How to Determine Correct Replacement Axle Upgrade

Question:

We own a 2018 Keystone Bullet 1750RK, the existing axle Dexter 5560240 s/n 134173914008 is rated for 4400 lbs. We are concerned about overloading the trailer. How do we go about upgrading the axle? How do we determine which higher-rated axle is compatible? Would the hubs 6-hole need to be replaced as well? Forums have not provided enough information to make a decision. Thank you.

asked by: Michael O

Expert Reply:

I can tell you how to change to a different axle, although keep in mind that upgrading the axle to something higher rated won't give you more capacity (which is determined by the lowest-rated factor, which can be the chassis, frame, etc). I took a look at the specs of your 2018 Keystone Bullet 1750RK, and it has a GVWR of 4,700 lbs, which is what you will need to stay at, even if your axle is rated for more.

So with that in mind, 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 5,200 lb Dexter Trailer Axle # 6340624 measures 95 inches from hub face to hub face and 80 inches from spring center to spring center.

I have added a link to our entire selection of axles for you once you find these measurements.

expert reply by: Kyle S

Michael O.

9/8/2020

Is there a method for looking up the specs (length,etc.) of my existing axle based on the ID number?

Jon G.

9/11/2020

The way that we look up specs for axles is by contacting the manufacturer with the ID number from the axle. Aside from that we don't really have a database or anything with those specs.

Michael O.

9/11/2020

@JonG Can anyone contact the manufacturer? I guess at this point it's just easier to crawl under it and measure.

Jon G.

9/15/2020

@MichaelO Yes, anyone can reach out to them. I called and gave them the serial number you provided and my contact said that your hub face is 85" and your spring center is 68-1/2". We unfortunately don't carry any replacement axles with these specs so you'd have to have a shop custom-order one for you if you wanted something with a larger weight rating.