What Information is Needed to Replace Trailer Axle

Updated 12/07/2015 | Published 12/06/2015

Question:

I want to buy a new axel with hubs for my boat trailer. It measures 64 inches from the outside of each tire and each tire has 5 lugs. Is that enough info to order?

asked by: Bob C

Expert Reply:

To order an axle, you will want to know a bit more information.

First, you will want to know the hub face measurement. This is considered the length of an axle. The hub face is measured from the base of one wheel stud to the base of the wheel stud on the opposite side of the axle.

You will also want the spring center measurement. The spring center is the approximate width of your trailer. This is measured from the center of the spring center hole on one side of the axle to the spring centering hole on the other.

If the hubs are no longer on the axle, a different measurement to consider is the flange-to-flange length. Though not as accurate as the hub face measurement, this can help determine the length needed if the hubs are already removed from the trailer. This is measured from the outside of one brake flange to the outside of the opposite flange.

You will also want to know the wheel bolt pattern, as you mentioned. However, you will need a bit more information to know the pattern. Wheels with 5 lugs can come in 5 on 4-1/2 inches, 5 on 4-3/4 inches, 5 on 5 inches, or 5 on 5-1/2 inches wheel bolt patterns. I have attached a help article on how to determine the wheel bolt pattern for you.

The last bit of information you will want is the capacity of your existing axle to know what capacity your new axle will need to be.

I have also attached diagrams showing where to measure the hub face, spring center, and flange-to-flange measurements.

expert reply by: Victoria B