Can The Capacity Of An Axle Be Determined By Looking At The Hubs?

Published 11/18/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Demco Trailer Coupler w/ 5-Position Adjustable Channel - eZ-Latch - Black - 2-5/16" Ball - 20K

(551)

$141.21

Trailer Hub Assembly for 2,000-lb Axles - 5 on 4-1/2 - 10" - 12" Wheels - Galvanized

(139)

$59.44

Dexter Trailer Idler Hub Assembly for 2,200-lb E-Z Lube Axles - 5 on 4-1/2 - Galvanized

(148)

$78.86

Replacement Trailer Hub Bearing - L44643

(2074)

$3.66

Replacement Trailer Hub Bearing - L44649

(2074)

$14.16

Question:

Hi, Are you able to help me identify my trailer axles based on some pictures of the hubs? Im trying to find out what the axles are rated to and what parts I need to replace the bearings. Thanks

asked by: Kevin G

Expert Reply:

Though it is sometimes possible to identify an axle's capacity based of the hub, it is not always 100% accurate. Due to this, I tell people to not rely on just this alone. As a quick example, if you look at the Dexter Hub # 8-259-50BTUC1 and # 8-259-50UC1-EZ, they will both use the exact same 8-259 hub. However, the # 8-259-50BTUC1 will use the # L44643 inner and outer bearing and is rated for use on a 2,000 pound axle. The # 8-259-50UC1-EZ will use the # L44649 inner and outer bearing and is rated for a 2,200 pound axle.

With that being said, I highly recommend removing one of the hubs to gain access to your bearings. This will be a more sure fire way of knowing what you have. You can also use the diameter of the axle tube to help narrow it down as well. As a couple examples, a 3,500 pound axle will have a 2-3/8" diameter and a 5,200 to 7,000 pound axle will have a 3" diameter.

If all else fails, you can also contact the trailer manufacturer with the trailer's VIN. If they are still around and if the trailer wasn't home made, they keep stuff like this on file and should be able to tell you exactly what you have.