Will an 8 Inch Trailer Wheel Fit etrailer 3.5K Hub # AKIHUB-545-35-K

Updated 05/05/2020 | Published 07/12/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Trailer Idler Hub Assembly for 3,500-lb Axles - 5 on 4-1/2 - Pre-Greased

(1533)

$55.28

Steel Trailer Wheel - 8" x 7" Rim - 5 on 4-1/2 - Galvanized Finish

(147)

$38.74

Question:

I was wondering if hub AKIHUB-545-35-K is compatible with wheel AM20028. The lug pattern and pilot diameters seem alright but in the attached pictures it looks like the largest OD of the hub is too big to fit in the wheel. If theyre not compatible could you recommend a hub that is similar to AKIHUB-545-35-K and not the spider type like 84545UC1-EZ.

asked by: Stephen C

Expert Reply:

Trailer Idler Hub Assembly # AKIHUB-545-35-K was designed to work with 13" to 17-1/2" wheels so it is not a good option for 8 inch trailer wheel # AM20028.

We have a lot of hubs that fit 8 inch wheels and have a 5 on 4-1/2 bolt pattern but they use different bearings than # AKIHUB-545-35-K. If you can tell me the inner and outer bearing numbers of the hub you are replacing then I can figure out which hubs and compatible wheels will work for you.

If you do not have the bearings available then you can measure the spindle, see picture, using a digital caliper that will measure to the nearest thousandth. The measurements have to be as accurate as possible which is why a precision tool like this is required.

expert reply by: Michael H

click to enlarge

Jeremy T.

5/2/2020

Can I change my boat trailer drum to a hub. If so how do you know what size is your axle

Chris R.

5/5/2020

Are you asking if you can switch to hub/drum assemblies (with brakes) to an idler unit (without brakes) on your trailer? If so, there's no particular reason you couldn't as long as you obtain the right replacement for your axle. To determine this you'll need to pull an existing hub and look for the inner and outer bearing numbers that are used - these numbers should be stamped right inside the bearings themselves. If you can tell me this, along with the axle capacity and bolt pattern on the hub, I will be happy to recommend the right hub.

Helpful Links

faq-popular-wheel-bearings.aspx

faq-wheel-bolt-pattern.aspx