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

Updated 10/14/2025 | Published 10/05/2025

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

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

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to a trailer hub # 22834 that used a # 2788 inner and a # 1779 outer bearing, however I'm sorry to say the hub is obsolete and is no longer being manufactured.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.