Options For Adding Regular 5 On 4-1/2" Hubs To A 1950s Boat Trailer

Updated 12/22/2025 | Published 10/10/2024

Products Featured in This Question

Trailer Idler Hub Assembly for 2,000-lb Axles - 4 on 4 - L44643 Bearings - Pre-Greased

(1441)

$44.93

Trailer Idler Hub Assembly for 2,000-lb Axles - 5 on 4-1/2

(91)

$64.14

CE Smith Trailer Axle Beam with Studded Hubs - 5 on 4-1/2" - 54" Long - 1.8K

(25)

$290.23

BTR E-Z Lube Spindle for 2,000-lb Trailer Axles - 1-1/4" Diameter

(31)

$51.56

Question:

I purchased a 50s model boat and trailer. It came with log splitter style wheels and tires. I would like to put hubs on the axle so I can use regular trailer 5 lug wheels. The spindle is 1. The problem is that the through the bearing measurement from the outside of bearing race to outside of bearing race is 2 1/2. Every hub that I see has a 3 1/4inch measurement. Do you have a 2 1/2inch hub?

asked by: Troy R

Expert Reply:

Hey Troy, thanks for reaching out. We actually get this question fairly frequently since a lot of older trailers used "shorter" hubs compared to the current standard. I am sorry to say that we do not offer any hubs to fit this type of shorter spindle and the parts you are looking for are obsolete.

Your best options here will be to replace your spindles with new ones, or to replace the axle entirely. That way you will have no trouble fitting the standard 5 lug hubs.

Adding new spindles is possible, but they have to be welded on very precisely and would require special equipment. I will need to confirm the axle capacity or tube size to make sure you get the right spindle. The BTR E-Z Lube Spindle for 2,000-lb Trailer Axles # TRU44FR for example has a 1-1/4" round stub for welding to the trailer. You could pair this with the Trailer Idler Hub Assembly # 34822545BX which is a 5 on 4-1/2" bolt pattern.

If you want to look at replacing the axle, I will need to know the length of the current axle. Trailer axles are measured across from hub-face to hub-face. Let me know and I can see if we have an axle option for you. Something like the CE Smith Trailer Axle Beam with Studded Hubs # CES84XR is a potential option. It is 54" long from hub face to hub face and is the shortest axle we offer.

Feel free to comment below with any questions and I am happy to further assist.

expert reply by: Jesse M

Jesse M.

12/22/2025

Hey Troy, what did you end up doing with your boat trailer—did you go with new spindles or replace the axle? Your update could make it easier for others restoring older trailers to find the right path forward.