How to Determine Unknown Capacity of Axle
Question:
I need to purchase a set of electric brakes and drums for my vintage trailer 13 feet long. I have noticed that brakes are classified according to axle rating but I have no idea what the weight rating is for my axle. How do I figure it out? Please advise. Thanks.
asked by: Don S
Expert Reply:
Obviously, having the information neatly printed on the axle someplace is the best case scenario, but adding some other clues together can help us make a pretty good educated guess about the capacity of your axle. If you could reply with as much of the following information as possible, I can make you some specific recommendations:
-Reference numbers from inner and outer wheel bearings (or highly accurate dimensions of spindle surface where each bearing rides
-Bolt pattern -number of lugs and bolt circle diameter of wheels (see linked article)
-Diameter and depth of existing drum
-Diameter of trailer axle tube:
1,000-lb - 2,000-lb Axles: 1-1/2" - 1-3/4" diameter
3,500-lb Axles: 2-3/8" diameter
Can have a 3-1/2" diameter, but rarely
6,000-lb - 7,200-lb Axles: 3" diameter
8,000-lb Axles: 3-1/2" diameter
9,000-lb Axles: 4" diameter
10,000-lb Or more axles: 5" diameter
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Stabilizer Jacks - 6-1/4" Drop Leg Travel - 18" - 650 lbs - Qty 2
- Camper Jacks
- Pop Up Camper
- Teardrop Camper
- Travel Trailer
- Stabilizer Jacks
- Steel
- 0 - 1000 lbs
- Drop Down Jack
- 18 Inch Lift
- Bolt-On
- Weld-On
- 1 Jack
- etrailer
more information >
Continue Researching
- Shop: 4-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 2,000-lb Trailer Axles - 26" Long
- Shop: Stabilizer Jacks - 6-1/4" Drop Leg Travel - 18" - 650 lbs - Qty 2
- Shop: Trailer Idler Hub Assembly for 2K Axles - 13" to 15" Wheels - 5 on 4-1/2 - Pre-Greased
- Video: etrailer Stabilizer Jacks Review
- Q&A: How to Identify Replacement Hub for Trailer
- Q&A: Trailer Idler Hub with 5 on 4-1/2 Bolt Pattern that Fits a 1 Inch Diameter Straight Spindle
- Shop: Shackle Bolt with Locknut for Double-Eye Springs - 3" Long
- Shop: Trailer Idler Hub Assembly for 2K Axles - 13" to 15" Wheels - 5 on 4-1/2 - Pre-Greased
- Shop: Stallion Stabilizer Jacks - 7" Drop Leg Travel - 22-1/4" - Qty 2
- Search Results: lug nuts
- Search Results: nut
- Search Results: reciever
- Search Results: spindle nut
- Search Results: akihub~545~2~lf~1k
- Search Results: trailer wheel lug nuts
- Search Results: hitch adapter 1 1 4 to 2 trailer hitch
- Video: Review of CE Smith Trailer Axles - Leaf Spring Suspension - CE33201GA-HUB
- Shop: Lippert RV Spare Tire Mount with Winch - 71" Overall Width
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: 10k Dexter Replacement Hub for a 8-415
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: Replacement Hub Needed for Lippert 122093 Hub on 5,200 lbs Axle
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Video: Lippert Solera Slider Slide-Topper Review
- Q&A: How to Determine if Trailer Axle is Not Aligned and How to Measure to Replace Trailer Axle