Can Trailer Weight Capacity Be Increased by Changing One Trailer Axle

Question

Question:

Can you combine 3500# axle with a 5000# axle to help beaf up your trailer capacity

asked by: Derek W

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

A trailer's weight carrying capacity depends on many components: the trailer frame itself, axles, suspension, hubs, wheels and tires. Upgrading one component, say an axle, might increase the trailer's capacity but only if that axle was the lowest-rated part of the trailer.

It is not advisable to use two differently-rated axles on the same trailer. Strictly speaking, it is theoretically possible, IF the trailer were to be loaded up with the cargo load perfectly distributed across the two different axles. However, in actual practice this would be a real tough thing to pull off without the risk of overloading some portion of the trailer.

If you know the trailer manufacturer and they are still in business you can contact them with the VIN for the trailer to see if they can offer you any help with the idea of increasing its capacity. If you're lucky they will be able to give you the capacity of the trailer frame and the other components to let you know if there is room to swap out parts that will give you a higher weight rating.

expert reply by: Adam R

1

Answer 1

We do offer axle beams alone and also complete axle kits that include hub/drums, brakes etc. All can be viewed by clicking on the included link. I also was unable to find a cross-reference for your axle number 4330537. This may be a production code…

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Answer 2

The blue wire coming from the brake controller to the trailer brakes is the brake power output wire used to tell the trailer to apply the brakes once given the response from the brake controller. Therefore, you should not have a constant charge to…

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Answer 3

If you are getting a constant 3.4 volts on the brake output circuit of your brake controller without the brake pedal pressed that's a malfunction of the brake controller. Curt controllers are known to be a bit more prone to internal bugs so the…

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Answer 4

When it comes to an axle weight rating of 3,500 pounds, the gross weight of the vehicle cannot exceed that weight rating by any circumstances. The only way to increase the payload weight is by installing new axles. Although, you must also consider…

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Answer 5

The first thing I would check on your trailer is the capacity of the springs. You need to be sure the spring capacity is rated at 1/2 the axle capacity. That way 2 springs equal the capacity of the trailer axle for proper fit. Check the arch of the…

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Answer 6

Torque specs for wheel lug nuts will vary depending on the diameter of the lugs, type of lug nut and the wheel's material. The linked chart details the recommended torque for many combinations. Dexter Hub/Drum #84546UC3 has 1/2-inch studs and…

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Answer 7

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…

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Answer 8

The SumoSprings Trailer Helper Springs #TSS-107-40 are a great alternate solution to the Lippert Shock Kit that you mentioned when you don't have the needed tire to frame clearance. The jounce-style urethane springs will essentially act as shock…

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Answer 9

All things being equal there really isnt an advantage to going with one over the other, its just that when you get to the heavier capacities you only see the slipper style. I would recommend either for you, but more importantly you want to pick the…

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Answer 10

For a wheel that is 5 inches in width and 15 inches in diameter you would want tires that are size ST205/75-15. For the tire size ST225/75R15 you listed you would want a rim that is from 6-7 inches in width. I attached a department page that has all…

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Answer 11

For a Dexter 3,000 lb trailer axle what you'd need to do is upgrade to the 3,500 lb trailer axle hub/drums like with the #AKHD-545-35-EZ-K which fits your spindle and then would allow you to install a set of 3,500 lb trailer brake assemblies that…

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Answer 12

It's definitely possible to upgrade a trailer's axle rating to a higher rating by just swapping the axles. To pick out the correct axle you'll need to measure the distance between the hub faces and the spring seat centers and you'll…

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Can Trailer Weight Capacity Be Increased by Changing One Trailer Axle

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