Can Additional Carrying Capacity be Added to a Car Hauler Trailer by Changing Springs and Tires
Question:
I want to add carrying capacity to my JRC dual axle car hauler. Two 3500# axels with S205/75D15 tires to move my tractor twice a year about 20 miles. What are my options? Spring helper and tires? Thanks
asked by: Matt
Expert Reply:
You may be able to add some weight carrying capacity to your JRC car hauler trailer but this will depend on how the trailer was designed and built, and whether JRC says that its frame structure and other parts can carry more weight. Adding heavier springs and/or higher-rated tires does NOT automatically mean the trailer can handle more weight; it just means that those new parts can handle more if they are rated higher than your existing springs and tires.
The trailer's frame, axles and hubs - and its springs and tires - ALL need to be able to handle the additional weight you want to carry. It is NOT possible to increase a trailer's overall capacity by changing out just some of its component parts, nor by adding helper leaf springs.
I suggest you check with JRC with your particular trailer's VIN/model number to find out if they consider it safe to upgrade the suspension and other components to carry more weight. You will also need to be able to tell them how much of a load you want to transport.
Let's say for example that they say the frame can handle 2000-lbs more weight. It might be necessary for you to change out your axles to 5000-lb-rated ones along with higher-rated hubs, springs, wheels and tires. Without knowing the exact model trailer it is impossible to say whether this can be done safely. The trailer manufacturer is really the only place to confirm if this is possible and safe.
If they were to say that the trailer frame and suspension are conservatively rated and that you can gain a few pounds of capacity by just swapping out wheels and tires, then this would be an option. It depends on whether this will be enough additional capacity for your intended tractor load. If all parts of the trailer except the tires can carry more load, then you could change to higher-load tires, say going from a Load range B to a Load range D. For example, Load Range B tires in the S205/75D15 size you mentioned have a load rating of 1480-lbs at 35-psi. The same size in a Load Range D, part # AM10245, has a 2100-lb rating at 65-psi. In this example you would gain 1240-lbs (2 x 620-lbs) per axle.
Again, this only works if JRC says the trailer frame, axles, hubs, etc are all rated high enough to let you add this extra capacity at the tires.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Karrier ST205/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range D
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Tire Only
- Radial Tire
- Load Range D
- 205/75-15
- 15 Inch
- M - 81 mph
- Kenda
more information >
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