Can I Upgrade My 3,500 lbs Axle and Keep the Same Hubs and Lug Pattern?
Question:
I have a 2018 Grand design imagine travel trailer with 3500 lb axles. I installed 2200 lb leaf springs on both sides because the other old 1750 lb springs were sagging. I have recently installed new higher range tires on the trailer but I am now concerned about the 3500 lb axles being too small and I was wondering if I could install a heavier axle without changing my wheels and tires. Is there any kind of hub assembly or adapters that I could install heavier axles and use my existing tires and wheels? Thanks.
asked by: Doug W
Expert Reply:
Most likely the answer is no but we can give it shot. I would just need you to email me back a picture of your Grand Designs axle tag. There won't be an adapter for what you're asking so the issue is the bearing sizes.
Pretty sure your trailer has Dexter axles and the issue is a 3,500 lbs Dexter Trailer Axle like item # 7359765 uses Inner bearing item # L68149 and Outer bearing item # L44649. These correspond to 5 on 4-1/2 hubs like item # 84546UC3-EZ.
A 5,200 lbs Dexter Axle like Item # 6340624 uses Inner bearing item # 25580 and Outer bearing item # LM67048. These correspond to 6 on 5-1/2 hubs like item # 8-201-5UC3.
We will just need to take a look at the build sheet on your axle and see what bearing sizes it uses and go from there. Feel free to email it to me directly.
Products Referenced in This Question
Replacement Trailer Hub Bearing - 25580
- Trailer Bearings Races Seals Caps
- Bearings
- Standard Bearings
- 1.750 Inch I.D.
- Bearing 25580
- Race 25520
- 10000 lbs Axle
- 6000 lbs Axle
- 7000 lbs Axle
- 8000 lbs Axle
- 9000 lbs Axle
- etrailer
more information >
Dexter Trailer Axle Beam with E-Z Lube Spindles - 95" Long - 5,200 lbs
- Trailer Axles
- Leaf Spring Suspension
- Easy Lube Spindles
- No Hubs
- 5200 lbs
- Spindles Only
- 80 Inch Long
- 95 Inch Long
- No Drop or Lift
- Dexter
more information >
Dexter Trailer Axle Beam with E-Z Lube Spindles - 95" Long - 3,500 lbs
- Trailer Axles
- Leaf Spring Suspension
- Easy Lube Spindles
- No Hubs
- 3500 lbs
- Spindles Only
- 80 Inch Long
- 95 Inch Long
- No Drop or Lift
- Dexter
more information >
Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 5,200-lb Axles - 12" Diameter - 6 on 5-1/2
- Trailer Hubs and Drums
- Hub with Integrated Drum
- Standard
- 25580
- LM67048
- For 5200 lbs Axles
- 1/2 Inch Stud
- 6 on 5-1/2 Inch
- 14-1/2 Inch Wheel
- 15 Inch Wheel
- 16 Inch Wheel
- 16-1/2 Inch Wheel
- Dexter
more information >
Dexter Trailer Hub & Drum Assembly for 3,500-lb Axles - 10" Diameter - 5 on 4-1/2 - Pre-Greased
- Trailer Hubs and Drums
- Hub with Integrated Drum
- Pre-Greased
- Standard
- L68149
- L44649
- For 3500 lbs Axles
- 1/2 Inch Stud
- 5 on 4-1/2 Inch
- 13 Inch Wheel
- 14 Inch Wheel
- 14-1/2 Inch Wheel
- 15 Inch Wheel
- Dexter
more information >
Replacement Trailer Hub Bearing - L44649
- Trailer Bearings Races Seals Caps
- Bearings
- Standard Bearings
- 1.063 Inch I.D.
- Bearing L44649
- Race L44610
- 3500 lbs Axle
- etrailer
more information >
Replacement Trailer Hub Bearing - L68149
- Trailer Bearings Races Seals Caps
- Bearings
- Standard Bearings
- 1.378 Inch I.D.
- Bearing L68149
- Race L68111
- 3500 lbs Axle
- etrailer
more information >
Replacement Trailer Hub Bearing - LM67048
- Trailer Bearings Races Seals Caps
- Bearings
- Standard Bearings
- 1.250 Inch I.D.
- Bearing LM67048
- Race LM67010
- 5000 lbs Axle
- 6000 lbs Axle
- etrailer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System
- Vehicle Suspension
- Rear Axle Suspension Enhancement
- Jounce-Style Springs
- Extra Heavy Duty
- Timbren
more information >
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