Can I Upgrade from 6 Lug to 8 Lug Wheels to Help Increase Weight Rating of my Trailer?

Question

Question:

I have a trailer with 2 - 6 lug 5200 lb I believe axles with brakes. Can I increase the capacity by going with 8 lug hubs? The brakes are 12x2.

asked by: Ed L

0

Expert Reply:

Because the total weight capacity of your trailer is limited by the lowest rated component, your axle capacity won't be increased by adding hubs with more lug nuts to the equation-even if they are rated higher than the axle. Moving to 8-lug hubs sounds like you want to move from 5,200-lb axles up to 7000-lb axles. If this is the case, then we have a few options for you listed below; I've also linked below all of the 7000-lb axles we currently have available.

Best Upgrade:
Timbren Axle-Less Supsension System - 7,000-lbs # TASR7KS01

95-in Long Spring Axle
Dexter Trailer Axle Beam - 7,000-lbs # 8327834 (Hub Face =95", Spring Center = 80")

94-in Long Spring Axle
Dexter Trailer Axle Beam - 7,000-lbs # 8327864 (Hub Face = 94", Spring Center = 79")

With any of these options I recommend the Dexter 8-lug Hub and Drum Assembly, # 42866UC3-EZ . It is important that the hub face and spring center match your existing axles to ensure the axle will fit in place of your current axles. You don't have to worry about this with the Timbren option though and it will provide the best ride quality.

Since this hub has a different lug pattern you would also need to upgrade your wheels and tires; the Taskmaster ST235/85R16 Radial Trailer Tire w/ 16" White Spoke Wheel # TTWA16RGWSHD is going to provide you with the max load range tire/wheel combo we have available at a good price.

expert reply by: Erik B

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Answer 1

Wheel #AM20789 is the Dexstar wheel you are looking for. The 17-310 is the Dexstar part number. The only difference is that we use a different part number #AM20789. It is the exact same wheel made by Dexstar: 16x6 with 8 on 6-1/2 bolt pattern rated…

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Answer 2

It is likely you can replace the 6 lug hubs with 8 lug hubs on your 2018 Livin' Lite Quicksilver 8.5x26FBR with 4,400 lb axles so long as you can ensure compatibility with your spindle. To do this you will need to know your bearing numbers…

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Answer 3

Yes, both special trailer (ST) and light truck (LT) tires can be used on a 5th wheel trailer. They are actually the only two types of tires rated for this use. The reason for this is that tires on a trailer will be subjected to much harsher…

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Answer 4

As long as you match up the wheel bolt pattern, the height that you would need for the tire, and the weight capacity needed for the trailer you certainly can go to a 15 inch wheel and tire from a 16. The part #AM32680 has a 6 on 5-1/2 inch bolt…

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Answer 5

A lot of trailer tire blowouts are a result of heat build up that causes the tire to fail. There are several things that can cause too much heat to build up but the main two most likely suspects are overloading the trailer and/or under inflated…

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Answer 6

In order to upgrade from a 6 on 5-1/2" bolt pattern to a 8 on 6-1/2" bolt pattern on a Dexter 6K Axle you'll need the Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly part #42866UC3-EZ. The Dexter 5,200 lb - 7,000 lb axles all have the same size…

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Answer 7

A trailer that has two 7,000 lb axles has an axle capacity of 14,000 lbs, but trailers aren't always limited by the axles which means a trailer could be rated for 12,000 lbs but have to 7k axles which means it's overall capacity is still…

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Answer 8

As you may have already found, 5200 lb, 6000 lb and 7000 lb axles can all use the same components including inner/outer bearings, hubs and brakes. Here are some other things they share in common: Dexter 5200 lb Regular Duty Axle - 0.180 inch tube…

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Answer 9

MORryde does have a suspension upgrade kit that I highly recommend. It comes with 1/2" thick shackles, along with wet bolts and bronze bushings. You will want to choose a kit based on the length of your current shackles. For 2-1/4" you need…

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Answer 10

Technically, a trailer rated for 10,000 lbs can have 5 lug hubs. They are most common on 3,500 lb axles but can be used on the rare 4,000 lb axles as well. You could have a gooseneck or 5th wheel trailer with the 10,000 lb capacity and tandem axle 5…

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Answer 11

I do have a few easier options for you to determine the weight capacity of an axle other than using the bolt pattern or the number of lug nuts. The problem with using the bolt pattern to tell the axle capacity is that an axle may have the a bolt…

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Answer 12

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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