Can I Upgrade Trailer Axle From 3,500 lb to 7,000 lb Axle and Keep 14 Wheels

Question

Question:

I have a 3500 lb Dexter axle on my RV trailer with 14 inch wheels.Is it possible to up my load capacity by adding a heavier axle and keeping the same wheel size.

asked by: Monty

0

Expert Reply:

You can add a heavier axle to the trailer but the rest of the components of your trailer may not be rated for a higher weight capacity such as the suspension components and wheels. If you go from a 3,500 lb axle to a 7,000 lb axle like part # 8327834 you are not going to be able to keep your wheels because more than likely the bearings in the hubs that fit your wheels will not fit the spindle of the new axle. Also the wheels are more than likely not rated for the 7,000 lb trailer weight. Since the trailer frame itself may not be rated for a higher weight then changing out the axle won't really give you a higher gross weight rating.

If you decide to upgrade the trailer axle to the 7,000 lb axle part # 8327834 you would need wheels that are rated for the 7,000 lb capacity like Kenda Karrier ST235/85R16 Radial Trailer part # AM32743B with a 8 on 6-1/2 bolt pattern. You would then need a hub that has bearings that fit the spindle of the new Dexter axle with a 8 on 6-1/2 bolt pattern like part # 42866UC3-EZ with a 25580 inner bearing and 14125A outer bearing. You would also need to upgrade the leaf springs.

expert reply by: Heather A

0

Joseph

8/26/2024

Do you make a complete kit instead of buying all the parts separately?

Reply

Heather A.

10/17/2024

@Joseph Yes we do have axles that come with the hubs and trailer brakes. You would need to pick out your own tire and wheel combo if you don't have those already depending on the bolt pattern of the hub. I attached a link for all the axles that have electric brakes and hubs. If you don't need a electric brakes there are also options with idler hubs. Make sure to check the measurement spring center to spring center as well to make sure you get the correct length.

Helpful Links

dept-pg-trailer_axles-tw-electric_brakes.aspx

Reply

B&l E.

9/23/2024

You’d only need 2 3.5K springs not 7k though wouldn’t you?

Reply

Heather A.

10/17/2024

@B&lE Yes, that is correct. That was a typo! Thank you for calling that out.

Reply

Brian

1/16/2025

Would a 7000# axle be too much axle for that situation? I would be worried about camber with only around 3500-4000# on each one.

Reply

Answer 1

Shock absorbers are going to make the biggest difference in smoothing out your ride quality as they get rid of the bounciness. SumoSprings would help a little bit but without the dampening that shocks provide most of the smoothness. I believe your…

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Answer 2

The D52 on your axle tag means it is a 5,200 lb axle. For a kit that has all of the bearings and seal for your Dexter D52 5,200 lb axle you'd want the kit part #BK3-310 and then for a spindle nut you'd want the #165686. Aside from that the…

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Answer 3

Installation for the Roadmaster Comfort Ride Leaf Spring Suspension Kit #RM-2460-2570 is likely going to be quoted at roughly a 4 hour installation. As every shop is going to be different it is normal to see a range of different times quoted. If this…

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Answer 4

What you are looking to do is very possible. It would just be a matter of picking out the 3,500 lb capacity trailer axle that matches the dimensions your trailer needs. Also, the welder you spoke with is spot-on with recommending buying an axle with…

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Answer 5

We have some options for you, so you just need to know a couple things to determine if you can replace your 68" long x 10-3/4" wide x 20" tall fender with the 68" long x 9" wide x 17" tall Tandem Axle Teardrop Trailer…

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Answer 6

While the simple answer is yes, you can replace your 3,500 lb axles with 5,200 lb axles, it will require a number of all-new parts and isn't going to quite give you the safety margin you are looking for. The reason for that is because capacity is…

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Answer 7

Thank you for reaching out! The best thing for your situation is to go with the 3,500 lb Dexter Axle #T3584F-8974 you are looking at. While you can upgrade your axles to the 5,200 lb #e55GR, you won't really see a benefit from it unless you also…

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Answer 8

I have a different option for you, but changing the axle tube diameter will not increase the axle capacity as the new weakest link would be the spindles which would still have a 3500lb capacity. You could start from scratch and use two of the #42 E-Z…

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Answer 9

You can upgrade the 1750 lb leaf springs to 2500 lb leaf springs. You do want to keep in mind that the ride may be a bit stiffer since you are upgrading your springs to a higher capacity. Like you mention upgrading the springs will not give you a…

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Answer 10

You can use leaf springs that are rated higher than the axle without any issues as long as they measure the correct measurement for your trailer. For example the 6-leaf double eye spring for 7,000 lb axles part #e64SR measures 24-7/8" eye to…

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Answer 11

It's definitely possible to upgrade a trailer's axle rating to a higher rating by just swapping the axles. To pick out the correct axle you'll need to measure the distance between the hub faces and the spring seat centers and you'll…

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Answer 12

The first thing to consider is if the axle(s) are actually bent. Trailer axles have a bow in them so they are higher at the center than at the ends. When under load the axles straighten out some. That is part of how they get their capacities. If the…

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Can I Upgrade Trailer Axle From 3,500 lb to 7,000 lb Axle and Keep 14 Wheels

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