Can 5,200 lb Axles be Replaced With 7,000 lb Axles

Question:

What do I have to replace or change to use a 7,000 lbs dexter axle? I have a 2014 Keystone Cougar 337fls with two 5,200 lbs axles. The rear left side is bent and eating tires. I have replacement springs of 3,000 lbs and just for durability I want to go to the 7,000 lbs axle beam and use the hubs and drums on the current axle. I’ve scaled it and fully loaded for travel the axles are at 10220 lbs and I would like a little more margin. I have the Lippert axle 86.5 and 68.5. I know I’ll need new spring mounts because of the width and mines mounted underneath the springs. Thanks for the help.

asked by: Paul S

Expert Reply:

I appreciate the info, and while we can get you a higher capacity axle, a 7,000 lb axle can't replace a 5,200 lb axle because the hub-face to hub-face measurement on 7k axles is too long, coming in at 94 inches at the least. But what we can do instead is get you a 6,000 lb axle with the same hub-face to hub-face measurement that will also allow you to use the same hub and drum.

You will simply need to have new spring seats welded on at your current 68-1/2 inch measurement; what you can use is the following:

- Dexter Trailer Axle Beam with E-Z Lube Spindles - 86-1/2" Long - 6,000 lbs # 8327826

- Spring Seat # TRSS300

The spring seats are for 3 inch diameter axles, which is exactly what the # 8327826 is, and the 6k capacity will give you that added margin you are looking for as well.

expert reply by: Kyle S