Can 3500lb Axle Be Modified To Have A 6000lb Axle Rating?
Question:
I have a set of axles I got, they are 6lug 12inch drum but have a 2inch square axle tube. I would presume theyre only rated at ~3500lb because of the 2inch tube. Because it is a 6lug 12inch drum can I change the axle tube to a 3inch or 3.5inch and increase the rating building a new trailer frame so that is not a concern or basically reuse the hubs/drums ect on a say a 6000lb axle tube? Thanks!
asked by: Ryan
Expert Reply:
I have a different option for you, but changing the axle tube diameter will not increase the axle capacity as the new weakest link would be the spindles which would still have a 3500lb capacity.
You could start from scratch and use two of the #42 E-Z Lube Spindle w/ Flange for 5.2K to 7K Trailer Axles # TRU37FR which have a combined 7000lb weight capacity, and would allow you to use 5200-6000lb Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly # AKHD-655-6-EZ-K which has the 6 on 5-1/2 bolt pattern, and Electric Trailer Brake Kit # AKEBRK-7-SA.
The option I recommend is to purchase an axle that already has a a 6000lb axle rating, and brakes/drums like the Dexter Trailer Axle w/ Electric Brakes - E-Z Lube - 6 on 5-1/2 Bolt Pattern - 89" - 6,000 lbs # 8327830-EB. This axle measures 89" hub face to hub face, and 74" spring center to spring center as shown in the included diagram, so if that matches your current axle dimensions this would be a great option without needing custom fabrication.
I included videos to each of the products mentioned for you to take a look at.
Products Referenced in This Question
Dexter Trailer Axle w/ Electric Brakes - E-Z Lube - 6 on 5-1/2 Bolt Pattern - 89" - 6,000 lbs
- Trailer Axles
- Leaf Spring Suspension
- Easy Lube Spindles
- Electric Brakes
- 6000 lbs
- 6 on 5-1/2 Inch
- 74 Inch Long
- 89 Inch Long
- No Drop or Lift
- Dexter
more information >
etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - Self-Adjusting - 12" - Left/Right Hand - 5.2K to 7K
- Trailer Brakes
- Electric Drum Brakes
- Standard Grade
- Self Adjust
- 12 x 2 Inch Drum
- 5200 lbs Axle
- 6000 lbs Axle
- 7000 lbs Axle
- 14-1/2 Inch Wheel
- 15 Inch Wheel
- 16 Inch Wheel
- etrailer
more information >
Easy Grease Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 5.2K & 6K Axles - 12" - 6 on 5-1/2 - Pre-Greased
- Trailer Hubs and Drums
- Hub with Integrated Drum
- Easy Grease
- EZ Lube
- Pre-Greased
- 25580
- 15123
- For 5200 lbs Axles
- For 6000 lbs Axles
- 1/2 Inch Stud
- 6 on 5-1/2 Inch
- 14-1/2 Inch Wheel
- 15 Inch Wheel
- 16 Inch Wheel
- 16-1/2 Inch Wheel
- etrailer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
#42 E-Z Lube Spindle w/ Flange for 5.2K to 7K Trailer Axles - 2-1/4" Diameter
- Trailer Spindles
- EZ Lube Spindle
- 2-1/4 Inch Diameter
- Round
- For 5000 lb Axle
- For 6000 lb Axle
- For 7000 lb Axle
- TruRyde
more information >
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on Trailer Spindles
