some useful information on 5200, 6,000 and 7,000 lb axles (bearing/hub differences)

[Lou C]

Bearings for 5.2, 6 & 7k Axles - Trailer Parts Superstore Blog

Replacing Trailer Bearings can be a confusing process but some are a little more confusing than others. The 5.2k, 6k & 7K 1.25″ bearings are a prime example of this. The key reason for this confusion is that all three share an identical inside diameter of 1.25″ but are rated for different weight...

blog.easternmarine.com

I recently upgraded the 3500 lb axle on my old single axle Load Rite to a 6000 lb axle built for me by Champion Trailers (as was the previous axle). I always wondered what the differences were between 5200 lb and 6000 lb axles was since the spindles are actually the same. What makes the difference is the outer bearings, the inner bearings for all three weight capacities are the same. The inner race of the outer bearings all have the same inner diameter but the rollers and cages are bigger as you go from 5200-->6000-->7000 and correspondingly the hub opening for the bearing is larger as well in each case as are the grease caps. You can tell what you have based on the diameter of the grease cap (the part that fits into the hub opening)
2.328" cap diameter, bearing # 67048 5200 axle, 6 lug
2.442" cap diameter, bearing # 15123, 6000 axle, 6 lug
2.72" cap diameter, bearing # 14125, 7000 axle, 8 lug
this is good to know in that if your 5200 is marginal you can upgrade the hub and outer bearing to what a 6000 axle has, if for example you are replacing integral disc brake hub/rotors or upgrading an old trailer from drum to disc brakes.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,...... Very Cool, Lou,......

 

[Lou C]

The other tricky aspect of these axles is that some axles take a 2.25" ID seal and some take a 2.125" ID seal, have to check that before installing.
The axle Champion made for me takes the 2.25" ID seal