Why Can't Easy Grease Trailer Idler Hub # AKIHUB-545-2-G-EZ-1K Work with 13 inch Wheel

Updated 09/08/2025 | Published 06/06/2025

Question:

I have a 1977 Little Dude boat trailer. It has 4 x 4inch hubs, and 4.00 x 8inch wheels/tires. It has the 1inch straight axle. I suspect it is a 2,000 pound axle. In your information for this replacement hub, it indicates these can be used with 10inch or 12inch wheels/ tires. Is there a safety reason these should not be used with a 13inch wheel/tire? I would like to reduce the RPMs for the hubs as much as possible to reduce wear and tear on the bearings.

asked by: Bryan

Expert Reply:

Hey Bryan, the wheel mounting flange of the # AKIHUB-545-2-G-EZ-1K is smaller so it doesn't fit well with larger diameter wheels. But more importantly due to the age of your trailer modern hubs probably won't fit the axle unless it was replaced at some point with something made in the past 25 years or so. Does it have a newer axle by chance?

expert reply by: Jameson C

Jameson C.

9/8/2025

Hey Bryan, did you find out if your trailer has a newer axle? I'm asking because it could help others with older trailers like yours.

Bryan

9/8/2025

@JamesonC Hi James! I believe the axle on my trailer is original, so it would be whatever the Little Dude trailer company used? I guess I am better off using the old hubs and wheels than trying to upgrade the wheels.