Replacing 3,500LB Trailer Axles With 6,000LB Axles On 42" Wheelbase Travel Trailer

Question:

I have a wind river 2175RB wilderness trailer GVWR of 6900 that had the axels replace prior to me purchasing the trailer. The axels are 2 3/8inch diameter Rockwell American posi-lubes and I am assuming that they are 3500lb axels. The issue is that the axel chamber is leveling out under load between the leaf springs but the axel is deflecting with a negative chamber staring at the leaf spring connection though to the hubs, and the tires are 3-3.5 toed out causing wear on the inside of all four tires. The measurements are 89/69 and Im thinking that the hub to spring seat distance may be too great to hold the axel rating. I was thinking of upgrading to a 3inch 5200lb axel, but would this cause the opposite problem if there is not enough of a load to flatten the axel chamber out? The second problem is that I have 5 / 4 1/2inch wheels. Is there a solution for this combination? I am also looking at a suspension upgrade with the following parts list. 1- MR34AR 1- MR58ZR

asked by: JONATHAN C

Expert Reply:

On an axle like the Dexter Trailer Axle w/ Electric Brakes # 35545E-ST-89 the maximum overall overhang(hub face to spring center distance) is 18" total. That will put your current axle 2" past the maximum with having an 89" hub face and 69" spring center.

A 5,200lb Axle # e75SR will only allow for a 19" overall overhang, so you will need to move to a 6,000lb Axle # e65SR as it allows for a 20" overall overhang. This will require you to move to the 6 lug wheels.

With the MORryde 14-3/4" Shock Absorbing Equalizers # MR34AR and MORryde Suspension Upgrade Kit # MR58ZR you are looking to add you will also need two U-Bolt Kits # APUBR-9 to mount the larger diameter axles.