I'm at the gvw limit of my trailer.

[Mark42]

I'm pretty sure I have reached the GVW limit of my trailer (1200 lbs) because the springs are almost flat. I'm going to weigh it at the local truck stop soon, but I want to up the rating anyway just to be safe, as well as carry a little extra gear in the trailer when going on vacation. Things like bicycles, beach chairs, umbrellas, that sort of bulky but not too heavy stuff.<br /><br />I looked up the axle, its a 1.5 inch square galvanized, 1-1/16 inch spindles and it is rated at 1600lbs, the hubs are are about 1800lbs? each the tires are 12x4.80 B good for 780lbs each or 1560 lbs max and the springs are good for only 600 lbs each or 1200 pair (open eye slipper springs about 21" long). So I guess the springs are where 1200gvw rating comes from. <br /><br />The frame is 2x3 galvanized box tubing. <br /><br />I would like to up the rating to 1800 or 2000 lbs figuring that it will really get up to about 1500 - 1600 fully loaded.<br /><br />I'm thinking of getting 900 - 1000lbs springs, 2000lbs axle and 12 x3.50 C tires (960lbs each). <br /><br />Think that is a safe upgrade? It sure is cheaper than a new trailer. And I like that my trailer is only 17 feet long. It fits in tight spaces and manuvers easily.

 

[Realgun]

Re: I'm at the gvw limit of my trailer.

Just make sure you get the duelly desel to pull it with Mark42.<br /><br />Personally I would leave the tires and just get springs as they are rated high enough. There is a thing about no going to high in ratings as it beats you boat when your to stiff.<br /><br /><br />

 

[Mark42]

Re: I'm at the gvw limit of my trailer.

Yeah, I think I'll just order a pair of 900lbs springs. Problem is that replacement springs for the existing open eye setup are too high a load capacity. So I have to switch to a slipper spring. Is there something the slipper end of the spring rides against, or does it rub directly on the frame?

 

[craze1cars]

Re: I'm at the gvw limit of my trailer.

I'd recommend welding or bolting a flat piece of steel under the frame for the spring to rub on, acting as a wear pad. You don't want it rubbing directly on the frame, over time it could wear thin and weaken it at that point.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: I'm at the gvw limit of my trailer.

"the tires are 12x4.80 B good for 780lbs each "<br /><br />I'd go up to the "C" rated tires. You'll be close to the max on your "B" tires, and it's cheap enough to upgrade.<br /><br />I'd start, though, with heavier-duty springs.

 

[rwidman]

Re: I'm at the gvw limit of my trailer.

If you're thinking of replacing the springs and axle, check on a torison axle. The "springs" are internal, the axle just bolts to the trailer frame (don't weld it, the heat will ruin it). There are fewer parts to corrode and it's much quieter.