters on the page will let you sort the results based on your load requirements.

If we do not offer the wheel and tire you want as a pre-mounted combination you can order the items individually and have them mounted at a local shop.

A series of helpful articles on wheels and tires is linked for you.