How To Tell Apart 5,200 lb, 6,000 lb and 7,000 Axles

Question

Question:

Have a pair of unknown axles, 8 lug 12x2 brakes, Inner bearing 25580, outer 14125A. How can identify the capacity which they are without the numbers?

asked by: Aaron

0

Expert Reply:

As you may have already found, 5200 lb, 6000 lb and 7000 lb axles can all use the same components including inner/outer bearings, hubs and brakes. Here are some other things they share in common:

Dexter 5200 lb Regular Duty Axle
- 0.180 inch tube thickness
- 6 or 8 lug
- white brake magnet wire # BP01-180

Dexter 6K Heavy Duty Axle
- 0.250 inch tube thickness
- 6 or 8 lug
- white brake magnet wire # BP01-180

Dexter 7K Heavy Duty Axle
- 0.250 inch tube thickness
- 8 lug
- black brake magnet wire # BP01-225

The only way to determine the capacity of your axle for certain is by the serial number since you could technically have a 5200 lb or 6000 lb axle with the heavier duty brakes intended for the 7000 lb axles.

On Dexter axles like the one in the picture I have attached, the serial number will be engraved on the back side of the tube on the passenger side or near the center if manufactured after April 2001. An old trick is to use baby powder or flour on the axle so the numbers are easier to read.

If you can find the serial number I will be able to tell you the exact capacity of your axle.

expert reply by: Carla M

0

click to enlarge

Paul K.

2/25/2024

s/n 212278505

Reply

Mike L.

2/27/2024

@PaulK You have a Dexter 6000 lb capacity axle that has a 93 inch hub face to hub face distance and a spring center to spring center dimension of 78 inches. Hope that helps!

Reply

Answer 1

Here is a list of our 16" steel trailer wheels which have the 6 on 5-1/2" bolt pattern. We will not have any wheels which have the 95.4mm pilot hole you are needing which should not likely be an issue since trailers will typically…

view full answer...

Answer 2

The thickness of the tube is not any different as they are both 3 inch diameter, and the spindles are also the same utilizing the same inner diameter bearings, hubs, and seals. The difference in capacity is in the custom bend in the axle that…

view full answer...

Answer 3

That's a very good question, we tend to be extra cautious and say to use 10 gauge wire because that would be more than enough. When you get into longer trailers that will end up using a lot of wire the heavier gauge wire becomes more necessary.…

view full answer...

Answer 4

Just like the tires for your trailer, the combined load capacity of your wheels should at least match the loaded weight of your trailer. Ideally though they will have a larger combined capacity than your trailer weight to provide a nice safety…

view full answer...

Answer 5

The 4 bolt brake mounting flanges are used on axles up to 3,500 lbs. If the axle is any larger then it will likely use a 5 bolt flange. There is one exception to this which is select 4,400 lb axles. That said, you cannot use 4 bolt brakes with 5 bolt…

view full answer...

Answer 6

Yes, 13 inch galvanized steel wheels do have weight limits. For example, the Dexstar Steel Spoke Trailer Wheel, part #AM20234, that you referenced has a weight limit of 1660 lbs at 65 psi. Other rims will have other weight limits based on their…

view full answer...

Answer 7

The Replacement Trailer Brake Magnet for Dexter Electric Brake Assemblies part #BP01-225 is designed for a 7,000 lb trailer axle.

view full answer...

Answer 8

I would check the magnets for wear before going on to test them with a meter. If the magnets show abnormal wear or if you can see the windings beginning to show through the friction surface of the magnet then they will need to be replaced. To further…

view full answer...

Answer 9

You said you checked the brake magnets. When inspecting them did you notice if the windings inside the magnets are showing? If so this is most likely the reason that the short is showing up on the controller when the vehicle is moving. This would…

view full answer...

Answer 10

The Easy Grease Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly #AKHD-655-6-EZ-K uses a lithium complex, multipurpose grease. You only need to ensure the Grease #L11390 you use is also a lithium complex to prevent any damage which could be caused by using a different…

view full answer...

Answer 11

First, a 5,200 pound axle is a de-rated 6,000 pound axle so they take many of the same parts. Some 7,000 pound axles also take the same size parts. The difference is the size or ability of the magnets. Sometimes you will see the same type of magnet…

view full answer...

Answer 12

The difference between these two parts comes down to the size of the brake assembly and hubs that are on your axles. The #AKBRKR-M10 that has green wires are designed for 10" electric brake assemblies, where the #BP01-225 are designed for…

view full answer...

How To Tell Apart 5,200 lb, 6,000 lb and 7,000 Axles

Products Referenced in This Question

Product Page this Question was Asked From

Featured Help Information

Miscellaneous Media

Continue Researching