Determining Capacity of Unknown Axle

Question:

I have an old camper frame that I am turning into a regular trailer but I have no idea the axle weight limit. It is 24 foot long and 7 foot wide with a 2 5/16 hitch. The 2 axles are Dexter and the only numbers I could find on it is 8-147 and its 4 lug with a big X on the hub that goes through the wheel. Someone told me they are 3500 lbs each but would like to know for sure. Thanks

asked by: Henry

Expert Reply:

According to my online research, your axles are old Dexters with a capacity of 3500 lbs apiece.

I would recommend confirming this by checking the reference numbers on your bearings. The inner bearings should be # LM48548, outer bearing should be # L44649 and the grease seal should be # 58846. If these reference numbers match up, you have confirmed the capacity.

Replacement bearings and seals are available should you need them, but I could not find a hub.

expert reply by: Mike L

Brian L.

7/19/2020

Hello I have the a follow up question I have the same axle and have the seals and bearings and they are the same as you posted my only question is the bearing lm48548 inner bearing when clicking on bearing says 2500lb axle so is my axle still a 3500lb axle if the inner bearing lm48548 claims only 2500lbs

Chris R.

7/24/2020

These are older style hubs that use a unique bearing combination, but it does look like they're designed for 3,500 pound axles. The bearing itself doesn't dictate the capacity - there are just common sizes for different ratings. The LM48548 would typically be used on 2,500 pound axles but that doesn't mean the bearing itself is actually limited to that rating.