Can 3,500 lb Hub Drum be Replaced to Have 5 Lug Hub Installed

Updated 10/15/2025 | Published 10/13/2025

Question:

Hello, I have a 1961 Bell Travel Trailer. Restoring to a point. Currently there is a 6 lug 15 wheel/tire, need to replace due to rust and dents. It has electric brakes, 10 x 2.25 drum, not hydra. Question, if Im replacing the rims, can I switch everything to 5 lug? Need to replace brake kit, drum, wheel and tire. It seems that the 5 lug parts are much cheaper than 6 lug. 3500 lbs.. Im going to have to cut the 4 bolts on the flange to remove existing brakes. Thank You, Michael

asked by: Michael J

Expert Reply:

Hey Michael, assuming your axles are a lot newer than your trailer yes you can replace hubs to give you the bolt pattern you are looking for. We have the correct 3,500 lb hub drum with a 5 on 4-1/2 inch bolt pattern with the part # AKHD-545-35-G-EZ-K.

You would not need to remove the brake assemblies though as this will fit what you have now as well.

Do you know what year your axle was made? Do you know what wheel and tire size you are looking for?

expert reply by: Jameson C

Michael Z.

10/13/2025

Thanks for the quick response. It is the original axle, drop axle i believe they call it. Tire size is going to be ST205 75 R15. There is not much to the axle, just a straight piece of round steel, ending with the square flange with the 4 bolt pattern to mount one of the electric brake kits.

Jameson C.

10/13/2025

@MichaelZ Hmm that's interesting. It's probably a current axle design but to prevent accidentally ordering wrong parts I would pull off one of the hubs and get the dimensions of the spindle where the bearings ride. Hopefully it's 1.06 inch and 1.378 inch but if not let me know what you have.

Michael

10/15/2025

@JamesonC From what I could gather, I have a tapered spindle. Inside is 32mm, middle portion is 29mm, outside part (threads are) is 24mm. I pulled everything off, the inner bearing is stamped: Timken 15123. Outer bearing is stamped: Bower 09067. Tire size is ST205/75 R15. 10" hub. Thanks for your help, Michael

Jameson C.

10/15/2025

@Michael We have one idler hub that matches those bearing dimensions with the 2,500 lb axle hub part # DX22XR. This has a 5 on 4-1/2 inch bolt patter as well. We don't have a version with a brake drum though.