How do I select the correct hub?

The number of hub choices can be intimidating but becoming familiar with the selection process helps eliminate all the confusion. These steps apply mostly to the instances when you are selecting a brand new hub for a new axle. There is a slightly different approach if you are replacing the hub on an existing trailer axle.

Step 1: Determine the required capacity

There are industry standard weight capacities for idler and brake hubs. The standard capacities are:

• 2,000 lbs. 
• 3,500 lbs.
• 5,200 lbs.
• 6-7,000 lbs.

Step 2: Brakes or No Brakes?

Are you using brakes on the trailer setup? In many Provinces and States, the law requires brakes for trailers over 3,500 lbs. capacity. In the 2,000 lbs. range, there are only idler hubs available. From 3,500 lbs. and up there are both idler and brake hubs available. From 5,200 lbs. and up there are only brake hubs available. 

Step 3: Bolt Pattern and Size

The bolt pattern determines what type of tire and wheel can be used. The available bolt patterns are directly related to the capacity of the axle. There are two methods of determinng the bolt pattern on a wheel:

1) Measure the lugs:

• If there is an Even number of lugs, measure center to center on lugs directly across from each other
• If there is an Odd number of lugs, measure from the center of one lug to a point halfway between the two lugs directly opposite on the bolt circle

2) Use the distance between the center of one bolt hole to the center of the bolt hole adjacent to it:

IF THE DISTANCE IS: 2-5/8" - the bolt pattern is 5 on 4-1/2" 2-3/4" - the bolt pattern is 5 on 4-3/4" 3" - the bolt pattern is 5 on 5 3-1/4" - the bolt pattern is 5 on 5-5/2

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