Why Does Trailer Have More Weight Capacity Than Axle Capacity

Question:

I am looking at a travel trailer that has a gross weight of 16,500. But noticed the axle weight says two at 7000 lbs. so will I be limited to 14,000 lbs. or the 16,500? There is only 4000 useful load at the 16,500 so if it really is 14,000 for gross then the useful load would to 2500. Can you help with this please. Thanks.

asked by: Steven F

Expert Reply:

Great question. So the difference is the weight of the axles not counting against their own capacities. So the wheels/tire/hubs etc. are decently heavy but the axle's capacity does not factor that weight. This is why sometimes you'll see trailers have more weight capacity than axle capacity.

expert reply by: Jameson C