Q: Can I upgrade the hubs on my mobile home axle?

A: Some of the older mobile home axles can be upgraded to either 6 or 8 bolt hubs, depending on the existing mobile home hub’s bearing combination. Please determine inner and outer bearing numbers (these universal numbers are etched into the bearing), looking for #25580 inner and LM67048 or 15123 outer. If these are the numbers on your bearings, you have the option to upgrade the hubs to accommodate regular-style wheels. Newer mobile home axles cannot be upgraded.

Q: Why do the trailer hub dust caps come off while driving?

A: Typical trailer hub dust caps are formed of light gauge steel, and over-repeated installations become “loose” as the portion of the dust cap lip that fits into the hub is compressed, slightly reducing its overall diameter. In addition, the hub opening itself may wear, making the fit looser still. Consider the following tips when reinstalling dust caps on your trailer hubs: Ensure that the hub bore where the cap fits is completely free of grease/oils, increasing the friction/grip of the hub. Likewise to the dust cap, ensure that the part of the cap fitting into the hub is also clean of grease/oils. Application of a light film of gasket sealer (aka Permatex, etc.) to the lip of the dust cap before installation will serve as a “glue” to assist in bonding the cap to the hub until next time you WANT the dust cap to come off. Another installation tip is to turn the dust cap on its side and lightly “tap” the side with a hammer to slightly “oval” the dust cap, ensuring that the dust cap lip and hub bore come in firm contact with each other upon cap installation. If the above suggestions do not work for you, replace dust caps with new ones for a tighter, like-new fit.

Q: How do I figure out what bearings to order for my trailer?

A: The hub will have to be removed and bearings removed for physical identification. Bearings will have specific numbers etched into the side of the bearing center. These numbers are universal; all tapered roller bearing manufacturers use the same numbering system for bearing and race components. We will need to know the inner and outer bearing numbers in the hub. We’ll also need to know the number of wheel studs in the hub and a couple other measurements. Having the hub and a ruler handy when you call will greatly help speed up the process of finding the right hub for your needs.