Replacement Axle for a Drift Boat Trailer w/a 74" Hub Face

Updated 04/18/2026 | Published 04/12/2026

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter Trailer Idler Axle w/ Hubs - EZ-Lube - 5 on 4-1/2 Bolt Pattern - 72" Long - 2,200 lbs

(415)

$330.18

Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension w/ Idler Hubs - Standard Duty - No Drop - 5 on 4-1/2 - 2K

(112)

$750.30

Question:

Howdy, I’m looking for a replacement axle for a drift boat trailer 16’ aluminum drift boat about 350 empty. Sometimes loaded to 6-800s, a little more if multi-day travel. I’d like to switch from spring axle to trailing arm axle. Specs are: - Tires - P205/75R14 * 5 on 4 1/2” wheels * 74” hub face 72 a likely fit, but I’d need a little coaching about the limitations, which I assume are tire distance from inner fender wall and hub distance/alignment orientation to frame. * 58” spring center I noticed the Timbren axleless trailing arm set up 2000, which seems like an option. But I wondered if you had the full axle assembly with trailing arm suspension. Thank you

asked by: Nigel W

Drift Boat Trailer
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Idler Hub
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Tire
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Dewalt Drill
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Expert Reply:

Hey Nigel, thanks for the pictures and all the information! The Dexter Trailer Idler Axle w/ Hubs item # 20545I-EZ-72-10 you were looking at is only going to work if you have a 72" hub face measurement. Just looking at your pictures, if you have a 74" hub face and installed this axle you would lose an 1" of clearance on both sides of your trailer, which it doesn't look like you have. Meaning the inner portion of the wheels, tires, and hub would be 1" closer to your trailer's frame.

I strongly recommend remeasuring your hub face distance and checking your clearance if you decided to go ahead with the Dexter Trailer Idler Axle w/ Hubs item # 20545I-EZ-72-10. It has a 58" spring seat measurement as well. I do not have an axle with a 74" hub face distance.

If you come up short on clearance, I recommend the Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension w/ Idler Hubs item # A20RS545. These have a 2,000 lbs capacity and come with hubs that have a 5 on 4-1/2 lug nut pattern. It has built in suspension and will bolt directly to your trailer's frame.

How much clearance do you have between your tires and frame?

You can add this information, along with any other questions you have, where it says Add Comment.

expert reply by: Jerred H

A20RS545
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Nigel W.

4/16/2026

Hi Jerred, Thanks so much for the helpful info. I think the Timbren is likely a good solution. I my current spring axle functions ok. I want to convert to a trailing arm (Torflex-like) axle for smoother rides. My boat is pretty light and bounces around quite a bit. I think even a 2000# trailing arm axle, while rated for more than I need, will roll with less bounce than a spring axle. I pulled a 480# drift boat on a Torflex-axled trailer rated for 3000#s for 25 years and loved the way it tracked, smoothed out washboards, et cetera, even when lightly loaded. The distance between the tire and frame is 4". But the Dexter axle you pointed me too is build for springs, right? If you had a light trailing arm axle, I'd look at it. I think the Timbren answers a lot of questions at once. RE: the Timbren axle - For my light trailer made from 1.5" x 2" tube steel, I'd likely also use a 2"x2" support through the Timbren support holes between the two sides. I do have crossbeams, but the small stature of the frame steel seems to want that extra 2x2 beam. Does that make sense. Cheers, -Nigel

Jerred H.

4/18/2026

@NigelW You're welcome! I do think the Timbren item # A20RS545 is going to be the best solution. You're definitely going to want to add the 2" x 2" steel tubing. It looks like you'll have plenty of clearance from your pictures. I don't see the hull of your boat going below the trailer's frame. We do not sell Torflex axles and the Dexter item # 20545I-EZ-72-10 is a traditional leaf spring style axle.