Upgrading Axle

[WhiteRice]

Even though I only do this trip once a year; I tow my 16ft skiff from TX to FL and use my boat as storage for most of our gear so the dogs have some room to roam in the back of my 4Runner. The axle rating my trailer came with is 1000 lbs and the boat with motor and typical fishing gear is right at about 800lbs. Can I upgrade my axle and springs to a 1500-2000 lb set up to help support the additional 200 lbs or so I load into the boat for a 2000 mile round-trip or do I need to be more concerned about the integrity of the trailer capacity vs. the axle weight? This is an older "Load Rite" trailer (VIN no longer visible) and the only label remaining on it is the axle capacity. The trailer is solid but I just want to make sure my thought process is sound before I invest in a new axle and springs.

 

[roscoe]

Here is the dilemma, the axle may be rated at 1000#, but are the tires, frame, coupler, and springs.
So, even though your axle is rated at 1000, the trailer as a whole, might only be rated at 600 or 800.

No way of really knowing.

For the cost of axle, springs, and tires, you might be able to buy a slightly newer and higher rated used trailer.

 

[jimmbo]

If the axle is rated at 1000 lbs, and the trailer weight is 250 lb, then you only have 750 lbs left for load. As mentioned, whether or not the trailer frame, and springs and tires are designed for higher capacity is not known. Also if you are using your boat as a cargo container, are there adequate supports(rollers and/or bunks) to support the hull properly?
A higher capacity trailer is really the only safe way to go. However, too much capacity is not good either, as the springs will not flex enough to cushion the ride and passes all the road shocks to the boat.

 

[Scott Danforth]

throw some of the gear on top of the 4runner

 

[WhiteRice]

Yeah... I might just break down and buy a new trailer just for the peace of mind since I do not have a MANF label on mine any longer. It's well maintained but the capacity uncertainty is not on the road sanity. Also, the boat is well supported with the additional weight of the cargo on center rollers and the bunks.

As for the top of the 4Runner, I already have some things up there (two, 6" x 7ft rod holders and a 12x12 canopy).


Thanks for the replies!

 

[M2HB]

There is a lot of unknowns in this question from the OP. As stated above, upgrading an axle without knowing what the frame is capable of isn't a good idea. I have built a lot of trailers over the years and usually can get a good idea of what they can handle by the design and I have upgraded axles in the past. Sometimes, when the trailer needs new bearings, seals and tires, it is easier to just buy a new galvanized axles with matching hub assemblies with adjustable brackets because some of those light weight axles are hard to find bearings for. Axles are so cheap these days that it is sometimes easier to make the change and use the old leaf springs (ratings) so it still rides well.