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Expert Answers about Trailer Axles


  • Does Adding a Second Axle to Trailer Increase Weight Carrying Capacity
  • We do not offer torsion axles due to shipping size and weight restrictions. We do offer leaf spring beam axles up to a 3500-lb rating and we offer Timbren axle-less suspensions as well. If you want to add a second axle to an existing single-axle trailer you potentially can do so but there are a few things to keep in mind. Adding the second axle does NOT necessarily increase the trailer's weight-carrying capacity. This might be the case but only if the axles were the trailer's lowest-rated...
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  • How to Determine Axle Locations on a Triple Axle Trailer
  • Determining the location of the axles on your triple axle trailer can be difficult, but basically you want to locate the axles so that the tongue weight of the trailer is 10 percent of the total trailer. I attached a picture that details the process. Typically on triple axle trailers the center axle will be located 60 percent of the way from the front of the trailer and 40 percent from the back. This isn't always the case as boat trailer and some flat bed trailers have the axles more to...
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  • Does Number of Trailer Axles Affect Trailers Axle Capacity
  • If you had two 3,500 lb axles your trailer would have an overall axle capacity of 7,000 lbs. The individual axles themselves are rated at 3,500 lbs. Typical Axle Diameters Based on Axle Capacity - 1,000-lb - 2,000-lb Axles: 1-1/2 inch - 1-3/4 inch diameter - 3,500-lb Axles: 2-3/8 inch diameter - 6,000-lb - 7,200-lb Axles: 3 inch diameter - 8,000-lb Axles: 3-1/2 inch diameter - 9,000-lb Axles: 4 inch diameter - 10,000-lb Or more axles: 5 inch diameter Trailer overall capacities aren't...
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  • Appropriate Axle Rating for Trailer Weighing 7680-Lbs When Loaded
  • A trailer's axles must be rated for at least the maximum trailer weight, its GVWR, or gross vehicle weight rating. This is the most the trailer can weigh when loaded. Naturally it is advisable to have some safety margin too. The standard beam axles we sell have ratings up to 3500-lbs. Higher-rated axles are made, of course, but we do not ship them due to shipping size and weight restrictions. Two 3500-lb axles in a tandem axle set-up would not have enough capacity, but three 3500-lb axles...
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  • Triple Axle Location Recommendation for Building Trailer
  • Determining the location of the axles on your triple axle trailer can be difficult, but basically you want to locate the axles so that the tongue weight of the trailer is 10 percent of the total trailer. I attached a picture that details the process. Typically on triple axle trailers the center axle will be located 60 percent of the way from the front of the trailer and 40 percent from the back. This isn't always the case as boat trailer and some flat bed trailers have the axles more to...
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  • How to Determine the Spacing Between Axles when Building a 4-Axle Trailer
  • There are several things to consider when positioning axles on a trailer. I have included a picture that will help some but other factors include the springs and other suspension components you will be using. Also, a 4-axle trailer can potentially be a little troublesome because when turning the wheels can scrub (scrape the ground sideways). The closer the axles are together within reason the less likely this is to happen. But on 4 axles I do not think you will be able to avoid it completely. If...
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  • Will Changing Trailer Axle Increase Trailer Weight Rating
  • It sounds like your single-axle boat trailer currently has a square torsion axle rather than a leaf spring suspension. You can swap this out for a tandem beam axle setup using 2 axles, 4 leaf springs plus hangers and equalizers but note that doing so will not necessarily give your trailer any additional capacity. A trailer's weight capacity is a function of its overall design and construction, but most directly it is a function of the lowest-rated part of the trailer. This COULD be the...
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  • Proper Loading of Triple Axle Trailer to Minimize Sway
  • The fact that your modified trailer has a third un-braked axle added in front of the two braked axles will not directly affect sway. Nor will the fact that it seems to balance pretty well on its own without a load. Trailer sway, or the lack of it, is mostly a function of load distribution. If the loaded trailer is too light at the tongue (too heavy at the rear) the rear of the trailer will tend to swing like the pendulum on a grandfather clock. Tongue weight (TW) should always stay in...
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  • How To Determine the Weight Capacity For a Trailer Axle
  • The trailer will have a plate or sticker on it that will list the VIN number. The weight rating of the axle should be listed on that same plate or sticker. Also, the axle could have a tag or plate on it that will list the weight capacity. You can also tell the weight capacity of the axle by measuring the diameter of the axle. Here is a list that will show the axle weight capacity based on the axle diameter: Typical Axle Diameters Based on Axle Capacity - 1,000-lb - 2,000-lb Axles: 1-1/2...
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  • Number of Axles and Their Effect on Tongue Weight
  • You are chasing your tail a bit, I fear. On an empty trailer, having two axles will minimize the tongue weight a bit. Once the trailer is loaded, the tongue weight will depend on the load as well as how and where it is loaded onto the trailer in relation to the axle(s). More weight to the front equals more tongue weight. Having the additional axle will give your greater weight capacity.
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  • Will Overloading Trailer Axles Cause Them to Bend?
  • With you having 2- 3500lb axles your maximum capacity is 7000lbs evenly distributed over both axles. With the trailer weight of 8240lbs you definitely risk damaging the axles, suspension and other parts of the trailer. Trailer Axles will sometimes have a natural curve in them but if overloaded they will bend more causing the tires to wear unevenly. If you can get me the information off the axle data tags I can help you to identify the correct replacement axles. You will also want to...
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  • Does Drop Axle Raise or Lower the Trailer
  • A drop axle will lower the trailer trailer deck; each of our drop axles are a 4 inch drop, so that is how much it will lower the deck. In order to choose the correct replacement axle for your trailer you will need to know the capacity you need as well as the dimensions of your current axle's hub face to hub face and spring center to spring center. Here are all the options we carry for a drop axle: - 3,500 lbs: Dexter Trailer Axle Beam with 4" Drop E-Z Lube Spindles - 89" Long # 8327812 -...
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  • How to Determine the Capacity of a Trailer Axle
  • The trailer will have a plate or sticker on it that will list the VIN number. The weight rating of the axle should be listed on that same plate or sticker. Also, the axle could have a tag or plate on it that will list the weight capacity. You can also tell the weight capacity of the axle by measuring the diameter of the axle. Here is a list that will show the axle weight capacity based on the axle diameter: Typical Axle Diameters Based on Axle Capacity 1,000-lb - 2,000-lb Axles: 1-1/2...
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  • How to Find the Axle Capacity on a Jayco 5th Wheel Trailer
  • There are a few ways to determine the axle capacity on your Jayco 5th wheel trailer. The trailer's main identification plate will often indicate axle ratings along with gross vehicle weight (GVWR) and the unit's VIN. This plate will typically be located near the front of the trailer. Also the trailer's owner documentation may include this information. Axles themselves will often have a sticker or plate applied by the axle manufacturer that indicates the weight rating. This sticker/plate...
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  • Does Increasing Axle Capacity Increase Overall Capacity of Trailer
  • The weight capacity of a trailer is more than just the axle and tire capacity. The frame of the trailer, suspension, brakes etc. are all parts of the equation that you need to consider. Your trailer should have an axle weight capacity as well as the weight capacity of the trailer. It is possible that going to a higher rated axle will give you additional weight capacity for the trailer, but the axle would have to have been the weakest link. Easiest way to inspect your current axle would...
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  • Dexter Trailer Axle Measurements on 89 Inch Axle
  • The Dexter Trailer Axle # T3584F-EZ-8974 measures 89 inches from hub face to hub face. The flange-to-flange measurement is 82-5/8 inches. As long as the Dexter axle has the same capacity as the Lippert axle and the same hub face and spring center measurements, it will not be a problem to have them both on the same trailer. Lippert and Dexter axles are very similar and even use the same bearing numbers. I have attached a diagram showing where to measure for the hub face and spring seat...
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  • Trailer Axle Capacity for a Trailer with 2-1/2 inch Diameter Axles
  • The following guidelines on trailer axle capacities are common sizes/capacities, but there are other axle sizes and capacities that are possible. These are just the most common ones. Typical Axle Diameters Based on Axle Capacity - 1,000-lb - 2,000-lb Axles: 1-1/2 inch - 1-3/4 inch diameter - 3,500-lb Axles: 2-3/8 inch diameter - 6,000-lb - 7,200-lb Axles: 3 inch diameter - 8,000-lb Axles: 3-1/2 inch diameter - 9,000-lb Axles: 4 inch diameter - 10,000-lb Or more axles: 5 inch diameter Based...
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  • Straight Trailer Axles for a 2 Horse Trailer with 3,600 Pounds Gross Trailer Weight
  • With the trailer weighing 1,600 pounds and 2 horses at 1,000 pounds each that would total 3,600 pounds which is over the capacity of both a single 2,200 pound axle and a single 3,500 pound axle. But if you have 2 axles then using 2 of the 2,200 pound axles, # T20BTR-EZ-7258, will be more than enough capacity. I have linked a video review of this axle for you. If it is a single axle trailer then you will need to order one from a local trailer supply store with a high enough capacity for...
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  • How to Determine Gross Trailer Weight on a Tandem Axle Horse Trailer
  • I have seen trailer capacity information at the front of a trailer near the coupler, on the inboard side of the left side frame, but it really could be anywhere. If you cannot find it then I should be able to give a close estimate based on the inner and outer bearing numbers. You would have to pull off a hub to get to the bearings but with those numbers I should be able to tell you axle capacity at the very least. Another way to determine axle capacity is by the diameter of the axle: Typical...
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  • How to Estimate Trailer Axle Weight Capacity from Axle Diameter
  • Thank you for the photo of your converted trailer. Nice! Trailer axles usually leave the factory with a sticker or place installed directly on the axle beam that indicates the manufacturer, part number and weight rating. You can check the axles on your trailer for this sticker or plate. Given the age of the trailer these may be long gone. If none is present on the axles then you can note the axle diameter as this can get you in the ballpark in terms of weight rating. An axle diameter...
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