Can someone confirm ths is obsolete ?

[orlandoclippertim]

I have an original Orlando clipper trailer. Was looking at the axles and hubs. It has small 4 stud hubs. The axles are
1.5 inch SOLID square steel with the spindles turned on the ends so it is all 1 piece. The spindles -- where the hub
bearings slide on is completely straight and 1 inch in diameter. Inside the hub- the inner bearing is non-tapered---
and the outer bearing is a tapered bearing between the hub and bearing (but its center is straight to slide onto straight spindle)

I think I see that the inside of the hub has a removable race . I guess the inner one would have just a cylindrical pocket.

does anyone know if this system is OK in use ? -- and can I find parts for it like races and bearings ?

would I just be ahead all around to build a new axle /hubs from northern parts so I have a modern system that I can
get parts for easily? I guess this is a practical use question----

Also -- if I do build a new axle--- would it be better to go with a 5 lug hub so I can use a bigger wheel than the teeny
12 inch ones that it had ? (thinking lower RPM at road speed for any extended trips) and less tire heat. fewer of the
"on the side of the road" incidents with bigger wheels-tires. Might get a better quality of tire that way maybe ?

Opinions ?

Tim

 

[gm280]

IMHO, if it were mine, a new axle and hubs would be the problem solver instantly. Why you ask? Because 5 lug hubs are everywhere and easy to get replacement parts when needed. And even though you will need different wheels and tires, those too are easier to find. However, going to larger diameter wheels/tires means two things. The fenders, if there are any, will have to clear the larger wheel/tire setup, and the trailer will set a little higher off the ground. But that is just my opinion...

 

[orlandoclippertim]

GM---- I like restoring things original if I can. The little wheels would be fine for around town. But I wouldnt want to
run them a long distance. I may have to move at some point in the near future. I dont know if I will pull it or ship it in a container. Those peewee wheels definately wouldnt cut it over several hours or days. I kind of dont mind going taller
on the wheels. The other thing is--- i suspect the quality of any 10 or 12 inch tire you could buy now is low. (china)
Might have a chance with a bigger tire like a 14.

Plus - in the mean time I was considering hauling something else on the trailer . so I might need a serviceable wheel/hub for that.

Tim

 

[MTboatguy]

There are good quality 12" tires on the market, I have a set of American made 12 on my trailer for my 14 foot utility boat and they have always been good, I have towed that trailer on many occasions over hundreds of mile trips, they are also on a 4 lug hub set up with white steel spoked wheels that came with the trailer brand new..

There are actually very few trailers that you can't get parts for, I have a 1940's trailer and I get bearing and race parts from NAPA for it.

That said, a new axle set up is really not all that expensive and they are pretty easy to change out and that could be beneficial in finding parts while on the road if you need to.

 

[SkaterRace]

I'd replace it, this is coming from someone who got stuck in the side of a highway for over 14 hours while my father drove to the nearest place that had what I needed. I got home from that trip and replaced everything and never had issues, sold it and moved on though so not sure how it is fairing 5 years later.

Cost is a good bit up front but worth it.