Can New 5200-Lb Axles Replace 4400-lb Axles on Tandem Toy Hauler Trailer

Question:

on my forest River camper I have 4400# axles, and would like to replace them with 5200# axles, would this be a swop and go and would brakes enter change with axles. the reason is I have a dry weight of 7273 and its a toy hauler and out behind the rear wheels it said 2000# max in cargo bay, 7273# + 2000# = 9273#, I did not know they were 4400# axles till after I got it,

asked by: Stephen

Expert Reply:

You can change out your toy hauler's axles to higher-rated ones and this will certainly increase the axles' safety margin but it does not necessarily increase the trailer's capacity. The frame and other parts of the overall structure also have to be rated higher than the existing axles in order for you to end up with a higher actual trailer capacity. You can check with Forest River by giving them the trailer VIN number. They can then tell you if the axles are the weakest link and if replacing them will give you a higher carrying capacity. You may also need to upgrade your hubs to match the new axles' capacity.

You will need to select an axle that has the same spindles and brake flanges as your current ones in order to be able to drop in the axles without other changes. The spindles on the new axle have to use the same bearings as your existing hubs in order for the hubs to fit and the same applies to the brake flanges. Also, you want your brakes to be rated for the capacity of the new axle; if the trailer ends up carrying more weight, then your brakes need to match that higher weight capacity.

Due to shipping weight limitations we do not ship 5200-lb axle beams, but we do offer Timbren axle-less systems such as # ASR5200S04 rated for 5200-lbs. These may require some additional support on your trailer. If your trailer does not have a cross member above the spot where you want to install the Timbren system, you may need to reinforce the frame.

I suggest starting out by talking with the folks at Forest River to find out what can be done with your particular trailer to increase its capacity.

expert reply by: Adam R