How To Determine if 10 x 2 1/4 Trailer Brakes Have a 3,500 Pound Capacity

Question:

The tags on my axles are long rusted beyond recognition and the trailer tags are faded so cant read. I took the tire off and removed the hub. The hub is stamped with an Rinch inside a circle, has HD-1000 stamped in the casting in one place and a 1003 in another. The bolt pattern for the backing plate is 4 evenly space and looks like 2-3/4inch on centers. I know it measures 10 x 2-1/4 but not sure if this automatically makes it a 3500 lb. or not and I dont see any specs showing bolt to bolt measurements. I am interestested in new electric brakes that fit these hubs and anyything not included to install them. Thanks

asked by: Jeff

Expert Reply:

The tags and labels on axles tend to fall off and or fade over time, so now worries there. With the brake measuring 10 x 2 1/4, you most likely do have a 3,500 pound axle as it is the most common. Especially with the mounting bolts being evenly spaced. That being said, from center to center, you should be measuring 2 7/8 inches exactly, so you may want to double check that. One other way to confirm would be to measure diagonally from center from one bolt to the center of another bolt. This measurement should get you exactly 4 inches. The etrailer.com Electric Brakes # AKEBRK-35-SA follow these measurements and are a great option to replace old or worn out brakes.

Another way to confirm the weight capacity of the axle would be to remove and determine the inner and outer bearings from the hub. Both bearing should be stamped with an identifying number, but these wear off over time as well. The Inner Bearing should read # L68149, or have the inside diameter of 1.378 inches. The Outer Bearing should read # L44649 or have an inside diameter of 1.063 inches. This would confirm the axle capacity of 3,500 pounds.

expert reply by: Lazer S