Replacement Bearings for an Escort Boat Trailer

Updated 11/13/2025 | Published 10/15/2025

Question:

Hi, I have a 2000 Maxum 1850SR boat with an Escort trailer. The trailer is a single axle with no brakes boat weight approx. 1950 lbs, and I need to replace the wheel bearings. I couldn’t locate the trailer model number on the frame, but I do have the VIN and RIN from the permit. VIN: 405118AB8YD000172 RIN: H6100-18906-20914 Model from permit: WT1 I also ran the VIN through a trailer decoder and got the following: Type: Trailer Year: 2000 Make: Escort Trailer Corp. Series: B Body Type: Boat Trailer Hitch: Bumper Pull ball – likely Length: 18 ft ABS: Not Applicable Manufacturer: Escort Trailer Corporation Plant: Miami, Oklahoma, USA Could you help me identify the correct bearing kit for this trailer? Thank you, Edi

asked by: Edi

Expert Reply:

Thanks for all the information, Edi.

I can definitely help you find the right bearing kit. Unfortunately there isn't a system where we can plug in the year, make, and model like we can with a vehicle and find all the information about the trailer. Since Escort Trailers is no longer in business, we can give them a ring with the VIN and get that information for you.

Based on what I found about Escort boat trailers from around 2000, your axle could be using what’s called a “short spindle.” Do you know if the axle on your trailer is the original one? Spindles changed in the early 2000s to what’s now called a “standard spindle,” which is a bit longer than the older short style.

If you can remove one of the hubs and measure its length, that’ll help us figure out which you have. To measure, go through the center of the hub, from one casting edge to the other.

- A standard hub usually measures between 4” and 4-1/16”
- A short hub measures about 3-1/2”

Once we know the hub type, we can sometimes cross-reference the casting number printed on the hub. If there isn’t one, we’ll need a few measurements:

- The inner diameter of both bearings
- Whether it’s a tapered spindle
- The inner and outer diameters of the grease seal

If you can’t measure the bearings and seals directly, you can instead measure:
- The spindle where each bearing and seal sit
- The inside of the hub where the seal fits (to get the seal’s outer diameter)

Sorry for the long reply on this one. However, once I hear back from you with the needed info, I’ll be able to match up the correct bearing kit for your trailer.

expert reply by: Gwendolyn Y

How to Measure a Trailer Spindle
(click to enlarge)

Gwendolyn Y.

11/13/2025

Hey Edi, were you able to measure the hub length or check whether your Escort trailer still has the original axle? Once you have those details, it’ll be much easier to match the correct bearing kit. Let me know what you find—I’m happy to help narrow it down.