How to Determine Weight Rating of Dexter Trailer Axle

Question:

I have a 2 axle boat trailer. Gross weight of boat/trailer/fuel/everything is 5880. It was dropped on the scale and truck pulled off. I figure 500 lbs of that weight is on the ball hitch, My axle has a tag on it saying Dexter P29. The front axle has surge drum brakes which are Shot, a bunch of broken parts rolling around inside - No Friction material and the bearings are Shot. The brake drum is 7inch in dia. and the shoes are 1 3/4inch wide. After looking at numerous axle sites on line I am lead to believe this is an Under rated axle. Can you give me any input on on this subject The tires are 5 bolt - 10inch and are rated at 1585 or 1655 lbs depending on air pressure. thank you very much for your knowledge and typing

asked by: Gary B

Expert Reply:

The Dexter axle code P29 refers to the plant where it was made, plant 29, but this does not include capacity information. If you can find the complete serial number for the axle we can contact Dexter to find out more about it, particularly its weight rating.

The 7 x 1-3/4-inch hydraulic brakes we offer, all shown on the linked page, are typically intended for axles rated for 2500-lbs, such as left- and right-hand brake kit # 23-398-399 from Dexter.

For a new hub/drum we have 7 x 1-3/4-inch hubs shown on the other linked page, such as Axle Tek # AKHD-545-2-EZ-2K which is a hub/drum that uses bearing # L44649 for both its inner and outer bearing. New hubs have to use the same bearings as the original in order to fit on your trailer's spindles.

expert reply by: Adam R