Determining Weight Rating for Boat Trailer Axle for New Hubs and Brakes
Question:
I am planning to replace my 15 year old boat trailers surge hydraulic brakes with electric brakes. To do so, I want to replace the hub and drum assembly with new ones that will work with electric brakes. The trailers information sticker states that the GAWR for each axle is 4,200 lbs. I believe the current brakes are 12inch X 2inch with a 5 bolt pattern on the flange. The wheel lugs are 6 X 5 1/2. I use 225/75 R15 tires. As I didnt see many brakes, hubs and drums on the etrailer site rated for 4,200 lbs, should I buy the parts rated for 5,200 lbs capacity axles? I also realize that I need to get the exact numbers from the inner and outer bearings before ordering hubs. I just havent had the time yet to remove the old hubs to check the bearing numbers. Finally, I currently have hydraulic surge brakes on all four wheels. When I bought the trailer new, it only had brakes on one axle and the other axle had idler hubs. The second set of brakes was added when I had the trailer refurbished about 5 years ago. My tow vehicle is a Chevrolet 2500 diesel and it has a built in electric brake controller. Does my plan to shift back to brakes on one axle and idler hubs on the other make sense to you? I am pretty sure this is legal in Florida where I live. Thanks so much for your help.
asked by: Eric Q
Helpful Expert Reply:
The true axle capacity is usually found on the axle tag which is located on the axle tube. This will give you a better idea of the bearing combo that axle uses but pulling the hubs and reading/measuring the bearings is the only tried and true method. It sounds like you have a pretty standard setup which likely uses the Electric Trailer Brake Kit part # AKEBRK-6 and Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly part # AKHD-655-6-EZ-K. The Trailer Wiring 7-Way Upgrade Kit part # 277-000141 could then be used to compete the setup.
In regards to braked versus unbraked axles, this really solely comes down to local state regulations.
Products Referenced in This Question
Epicord 7-Way Molded Trailer Plug with Junction Box - 10' Long
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Wiring
- Junction Box
- Epicord
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
etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - 12" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 5,200 lbs to 7,000 lbs
- Trailer Brakes
- Electric Drum Brakes
- Standard Grade
- Manual 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 >
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