Can I Replace Bolt-On Spindle With Weld-On Spindle

Question:

I have a 2000lb rated boat trailer that I am trying to replace the spindle and hub assembly due to the old hub breaking when the marina did not tighten the lugs and then towed my trailer and the wheel wobbled and snapped the hub casting. This is an old OMC boat trailer that actually used a 1inch threaded spindle on the end that you weld on yours that tapers to 1 1/4inch going toward the bearing surfaces and inserts into a hole in a swing axle. It then has a large castle nut that bolts it in from the back of the swing axle. This type of spindle does not seem to exist anymore. So I am hoping to buy a 1 1/4inch stub spindle that I can weld into the swing axle hole. BT8 TRU94FR or BTR-EZ TRU44FR. Hoping to reuse my existing wheel that is 5-4.5inch Bolt Circle wheel. The issue is that my wheel has a raised ridge surrounding the bolt holes that would allow a maximum of a 6 3/8inch diameter of the hub. So I am wondering if you have a 5-4.5inch bolt hub that would fit your spindle with the 1 1/4inch weld tube that would have a diameter of 6 3/8inch or less? I saw the following, dont know if you have more: AKIHUB-545-2-G-EZ-2K 34822545BX 8-258-5UC1 AKIHUB-545-2-EZ-1K Another option is that I am hoping to take the old hub off my spindle to see if the bearing surfaces would line up with any hubs you have. But the same 6 3/8” max diameter would still apply for a new hub in order to fit my wheel. If this diameter limitation cannot be solved and the alternative is to buy a new wheel my wheels are 9inch wheels. 6.90-9 N8 tire. So I would need to match that tire height. Appreciate any help you can provide.

asked by: Stephen F

Expert Reply:

I can definitely help you out with some replacement parts fir your older boat trailer but you're going to need to go with a whole new setup for 2 reasons; the first is that we get all the correct parts, and the second is that replacements parts are easier to find in the future. The hubs we have for 2K axles are about 4" deep so they won't be long enough either.

Here are the parts I recommend using to get you back up and running:

Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension System with Hubs - # A20RS545
9" x 4" Steel Solid Center Trailer Wheel - # AM20038
6.90/6.00-9 Kenda Loadstar K364 Trailer Tire - # AM10040
Snap-In Valve Stem - # AM20903

This gives you a whole new axle/hub setup as well as tires and wheels that match your current specs so your boat trailer should be sitting at the same height but have a better ride quality.

Attached are some videos for you to check out.