FAQ: I have mobile home axles. Can I change the hubs to standard trailer hubs?

[1] Mobile home axles are typically designed for very limited highway use before some components degrade
with failure potential.
Hubs & hub drums are amoung those items which may be subject to failure if these components are installed
on a trailer that is subjected to normal highway use & speeds for extended milage.
This is why some states have prohibited the use of Mobile home hubs on standard highway use trailers.

[2] Mobile home rims [ commonly refered to as Doughnut Rims] are
attached to the hub by a bolt & clip device called a Rim Clamp.

[3] Standard mobile home application uses axles rated at
6000# or 7000# with 14.5 x 6 doughnut rims rated at
3000# each & 14.5 x 7 rims rated at 3500# each.

[4] One of the problems that can occur is that IF the rim
clamp bolts or nuts are not Torqued to proper specifications
the rim may loosen during highway travel.
This can have catastrophic consequences.

[5] Most mobile home axles have the #42 spindle [ 1 3/4" x 1 1/4" ]
using bearings # 25580 [ 1 3/4" I0] inner & 15123 [1 1/4" I0] outer.

[6] The spindle diameter of 1 3/4" inner X 1 1/4" outer matches the spindle
requirements for both 6 lug & 8 lug standard trailer hubs, or hub drums.

[7] Therefore MOBILE HOME axles CAN be used with standard [ LUG NUT]
style hubs & hub drums in most cases.
However if using brake hub drums with mobile home axles it is important to note
that mobile home axles are designed as ECONO axles. In order to optimize
their cost efficency the manufacturers of those axles often weld the brake
backing plates [ brake clusters] directly to the axle tubing instead of installing
brake flanges on the axle.
Standard trailer 6000# or 7000# axles typically use a 5 hole brake flange with
3/8" diameter holes for compatability with most
12" brakes.

Some mobile home axles may be equipped with
this type of 5 hole brake flange.

Others may have a 4 hole brake flange.

If the axle is equipped with either a four hole
brake flange, or if the brake backing plate is
welded to the axle tubing, the axle will not be
compatable with standard 12" X 2" brakes.

If the 5 hole brake flange is in place the axle can be used with either electric
or hydraulic drum brakes.

[8] If you are ordering replacement hubs or hub drums for Mobile Home
Axles, be sure to confirm the seal seat diameter to be sure you get
the correct seals.
Typically the seal seat will be either 2.125" or 2.250".

Champion Trailers* cannot control the user's application of the
information contained herein, & is not responsible for the user's
application of that information.
It is the responsibility of the user to determine the applicability of the
information contained herein, as it applies to his trailer or system.

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All Technical information & Specifications
Contained herein are the property of
Champion Trailers* & may not be
reproduced with out specific written
permission. copyright 2004