What Is Needed To Swap An Axle And Hubs To American Parts On A Harbor Freight Trailer?
Updated 01/27/2026 | Published 01/08/2026
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
I am interested in purchasing Part CE33201GA-HUB, to replace the chineses factory axle and hubs on my harbor freight trailer. In the description on your website it states this axle is ready for 13 to 15 wheels, however my trailer wheel well will only fit a 12 wheel without major modifications to the wheel well. Can I run a 12 wheel on this part number CE33201GA-HUB?
asked by: Bryan H
Expert Reply:
Hi Bryan!
The hub included with the CE Smith Trailer Axle w/ Idler Hubs - 5 on 4-1/2 - 57-1/2" Long - 1.8K # CE33201GA-HUB is designed to fit 13 to 15 inch wheels and has too large of a diameter for 12 inch wheels. With you having 12 inch wheels, you will want to basically part this out and go with a different hub that has a smaller diameter to fit. I have everything you would need to do this listed below:
Dexter Trailer Idler Hub Assembly for 2,200-lb Axles - 5 on 4-1/2 - Galvanized # 8-259-50UC1
CE Smith Trailer Axle Beam with Standard Spindles - Galvanized - 57-1/2" Long - 1.8K # CE33201GA
Loctite High Performance Synthetic Grease - 14.1 oz Can # LOC64FR
The hubs are sold individually, so you would need to grab two of them to complete the order. These ones also have the smaller diameter and can be used with 8 to 12 inch wheels. It is the exact same axle and I included the Loctite grease as well.
What are you carrying on your Harbor Freight trailer?
Product Page this Question was Asked From
CE Smith Trailer Axle w/ Idler Hubs - 5 on 4-1/2 - 57-1/2" Long - 1.8K
- Trailer Axles
- Leaf Spring Suspension
- Marine Grade
- Idler Hubs
- 1800 lbs
- 5 on 4-1/2 Inch
- 46-1/2 Inch Spring Center
- 57-1/2 Inch Hub Face
- No Drop or Lift
- CE Smith
more information >
Continue Researching
- Shop: CE Smith Trailer Axle w/ Idler Hubs - 5 on 4-1/2 - 57-1/2" Long - 1.8K
- Search Results: bearing buddy 1980
- Search Results: taillight
- Search Results: tire 145 80 13
- Search Results: trailer leaf springs
- Q&A: Replacement Leaf Springs for Harbor Freight Folding Trailer
- Shop: CE Smith U-Bolt Kit for Mounting 1-1/2" Square Trailer Axles - 3-3/8" Long U-Bolts - Zinc
- Shop: Trailer Idler Hub Assembly for 2K Axles - 10" to 12" Wheels - 5 on 4-1/2 - Pre-Greased
- Shop: CE Smith Trailer Axle Beam with Standard Spindles - Galvanized - 57-1/2" Long - 1.8K
- Video: Ultimate Overview of the CE Smith U-Bolt Kit for Mounting 1-1/2" Square Trailer Axles
- Q&A: Replacing Suspension Hardware For Harbor Freight Single Axle Trailer With Slipper Springs
- Q&A: Replacement U-Bolt Plate and Bolts for 1-1/2 Square Axle
- Q&A: Replacement Axle for Harbor Freight Trailer 4x8 Foot 1195 lb Capacity
- Shop: Trailer Axle with Idler Hubs - 5 on 4-1/2 Bolt Pattern - 60" Long - 2,000 lbs
- Shop: Trailer Axle with Idler Hubs - 5 on 4-1/2 Bolt Pattern - 60" Long - 2,000 lbs
- Shop: Trailer Axle with Idler Hubs - 5 on 4-1/2 Bolt Pattern - 60" Long - 2,200 lbs
- Q&A: Replacement Tires for Harbor Freight 4x8 Trailer
- Q&A: Availability Of Replacement Axle For 1,720 lb Harbor Freight Trailer
- Q&A: Upgrading the 5.3 X 12 Wheels and Tires on a Harbor Freight Haul-Master Super Duty Folding Trailer
- Video: Review of the Kenda Karrier S-Trail ST145/R12 Radial Trailer Tire
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Video: Measuring To Choose The Right Trailer Axle
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Article: How to Measure Your Trailer Wheel Bolt Pattern
on Trailer Axles
Lazer S.
1/27/2026
Hey Bryan, how did things go with the CE Smith axle and the smaller Dexter hubs for your Harbor Freight trailer? Did the 12-inch wheels fit the way you needed? Your update could make it easier for the next person working on a similar trailer setup.