How To Determine Weight Capacity Of Trailer

Question:

I have a conversion Ive been working on in my spare time over the last few years. Camper trailer to a utility trailer. It was from the 70s I think. Problem is there was no vin# and no tags on the axle. But I do have some specs 5 lug hub, 10inch drum, bearings I.d.s are approx. 7/8 outer, and 1 3/8 for the inner. Axle is - 1 5/8 x 1 5/8 solid core, and the leafs are 1 7/8 x 26inch , stacked 7 high. Can I determine total gross weight rating with these specs? Also the frame is made of 1/4inch thick c channel, 3inch x 1 3/8. And the trailer dimensions are 10foot x 50. I appreciate the help fellas!

asked by: Will

Helpful Expert Reply:

We have no way of knowing the weight capacity of the trailer frame you are working with unless you are able to provide some specific information. You will have to pull the bearings and seals and use a precision instrument like a digital caliper to know what size spindle you have on your trailer. If you cannot read the numbers on the bearings you can use the caliper to measure the spindle as shown in the attached drawing.

Once you get those measurements, let me know and I will be happy to make some recommendations that may work for you.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L