converting HF four-lug hubs to a 5 lug 4 3/4" pattern

[jason_boivin]

For the HF trailer experts out there. I am wanting to buy the trailer but I want the trailer to be the 5 lug hubs. So question is this. Is there a bearing set and hub that will fit the HF axle and make the conversion a bolt on, or is it not that simple.

[len19070]

Not to change your mind or anything but have you considered the Tractor Supply Frame?

Its a little more money but already comes assembled with a 5 lug hub and wheel. Buy the time you buy new hubs & wheels for the Harbor Freight Trailer your probably looking at even saving money (or at least being close)

The TS axle has USA bearings in it as well.



The Harbor Freight Frame is usually $369.00 but is always on sale, and by the way for some reason there not selling it at the Moment

VS.

The Tractor Supply Frame 4X8 no floor SKU Number: 1000215 is 399.00 and I'll bet you can get a 2011 left-over model cheaper (I have at this time of the year)

Happy Trails

Len

[bobhenry]

On the way to our fall gathering in 09 I sheared off the studs. ( Someone was interupted while doing a bearing pack) I was in luck because I broke down literally across the street from a farm store. I took in the hub and out from under the counter they pulled out the entire hub with bearing set and seal. They were available in both 4 on 4 and 5 on 4 1/2 bolt patterns. Twenty five dollars later I was repaired and on the road. I , to this day , don't know if it was 1" or metric hub however, if I did the math right there is only 12 thousants of and inch difference from the 1" standard to the metric set up on the HF trailers. It's been towing for 2 1/2 seasons without a hic-up.

So just how thick is a film of grease anyway ?

I just reread your heading on the post are you sure it is a 4 3/4 bolt spread.

[Dale M.]

If there is enough material in hub construction its quite possible to push out old studs, layout new pattern and drill and press in new studs....

I know link below is off td&ttt topic but concept it is the same about studs and hubs....

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewto ... sc&start=0

Yes its a "car" site.. But follow some of the links in the thread "concept" is pretty much the same....

But first choice would probable be to see if you can find replacement hubs the fit axle and has correct bolt pattern....

Dale

[eamarquardt]

On the way to our fall gathering in 09 I sheared off the studs. ( Someone was interupted while doing a bearing pack) I was in luck because I broke down literally across the street from a farm store. I took in the hub and out from under the counter they pulled out the entire hub with bearing set and seal. They were available in both 4 on 4 and 5 on 4 1/2 bolt patterns. Twenty five dollars later I was repaired and on the road. I , to this day , don't know if it was 1" or metric hub however, if I did the math right there is only 12 thousants of and inch difference from the 1" standard to the metric set up on the HF trailers. It's been towing for 2 1/2 seasons without a hic-up.

So just how thick is a film of grease anyway ?

I just reread your heading on the post are you sure it is a 4 3/4 bolt spread.

In the world of precision bearings .012" is a lot. When bearings are loose on a shaft or in a housing they wiggle around and experience what is called "fretting corrosion". This looks like rust but is caused by the repeated "banging" of parts against each other.

If you, in fact, have a .012 loose fit, yer eventually gonna have a failure.

I'd suggest measuring your axle and noting the bearing numbers and consulting with a bearing house. It could save you another breakdown.

Hope this helps.

Gus

[chartle]

The Harbor Freight Frame is usually $369.00 but is always on sale, and by the way for some reason there not selling it at the Moment

There is some issue and everyone in stock was returned

[Nobody]

For the HF trailer experts out there. I am wanting to buy the trailer but I want the trailer to be the 5 lug hubs. So question is this. Is there a bearing set and hub that will fit the HF axle and make the conversion a bolt on, or is it not that simple.

My 1740# 4x8 HF trailer came with 13" 5 on 4.5 wheels.

[Trentb]

The Harbor Freight Frame is usually $369.00 but is always on sale, and by the way for some reason there not selling it at the Moment

There is some issue and everyone in stock was returned

is this a fact? first I've heard..


I still think it was a ploy to have them off the shelves for the NYD 25% coupon.

[chartle]

The Harbor Freight Frame is usually $369.00 but is always on sale, and by the way for some reason there not selling it at the Moment

There is some issue and everyone in stock was returned

is this a fact? first I've heard..


I still think it was a ploy to have them off the shelves for the NYD 25% coupon.

Thats what someone posted here that there seems to be some sort of problem with the trailers. I just assumed that it was a recall issue though other things could be happening.

[len19070]

I have also found that the paper work given to me on the hand full of Tractor Supply Frames I have purchased have made my States registration very easy.

Happy Trails

Len

[chartle]

The Harbor Freight Frame is usually $369.00 but is always on sale, and by the way for some reason there not selling it at the Moment

There is some issue and everyone in stock was returned

is this a fact? first I've heard..


I still think it was a ploy to have them off the shelves for the NYD 25% coupon.

Thats what someone posted here that there seems to be some sort of problem with the trailers. I just assumed that it was a recall issue though other things could be happening.

Update: I was at HF on Friday and the entire Display of Trailers was gone. I asked and it seemed like they kind of didn't say why but did say in march for their sidewalk sale the 12" 4 lug 4x8 is on sale so I guess they will be back.

[TJinPgh]

Chartle,
Which HF were you at in Pittsburgh?

I was at the one in Robinson 2 days ago. Their display was gone as well. I spoke to the cashier about them. I didn't ask about the 90154 but they had three of the 94564 in stock. On sale for $349 at the moment. Think it ends n the 30th, though.

That one already comes with 5 lug wheels.

They said they had planned on no longer selling trailers but the plans had changed and they were "getting into them again" as she put it.

The Tractor Supply trailer Len mentioned seems like a good option. Certainly easier to register. Although, from everything I've been reading it requires a mod to the tongue.

Given that I don't have a welder, I'm not sure how that would work, let alone the additional expense.

[len19070]

Chartle,


The Tractor Supply trailer Len mentioned seems like a good option. Certainly easier to register. Although, from everything I've been reading it requires a mod to the tongue.

Given that I don't have a welder, I'm not sure how that would work, let alone the additional expense.

The mod really isn't that big of a deal and can all be done without welding.

I used "Bed Rail" (which I trash picked) on a few of mine, 4 bolts and a 2" square "U" bolt. (total $5-6)

The problem is that, and only in my opinion that the tongue doesn't extend back far enough into the frame. i.e. only to the first cross member.

I corrected this by installing 2 pieces of bed rail attached to the outer side rail just ahead of the first cross member to the tongue with the "U" bolt about 18" away from the frame.

It spread the load out a little more evenly instead of only 2 points its spread out over 7.

Again, I never had a problem, nor heard of a problem with the frames in there original condition...just didn't like the way it looked and saw room for improvement.

Not the best drawing, but....



Happy Trails

Len

[TJinPgh]

I think I see what you're saying there.

Still have to wonder, though. Given that one can routinely get the HF 94564 for under $300, the only advantage to going with the TSC at over $100 more seems the ease of titling.

Zach used the Maine titling method on his latest build and it seemed to go through w/o a hitch.

[chartle]

Chartle,
Which HF were you at in Pittsburgh?

I was at the one in Robinson 2 days ago. Their display was gone as well. I spoke to the cashier about them. I didn't ask about the 90154 but they had three of the 94564 in stock. On sale for $349 at the moment. Think it ends n the 30th, though.

Thats the one.

They did day they could sell me one and then brought up the sale. I wasn't buying one so I did ask about any in stock.