Can Different Tires or Hubs be Installed on a Trailer with Fixed Hub Integral Tire and Rim

Updated 07/14/2014 | Published 07/12/2014

Question:

I have a older fiberglass boat thats built on an aluminum boat style frame. its very light. The question i have is ... the trailer i have has a hub instead of a 4 or 5 lug . can I just purchase new rims and tires to drive on the highway or do i have to upgrade.The trip i will be taking is a 12 hour trip at 65mph. but some one told me that 8 inch Fixed Hub Integral Tire and Rims are not very highway reliable.

asked by: Gregory A

Expert Reply:

Your set up may be fine on the highway. Make sure that the bearings are well greased and check the tires for any indication of a speed rating. Also check the trailer tongue or frame for any speed limitations.

You might be able to switch tires and wheels or replace the hubs but if they are what I think they are then you would not be able to replace them and you would have to instead replace the axle and then get new hubs, wheels, and tires.

If the hubs can be removed then I would need to know the inner and outer bearing numbers stamped into the bearings to determine if we have any hubs that will fit. But it does sound like a mobile home axle or something similar. Parts for those are nearly impossible to find because mobile home axles are meant for one time use only.

I would also need to know the current tire size on the trailer to match up new tires. I have included a link to our help article on tires and a link to the axles we carry.

expert reply by: Michael H