Why Are 5" Wide Keel Rollers Less Than 5" Wide

Updated 08/28/2024 | Published 08/26/2024

Question:

Why is this roller called 5inch when it measures only 4.5inch long? My current keel roller is 5inch and is on a CE Smith style adjustable roller bracket for use on keel roller and mounts on a 3inch tongue.

asked by: Dave

Keel Roller on Boat Trailer
(click to enlarge)

Expert Reply:

Great question, Dave!

The boating industry rounds up when it comes to identifying boat trailer rollers. Since the CE Smith Keel Roller for Boat Trailers # CE29516 measures 4-1/2" wide it gets placed in the 5" wide category.

This also has to do with bracket sizing and what it fits. This is a little less wide than your standard 5" roller but it fits the brackets for a 5" wide roller.

expert reply by: Jon G

Dave

8/26/2024

Jon, Thanks! Does this roller come with an insert the roller shaft goes through like some rollers? If not does that increase friction between the shaft and inside of the roller? Is some type of grease required or suggested on the roller shaft during installation?

Jon G.

8/26/2024

@Dave This roller does not have an insert. Grease can be used, but isn't necessary for the roller to properly operate.

Dave

8/27/2024

@JonG CE29516 Jon, I apologize for asking this again but I couldn't locate the response fro you in regards to a roller, I was thinking PVC and amber perhaps that was listed as 5" but I understood it was actually closer to 4.5" in length and could still be used in a 5" CE Smith type adjustable mounting bracket. Any chance you recall if it was the CE29516 roller. I believed it may have been referred to as PVC If it was this roller I believe it was a 5/8" shaft roller. I assume the 5/8" steel shaft fits pretty close with the opening in the roller for the shaft. Are you familiar with that? Thanks Dave

Jon G.

8/28/2024

@Dave Yes, the roller # CE29516 is the one I said has a 4-1/2" width but works with 5" brackets (further up on this page). And yes, the 5/8" Shaft # CE10722A will work just fine with it.