Options for Updating Older Thule Utility Trailer with New Hubs and Axle

Updated 02/27/2020 | Published 01/16/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Dexstar Solid Center Steel Wheel - 13" x 4-1/2" Rim - 4 on 4 - White Powder Coat

(51)

$70.01

Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension w/ Idler Hubs - Standard Duty - No Drop - 4 on 4 - 1,200 lbs

(108)

$956.41

Question:

Trying to find a replacement spare wheel for my Thule Utility trailer. Hasnt been easy, due to the extreme offset of the wheels. I can tell you that the wheels are 4-lug, 4inch across from each other, and tire is a 175 80R13. Can you recommend a solution? I want a basic steel rim, nothing fancy...its a spare.

asked by: Bruce

Helpful Expert Reply:

I checked with my contact at Thule about the specs for the wheel supplied with their former range of utility trailers. These have not been offered for long enough that they no longer have any parts left nor do they even have access to the specs, such as wheel offset, for those originally supplied. I will still try my best to help you.

The linked page displays all trailer wheel/tire combination products with your 4-on-4 wheel bolt pattern and with your tire size 175/80-13. I checked the specs for each one of these and none has any amount of offset. I also checked all of our 13-inch wheel-only items with the 4-on-4 pattern and again none has any amount of either positive or negative offset. Positive offset moves the tire center closer to the trailer and negative offset moves it further away, relative to the wheel's own centerline.

I may be able to offer an alternative solution. If you can tell me the inner and outer bearing numbers from one of the trailer's original hubs I can check to see if we have another hub that will fit on the trailer's existing spindles. This could give you an option for other wheels, potentially even wheels with another bolt pattern and/or in another size. Please refer to the linked diagram that shows you the usual placement of bearing part numbers. Pulling bearings can be a messy job but it is by far the most precise way to check for alternative hubs to fit on the trailer. This would avoid the need to change the axle.

If that becomes the better option we do offer axle kits, with and without hubs, and in a variety of weight capacities. We even have the unique Timbren axle-less trailer suspension kits that bolt on to the trailer frame. These eliminate the axle beam and leaf spring suspension. Such a kit is the 1200-lb-rated # A12RS440. This kit consists of two bolt-on rubber suspension units, a pair of idler hubs with the 4-on-4 bolt pattern. Bearings, races, seals and even lug nuts are included. The linked video will illustrate this kit.

expert reply by: Adam R

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Mike P.

2/27/2020

I have a 2007 Thule ATV trailer with wheel that are under the frame. Can I extend these to the outside of the trailer and lower it? It’s currently sitting to high for what I need it for.

Chris R.

2/27/2020

I don't think you'd be able to find a wheel with enough offset in this size to actually push them out past the frame of your trailer. You may be able to go to smaller sized tires to lower it some but otherwise this will require a more significant suspension conversion, such as going with a longer axle or flipping the leaf springs if they're currently mounted on top of the axle tube. If the trailer is too high for your new application it might even be worth it to invest in a new one that better suits your particular use.

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