Axle capacity

[lilmac1959]

How do you determin the axle capacity?

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Axle capacity

Most of the newer ones have tags, and the older ones you can guesstamate by beating sizes.

 

[Silly Seville]

Re: Axle capacity

Diameter of spindle, diameter of bearing, diameter of brake hub, shoes, rotor etc. There are many manufacturers websites with all of this info listed to identify specific parts. I would start with the trailer manufacturer itself. They should be able to tell you who their axle vendor was. Then contact the axle manufacturer.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Axle capacity

A 3500# axle will have 1-1/16 dia outer bearing and 1-3/8 inner. A 2000# axle will have 1-1/16 inner AND outer bearings. Anything less than 2000# will have 1 inch inner and outer bearings. If you have 13, 14, or 15 inch wheels on a single axle trailer you probably have a 3500# axle. If you have a tandem or tri-axle trailer you likely have 3500# axles.

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Axle capacity

A 3500# axle will have 1-1/16 dia outer bearing and 1-3/8 inner. A 2000# axle will have 1-1/16 inner AND outer bearings. Anything less than 2000# will have 1 inch inner and outer bearings. If you have 13, 14, or 15 inch wheels on a single axle trailer you probably have a 3500# axle. If you have a tandem or tri-axle trailer you likely have 3500# axles.

I know the op doesn't say whats on the trailer but on Tri axles you could have
#5200lb axles. The best bet would be to call the Manf.

 

[Lou C]

Re: Axle capacity

It is also possible to have a 15" wheel, with 6 lugs and a 5200 lb axle, I have even seem them on a few single axle trailers....

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: Axle capacity

It is also possible to have a 15" wheel, with 6 lugs and a 5200 lb axle, I have even seem them on a few single axle trailers....

I had one of those. Had huge bearings.

My current trailer has a pair of "3500 lb" axles that have a tag that says "capacity 3700 lbs". The tires, however, are rated for 1750 lbs each. I suspect the tire rating has much to do with trailer ratings.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Axle capacity

I had one of those. Had huge bearings.

My current trailer has a pair of "3500 lb" axles that have a tag that says "capacity 3700 lbs". The tires, however, are rated for 1750 lbs each. I suspect the tire rating has much to do with trailer ratings.

Trailer ratings have "everything" to do with tire sizes. If you look at the GVWR tag on any trailer it will likely have a couple different ratings depending on what tire size is used. Obviously putting 1750# capacity tires *3500# total) on a trailer with a 2000# axle and springs does not give it a 3500# capacity. Spring capacity, tire capacity and axle capacity all affect the GVWR.

 

[batman99]

Re: Axle capacity

In a perfect world, each axle has a manufacture steel tag. And, that tag has its weight number and other numbers. If your axle doesn't have this tag or its surface is too rusty to read, one can pull off a wheel and obtain its EXACT spindle size. Its spindle size will determine if its a 2,000, 3500, 5200, etc. axle bearings. To view different shape / size spindles, surf entire page age: http://www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Trailer_Spindles.aspx

Here's comparison of 2 different 1.5" tube axles. Notice their spindle shape and different bearings. re: http://www.etrailer.com/comparison.aspx?pc=SP204BT8&pc2=SP20484

Note: Some 3,200 lbs axles also take 3,500 lbs bearings / seals. Thus, giving the impression one has a 3,500 lbs axle. Thus, its always best to obtain axle's tag - for 100% weight load accuracy. If no read-able axle tag, then use A,B,C measurements within http://www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Trailer_Spindles.aspx URL drill down chart - as 2nd method for axle weight load sizing. Don't go by tire size for max load raing. I have one trailer with 3,200 lbs axle with 2,000 lbs leaf spring packs, but it uses ST175-13" tires on it. Thus, its max load weight is really 2,000 lbs - even though it has 3,200 lbs axle.

Hope this helps..