How to Determine the Axle Capacities on a 2001 Forest River Salem 5th Wheel Trailer

Question:

How will I determine the axle capacity of my 2001 Forest River Salem 27foot bunkhouse fifth wheel trailer? I have 15inch wheels on the trailer and just ordered the 10inch self adjusting brake assemblies for both the right and left side.

asked by: Ken W

Expert Reply:

There is likely a sticker or plate near the front of the 5th wheel trailer, perhaps on the pin box, listing some of the capacity information and it may or may not have the axle capacities listed. If it does not or the information cannot be located I can go by the inner and outer bearing numbers stamped into the sides of the bearings. There may also be information stamped into or on a tag on the axles themselves.

I would be surprised if your trailer actually used 10 inch brakes considering it is on a nearly 30 foot 5th wheel trailer with 15 inch wheels. It is definitely worth looking into that further. What you would do is measure the inside of the drums like in the picture I have included.

expert reply by: Michael H