Can a Different Hub Assembly Be Installed to Allow Larger Tires to be Used on Pop-Up Camper

Question:

I have a 2014 Jayco Jay Series popup tent trailer. Im trying to increase ground clearance and have purchased the over/under conversion kit to move the axle from above the leaf springs to below. The 2200 lb EZ Lube Dexter axle is equipped with 4 over 4 bolt pattern hubs, currently with tiny 12inch wheels. Id like to go bigger, maybe up to 15, but it appears that the largest wheel I can get in 4 over 4 bolt pattern is a 13inch wheel. Would this hub assembly work on my axle, allowing me to go with 14inch or 15inch wheels assuming I dont have issues with tire clearance in wheel well? Ive never installed a hub on and axle - do you have a how-to article or video, if I can do this? Attached is a photo of the sticker on the axle. Thanks!

asked by: Jonathan E

Expert Reply:

The Dexter Trailer Hub Assembly # 8-258-50UC1-EZ that you referenced will fit well on your axle. I spoke with Dexter and they confirmed the bearings used for your axle are L44649 for both the inner and out bearings and the grease seal has a 1.500 inch inner diameter and 1.987 inch outer diameter. These components are the ones used in the hub assembly you referenced. This hub has a 5 on 4-1/2 inch wheel bolt pattern, which will accommodate larger size wheels.

As you noted, there are a number of clearances to keep in mind when considering using a larger size tire on your trailer. First you will want to make sure you have the needed room height-wise for the larger tire. A 15 inch wheel can fit a tire up to nearly 8 inches larger than a 12 inch wheel's tire in overall diameter. A tire on a 15 inch wheel can also be a couple of inches wider than a tire that fits a 12 inch wheel. Before purchasing the larger tire size, I recommend checking the overall diameter and width of the larger tire size against the width and diameter of your existing tires' size. Ideally, you want 4-1/2 inches between the tire and bottom of trailer and 1 inch or more between the inside of tire and the frame.

All of these components will help you to increase your trailer's ground clearance, but keep in mind that using larger hubs and wheels will not increase the carrying capacity of your trailer. The trailer is still limited by the lowest rated component of the system.

I have attached 2 videos for you that both show the process of replacing the bearings, seal, and hub on a trailer axle. One video shows a hub and drum replacement and the other video is of a hub only replacement.

expert reply by: Victoria B