Shock Kits for Travel Trailer Axle Diameters of 2-3/8-Inches and 3-Inches

Question:

My mechanic just measured my tandem axle travel trailer axles using a caliper and he said they measures 2 1/2 inch diam. I see kits for 3inch and 2 3/8inch axles, but none for 2 1/2inch - can you point me toward some that would work for my size axles? Do they even exist?

asked by: Val

Expert Reply:

An axle diameter of 2-1/2-inches on a tandem axle travel trailer is unusual. As you noted, the axle diameter 2-3/8-inches is the most common on travel trailers and typically corresponds to a 3500-lb axle weight rating. Larger 3-inch axles usually have higher weight ratings of 6K to 7K.

If a camper is older and has had previous owners it is possible that the axles may have been changed. If the manufacturer still exists if you contact them with the trailer's VIN they may be able to tell you what the dimensions of the original axles were.

There is not a lot of difference visually between 2-3/8 and 2-1/2-inch axle tubes. If you have access to the trailer you can check this even if you do not have a caliper. Wrap a sheet of paper over the axle tube and mark the spot where the two ends of the sheet overlap each other. Then take it off the axle and roll it back into a cylinder shape so you can align the mark you made. Then take a ruler and measure that paper circle to confirm the diameter is actually what your mechanic measured.

The two tandem axle shock kits we offer appear on the linked page, parts # RM-2460 and # RM-2450.

expert reply by: Adam R