Can I Upgrade from 6 Lug to 8 Lug Wheels to Help Increase Weight Rating of my Trailer?

Updated 05/25/2026 | Published 07/29/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter Trailer Idler Hub Assembly for 6,000-lb Axles - 6 on 5-1/2

(923)

$148.64

Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 7K E-Z Lube Axle - 8 on 6-1/2 - Pre-Greased - 1/2" Stud

(378)

$184.35

Dexter Trailer Axle Beam with E-Z Lube Spindles - 95" Long - 7,000 lbs

(842)

$508.60

Dexter Trailer Axle w/ Electric Brakes - E-Z Lube - 8 on 6-1/2 Bolt Pattern - 95" - 7,000 lbs

(236)

$1436.40

Dexter Trailer Axle Beam with E-Z Lube Spindles - 94" Long - 7,000 lbs

(842)

$456.92

Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension - Standard Duty - No Drop - 5 Bolt Flange - 7,000 lbs

(132)

$1295.41

Question:

I have a trailer with 2 - 6 lug 5200 lb I believe axles with brakes. Can I increase the capacity by going with 8 lug hubs? The brakes are 12x2.

asked by: Ed L

Expert Reply:

Because the total weight capacity of your trailer is limited by the lowest rated component, your axle capacity won't be increased by adding hubs with more lug nuts to the equation-even if they are rated higher than the axle. Moving to 8-lug hubs sounds like you want to move from 5,200-lb axles up to 7000-lb axles. If this is the case, then we have a few options for you listed below; I've also linked below all of the 7000-lb axles we currently have available.

Best Upgrade:
Timbren Axle-Less Supsension System - 7,000-lbs # TASR7KS01

95-in Long Spring Axle
Dexter Trailer Axle Beam - 7,000-lbs # 8327834 (Hub Face =95", Spring Center = 80")

94-in Long Spring Axle
Dexter Trailer Axle Beam - 7,000-lbs # 8327864 (Hub Face = 94", Spring Center = 79")

With any of these options I recommend the Dexter 8-lug Hub and Drum Assembly, # 42866UC3-EZ . It is important that the hub face and spring center match your existing axles to ensure the axle will fit in place of your current axles. You don't have to worry about this with the Timbren option though and it will provide the best ride quality.

Since this hub has a different lug pattern you would also need to upgrade your wheels and tires; the Taskmaster ST235/85R16 Radial Trailer Tire w/ 16" White Spoke Wheel # TTWA16RGWSHD is going to provide you with the max load range tire/wheel combo we have available at a good price.

expert reply by: Erik B

Dan S.

5/24/2026

My new camper has 6 bolt 16" wheels. I'd like to convert to 8 bolt so I can use the existing spare on my gmc van if needed. And not have to carry 2 spares. Would the dexter 8 bolt hub be all i would need or would it also require different axle?

Jerred H.

5/25/2026

@DanS That entirely depends on your spindle size Dan. To see if we have an 8-lug hub that fits your axle, I'll need you to pull one of your 6-lug hubs and check the part numbers stamped into the inner and outer bearings. Once you get those I'll be able to see if we have an 8-lug hub that fits your trailer's spindles.