Help on new axle, hubs and brakes

[FastFission]

I'm replacing the axle and hubs on my old escort trailer. I have a few questions about parts, etc.

I've got a couple of possibilities for galvanized drop axles. Pacific Trailers sells their custom axles with loose spring centering plates and a standard hub. Champion sells theirs with the spindle lube hubs and they weld the centering plate to spec. Champion is about $50 more, so:

• Is the welded centering plate important? Pacific says the can be welded or used loose. I suppose I could drill centering holes in the axle tube like the original axle, but I really like the idea of having a full strength axle, particularly since the bending stress is at maximum just about where the holes would go.
• Does anyone have an opinion on the spindle lube (vs. bearing buddies)?

For brakes, I've got about the same situation. I'm looking at drum style surge brakes. One kit has stainless lines. The other is all hose (and I'm not sure whether bearings are included). The first is about $60 more.

As a final detail, it appears that spindles and hubs are standard as long as I get the same bearing sizes (1 3/8 and 1 1/16). Is that correct?

By the way, for those of you in warmer climes, we woke up to SNOW this morning. Thankfully it didn't stick around long.

Thanks,

Carl

 

[T_Herrod]

Re: Help on new axle, hubs and brakes

I would go with welded center bolt blocks. There is to much of a chance of the loose ones letting you axle get out of alignment.
Stainless steel brake lines over hoses. Hoses get cut easy and tend to leak.