How to Upgrade to 8 on 6-1/2 Inch Wheels with a 8,000 Lb Axle

Updated 07/02/2018 | Published 06/28/2018

Products Featured in This Question

etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes w/ Dust Shields - Self-Adjusting - 12-1/4" - Left/Right - 8K

(331)

$285.11

Trailer Brake Mounting Flange for 3-1/2" Axles, 12-1/4" Brake Assemblies

$28.10

Question:

Ive got an older Dakota trailer with 8000 lb axles and want change the lug pattern from 8x8 to 8x6.5. It has the larger brakes with a 6 bolt plate it looks like. What measurements do I need to see if a different brake drum would work? Would the backplate match up to a different drum?

asked by: Micah

Helpful Expert Reply:

In order to determine if a drum/hub with a 8 on 6-1/2" bolt pattern will work with the braking assemblies you have on your trailer now you will need to first determine the size of hub/drum you need which can be done by measuring your existing hub/drum (see photo). You would then want to know the inner bearing, outer bearing, and grease seal numbers. If the numbers are not visible, then you will want to measure where each of them seat on the spindle with a digital caliper to the nearest thousandth of an inch.

Once you know the overall dimensions and bearing/seal numbers you can take a look at the attached link to see if there is anything that will meet the above criteria. If not, then you would also need to replace the brake mounting flange with part # 4-50 and the braking assembly with part # AKEBRK-8.

I have attached a help article that will help with measuring the seats and or finding the bearing/seal numbers.

expert reply by: Conner L