Can Trailer Upgrade From 3,500 lb to 5,200 lb Axle

Question

Question:

I have an aluminum trailer with 2 dexter 3500 lbs axles. Although both the trailer and my vehicles have a max capacity of 7000 pounds I am interested in upgrading the axles to 5200 lbs for an increased safety factor. I would never exceed the 7k rating of the trailer but plan to load the trailer to about 6500 to 6800 pounds. Verified on a certified scale. Because of this I fear the axles are at their max load. Without knowing the safety factor dexter has in their axles, I am considering simply going up to two 5200k axles. This also has the increased braking benefits. Please let me know if you have any bolt on replacement parts. I do not want to have to move the spring mounts that are welded to the frame. Are there parts to accommodate this?

asked by: WILL M

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Expert Reply:

While the simple answer is yes, you can replace your 3,500 lb axles with 5,200 lb axles, it will require a number of all-new parts and isn't going to quite give you the safety margin you are looking for. The reason for that is because capacity is determined by its lowest-rated component, so if you have a pair of 3,500 lb axles, your leaf springs are also likely rated for that much (or very close) and higher-rated axles won't supersede that rating. That said, in order to choose the correct replacement axle for your trailer you will need to know the dimensions of your current axle's hub face to hub face and spring center to spring center.

For example, the Dexter Trailer Axle Beam with E-Z Lube Spindles - 95" Long - 5,200 lbs # 6340624 measures 95" hub-face to hub-face and 80" spring-center to spring-center. You would also need U-Bolt Kit for Mounting 5,200-lb to 7,000-lb, Round Trailer Axles # APUBR-8, along with Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 5,200-lb E-Z Lube Axles # 8-201-5UC3-EZ and new brakes # AKEBRK-7-SA with Mounting Hardware # BRKH12 due to the different brake mounting flange.

You will also need new wheels to match the larger 6 on 5-1/2" bolt pattern that comes on a hub that fits a larger axle, and I've added a link to our entire selection of options for you. I have also added a link to our selection of 5,200 lb axles for you when you find the size you need.

expert reply by: Kyle S

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Answer 1

You can add a heavier axle to the trailer but the rest of the components of your trailer may not be rated for a higher weight capacity such as the suspension components and wheels. If you go from a 3,500 lb axle to a 7,000 lb axle like part…

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Answer 2

Thanks for including the picture! The brakes you were looking at the Electric Trailer Brake Kit - Self-Adjusting - 10" - Left and Right Hand Assemblies - 3,500 lbs item #AKEBRK-35-SA would work great with your Flagstaff A-Frame camper. They…

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Answer 3

Yes, the Electric Trailer Brake Assembly #AKEBRK-35L-SA for the left side, and the Electric Trailer Brake Assembly #AKEBRK-35R-SA for the right side, is the correct replacement brake assemblies for your trailer with 3,500-lb axles that measure…

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Answer 4

The Bulldog Collar Lok Coupler part #BD028287 matches what you listed. It's an A-frame coupler with a 7k capacity that fits a 2 inch hitch ball.

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Answer 5

Unless your axles were custom made/modified, the 3" diameter will denote an axle in the capacity range of 5,200 pounds (like the Dexter #6340624) up to 7,000 pounds (like the Dexter #8327834). If there was a previous owner of your trailer,…

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Answer 6

I do have a way to give you an idea as to what the axle capacity is for your trailer but I called Dexter Axle and they were not able to look up the number, "021362" that you provided due to its age. If you have a leaf spring axle…

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Answer 7

The diameter of the Dexter Trailer Axle #6340624 that you referenced is 3 inches which is standard for 5,200 lbs axles.

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Answer 8

When choosing a jack for your trailer you will want to remember that the jack is not going to be lifting the entire weight of the trailer. You should choose a jack that exceeds the tongue weight of your trailer when it is fully loaded. The tongue…

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Answer 9

There are many ways you can secure wires to a trailer. I would not recommend the use of tape as it will wear out quickly when exposed to the elements. Soldering is also not recommended because it is a more permanent method and you may need to change…

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Answer 10

The Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension System - Straight Spindle Only - 3,500 lbs #ASR3500S05 has a deflection of 1-3/4 inches. I've attached a photo to assist. We recommend 4 inches above the tire in most cases for fender mounting to account…

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Answer 11

The first thing to consider is if the axle(s) are actually bent. Trailer axles have a bow in them so they are higher at the center than at the ends. When under load the axles straighten out some. That is part of how they get their capacities. If the…

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Answer 12

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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