How to Determine Axle Capacity When No Labels Are Present
Question:
I want to determine the capacity of my trailer axle so I can get the right capacity replacement spring. My axle is looks like a piece of channel steel an inverted u in cross section with an exterior measurement of 2 inches on each side. I used a caliper to measure the thickness of the wall and it is about .20 inches. The trailer has been painted and there arent any capacity plates or engravings that I can find. The trailer is a single axle tilt type of that makes any difference. The hubs are 5 bolt. There are no trailer brakes. Thank you for your best estimate.
asked by: N P
Expert Reply:
The only way to determine the capacity if there are no labels on the axle, is to go off the spindle and hub as well as the overall weight of the trailer when loaded. For the spindle, you will want to pull off the hub to get at the inner and outer bearings. If it is a straight spindle, you will have the bearing # L44643, which would have an inner diameter of exactly 1 inch, or you will have the # L44649, which has an inner diameter of 1.063 inches.
From there, you will need to determine your bolt pattern. If you have a 4 bolt, then you can skip this part as the 4 on 4 is an industry standard and will not need to be measured.
However, if you have a 5 lug, you will need to measure the distance from bolt center to adjacent bolt center. The following measurements will determine which you have.
2-5/8" - the bolt pattern is 5 on 4-1/2
2-3/4" - the bolt pattern is 5 on 4-3/4
3" - the bolt pattern is 5 on 5
3-1/4" - the bolt pattern is 5 on 5-1/2
Depending on which you have will determine the minimum and maximum capacities.
Bearings # L44643 with a 4 on 4 bolt pattern: 2,000 pounds to 2,500 pounds
Bearings # L44649 with a 4 on 4 bolt pattern: 2,000 pounds to 2,700 pounds
Bearings # L44643 with a 5 bolt pattern: 2,000 pounds to 2,500 pounds
Bearings # L44649 with a 5 bolt pattern: 2,000 pounds to 2,700 pounds
Please keep in mind that these are estimations. There can be variations depending on the manufacture date and brand. The only way to know for sure would be to replace the axle with a new one, like the CE Smith # CE33201GA-HUB, which is rated to 1,800 pounds. Depending on the overall weight of the trailer, however, you may need to go with something that has more capacity.
Products Referenced in This Question
Replacement Trailer Hub Bearing - L44643
- Trailer Bearings Races Seals Caps
- Bearings
- Standard Bearings
- 1.000 Inch I.D.
- Bearing L44643
- Race L44610
- 2000 lbs Axle
- etrailer
more information >
Replacement Trailer Hub Bearing - L44649
- Trailer Bearings Races Seals Caps
- Bearings
- Standard Bearings
- 1.063 Inch I.D.
- Bearing L44649
- Race L44610
- 3500 lbs Axle
- etrailer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
CE Smith Trailer Axle w/ Idler Hubs - 5 on 4-1/2 - 57-1/2" Long - 1.8K
- Trailer Axles
- Leaf Spring Suspension
- Easy Lube Spindles
- Idler Hubs
- 1800 lbs
- 5 on 4-1/2 Inch
- 46-1/2 Inch Long
- 57-1/2 Inch Long
- No Drop or Lift
- CE Smith
more information >
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