How to Find Out the Weight Capacity of an Axle and What to Know to Replace Bearings

Question

Question:

I have a 1978 Holiday Ramblette 24 foot with dual axles. It is original equipment as far as I am able to tell. original dexstar 4 lug wheels It has electric brakes also. I am attempting to find out the axle rating to replace the shackle assembly if I need to....tips?? and to replace the bearings as I do not know how long they have been there. Any information would be appreciated. Thank you and have a great week!

asked by: Don K

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Expert Reply:

Usually there is a sticker somewhere on the axle, it tends to be in the middle, which shows what the weight capacity is of the axle. It usually isn't hard to find, but if you have an older trailer it might be a little more difficult.

Once you find out what the weight capacity is of your axles just let me know and I can recommend the appropriate parts for you to upgrade.

To replace your bearings you will need to either take the bearings out of your hub to find the part numbers on them, as demonstrated on part # L44649, or you can measure your spindle. You will also want to take note of the seal as well. I have attached a photo which demonstrates where the numbers are and how to measure your spindle for you to use as a reference.

Let me know what you find and I will be happy to supply you with the parts that you need.

expert reply by: Jon G

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Answer 1

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 2

A BT8 spindle would have a diameter of .99 of an inch where the bearings would both install and would have a diameter of 1.24 where the great seal would ride. That would require a hub part #AKIHUB-440-2-1K for an idler hub. A BTR spindle would have…

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Answer 3

To find the load capacity for your axle you should look on the trailer VIN plate or sticker that lists 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…

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Answer 4

Even though I cannot comment specifically on the grease you used because I am not familiar with it, I can tell you the best grease for trailer bearings is a a grease with a rating of GC-LB, which just means it is made to withstand very high…

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Answer 5

To determine the size of the brake assemblies you need you have to measure the depth and width of the hub drum on the axle like what you see in the picture I attached. The most common size is 2-1/4 inch wide like the #T4071600-500 that you…

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Answer 6

To determine the size of the hub assembly you need to purchase you have to determine which bearings are in the old assembly. If the old assembly has L44649 inner bearings, you would use the hub you chose #8-258-5UC1. If the inner bearings are marked…

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Answer 7

Depending on how the trailer was made, there will be a few spots you can check to identify the axle. First, if the trailer was pre-made by a specific company, you may be able to find this information in either the paperwork or on a placard somewhere…

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Answer 8

Hey Richard, thanks for reaching out! The Dexter DX7.5 Drop-N-Go Brake Actuator #099-175-00 is a great option for a replacement actuator because it's a direct replacement for the common Model 60 actuators that were popular in the '90s.…

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Answer 9

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 10

On Dexter 12" Nev-R-Adjust Electric Brake Assembly #23-458 the shoe pad thickness is 3/16 of an inch. Dexter says that you should replace the shoes if the material gets down to 1/16 of an inch thick or less.

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Answer 11

Yes, the Timken Bearing Kit #TMK52VR will fit your 3,500 lb axle as it fits an standard #84 spindle. The only time this kit won't fit with a 3,500 lb axle is if the trailer/axle is made before the 2000's since that's about the time that…

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Answer 12

The UFP H-1377 correlates to a Dexter #84 spindle, which is for a 3,500 pound axle. This will utilize an inner bearing #L68149 and an outer bearing #L44649. As this is being used on a boat trailer, I highly suggest going with the etrailer.com…

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How to Find Out the Weight Capacity of an Axle and What to Know to Replace Bearings

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