Looking for 6 Lug Hub/Drum that fits 1955 Airstream Trailer

Question

Question:

I have a 1955 airstream bubble trailer. Straight axle and leaf springs. It has a 6 lug hub with 12” brake drums. Do you have hubs/drums that would fit? Mainly concerned about the axle spindle comparability. Thanks

asked by: Larry G

0

Expert Reply:

Hey Larry, did the trailer get a newer style axle installed on it at some point? It sounds like it does and the hub/drum # AKHD-655-6-G-K would fit but if it has the original axle from back in the 50s then this would not work but based on what you mentioned it does sound like a modern one.

If you are unsure you can take a hub off and get me either the bearing numbers or the diameter of the spindle where the bearings ride.

expert reply by: Jameson C

0

Larry G.

10/14/2025

Wheel bearings: Brand is Bower: Inner is#2788,race,2729 outer # is 1779, race 1729 These are the spindle bearings and race numbers.

Jameson C.

10/14/2025

@LarryG I did find a reference to a trailer hub # 22834 that used a # 2788 inner and a # 1779 outer bearing, however I'm sorry to say the hub is obsolete and is no longer being manufactured. The hub has a 6 lug on 5-1/2 inch bolt circle. If your hub(s) are damaged beyond repair, you'd need to replace the spindles or the entire axle. I can check on the availability of a replacement axle or spindle if you would reply with the following information. I'd need to know: The axle capacity you need Wheel bolt pattern (choose a more common one like 5 on 4-1/2) Spring center to spring center dimension Hub face to hub face dimension Keep in mind we don't have an extensive number of replacement axles available so you might have to order them from a local trailer shop.

Larry G.

10/14/2025

The spindles are in fine shape. I’m having issues with the electric brakes and thought it might be the brake drums. They are in fine shape as well , but the trailer had the old hydraulic brake set up. It was not operational for a long time. I replaced the backing plates with new shoes and magnets, and can attest the magnets are getting the full 12 volts. I’m suspecting the magnets/drum contact is the problem. The drums have an inner ridge 1- 1 1/2 “ wide running the full circumference around the outer edge of the drum. I thought this might be for electric brakes magnets to grip. They are in ridge surface has a patina , not shiny, as I don’t think electric brakes were ever used. I’ll pull them off and take a photo . The drums are heavy Hadco drums- probably original. Never seen drums with a raised ridge running around the edge. Done lots of brake jobs on cars and trucks with drum brakes- never seen drums like this. Maybe the patina is getting in the way of the magnet connection, and taking my metal sander to it and shining it up would do the trick. Thanks for your help. Larry

Jameson C.

10/14/2025

@LarryG If you can remove that ridge and get it all flat I believe that will do the trick.

See All (5) Replies to Larry G. ∨

Answer 1

Hey Jon, For the hub and drum assembly we do have a galvanized option, but none that are pre greased. Part #AKHD-655-6-G-K is the full assemblies with bearings, but they do not come already packed. As long as you get a lithium complex, multipurpose…

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Answer 2

I walked out to the warehouse to look at the Electric Brake Assembly for 6K Axles, part #23-459. The brake assembly does not include the backing plate bolts. I would recommend installing new bolts and nuts for easier installation and safety. For…

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Answer 3

I recommend the Electric Trailer Brake Kit #AKEBRK-7-D. The dacromet-coated backing plates are corrosion resistant which is ideal for a boat trailer. Both left and right hand sides are included with the kit. The Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly…

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Answer 4

I don't have a way to look up Hadco parts unfortunately but I can tell you how to confirm fit of the Electric Trailer Brake Kit part #AKEBRK-35-SA. The first thing you'll want to do is make sure it fits the axle, if the axle has a four bolt…

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Answer 5

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 6

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 7

The #84 spindle is just a common way to identify the spindle dimensions typically used for 3,500 lb axles. So instead of listing out the parts, people can just say they have #84 spindles and it's easier to know what fits it. The CE Smith Trailer…

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Answer 8

It sounds like you are speaking of the wires for the brake magnets. If this is correct, you will need to connect one of the wires to the brake controller output wire on your trailer connector and the other wire will need to be grounded to a clean…

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Answer 9

Even though I cannot comment specifically on the grease you used because I am not familiar with it, I can tell you the best grease for trailer bearings is a a grease with a rating of GC-LB, which just means it is made to withstand very high…

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Answer 10

To determine the size of the brake assemblies you need you have to measure the depth and width of the hub drum on the axle like what you see in the picture I attached. The most common size is 2-1/4 inch wide like the #T4071600-500 that you…

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Answer 11

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 12

According to Blue Ox, it'll take an experienced installer about 4 to 5 hours to complete the installation of their #BX1128 Base Plate Kit on a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The install isn't what I'd call super-difficult, but the installation…

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Looking for 6 Lug Hub/Drum that fits 1955 Airstream Trailer

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