Is it possible to swap hubs (6 to 8 lug) on 5200 lb axle?

[pcorssmit]

I have a 10k utility trailer w/two 5200 lb axle under it. It came with 6 lug, 15 x 6" rims w/load range C 700-15 tires. The tires are way underrated for the trailer, and I'm having a hard time finding a 2500 lb 15" tire. So I'm thinking about going to 16" rims. Add to this the fact that everything else I own (as well as my brother and most of my friends) has is 8 lug, and I got to wondering if the 8 lug hubs can be swapped on easily.



The first question is what brand of axles are they--whats the best way to identify them? It is a '99 or '00 Diamond T trailer. I'm gonna call the dealer in the morning and see what they can tell me.



Pete

 

[klenger]

My Arctic Fox 5er has 6 lug 16" wheels, and the trailer is rated at 13,000 lbs. Could you just change the rims and tires?

 

[C Schomer]

Pete, good luck! Last year, I looked into putting bigger drums and shoes on my 3500 lb axles. They got things fixed so bigger brakes are impossible - likewise with the hubs! Bigger hubs use bigger bearings and spindles. It's all matched up! Couldn't even just do bigger drums because the hub and drum are integral. Craig

 

[pcorssmit]

Just talked to the dealer. New hubs are ~65 each, he wasnt' positive if I'd need new bearings or not, and I'd need 4 new drums. Not worth it to me.



I priced new 225/75R15 LR D's at $58/each, I thought they were only good for 2200, but just checked Carlisle's site and it says 2540. That comes to 5080/axle, 120 lbs below the axle rating. Good enougth for me, think I'll go this route. The big attraction for the 8 lug was interchangability; I was thinking of putting the stock wheels and tires off the Dodge on it (they've been collecting dust in my garage for the last year).



I also priced out 700-15 bias, LR D's (what it says on the tongue of the trailer) at $47, but they're only rated at 2040 lbs.



Pete

 

[Turbo Thom]

Pete:

The axle should have a metal tag tack welded to the axle. I have 2, 5200 lb Dexter axles under my fiver. A tag is on the axle with the specs. The bearing are the same as the 6K axles. The hubs are interchangable. The 8 hole hub will fit the axle same as the 6. I was going to change out the wheels on mine to 16", but for now went to different tires.



Now this holds true to Dexter. I don't know about the other brands. If I went to 16" wheels my springs would need to be flipped. Don't want to do that. So for now I'm trying to stay with the 15" wheels.



. . Preston. .