How To Determine The Capacity Of A Trailers Axle

Question:

How can you tell what wt axles you have on 16 ft we trailer

asked by: Gerald C

Expert Reply:

There should be a tag printed or stamped into the axle that has serial numbers and the capacity listed on it. If your is axle tag is missing or unreadable the next option would be to measure the axle's diameter using a digital caliper # PTW80157.

The typical axle capacities based on their diameters are as follows:

1,000-lb - 2,000-lb Axles: 1-1/2 inch - 1-3/4 inch diameter
3,500-lb Axles: 2-3/8 inch diameter
5,200-lb - 7,200-lb Axles: 3 inch diameter
8,000-lb Axles: 3-1/2 inch diameter
9,000-lb Axles: 4 inch diameter
10,000-lb Or more axles: 5 inch diameter

If you're planning on replacing an axle then you'll also want to measure the hub face to hub face (A) and from the center of one spring seat to the center of the other spring seat (B). These measurements along with the capacity will help you easily narrow down exactly what you need for your trailer.