How to Determine Weight Capacity of Trailer Axle

Question

Question:

I know I have a 4 leaf spring on my utility trailer. Is there a way to find out which load capacity my axle is? I snapped the spring on my last trip. I have yet to remove it was trying to understand what I should be looking for before talking it apart. Thank you for any help.

asked by: Cecillia L

0

Expert Reply:

To find the load capacity for your axle you should look on the trailer VIN plate or sticker that lists the VIN number. The weight rating of the axle should be listed on that same plate or sticker. Also, the axle could have a tag or plate on it that will list the weight capacity.

You can also tell the weight capacity of the axle by measuring the diameter of the axle. Here is a list that will show the axle weight capacity based on the axle diameter:

Typical Axle Diameters Based on Axle Capacity:
- 1,000-lb - 2,000-lb Axles: 1-1/2 inch diameter - 1-3/4 inch diameter - 2-3/8 inch diameter
- 3,500-lb Axles: 2-3/8 inch diameter - 3 inch diameter
- 6,000-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 cannot determine the weight capacity using the above suggestions the next step would be to measure bolt pattern on the hub, size of brakes, and bearing part numbers, to narrow down the capacity of your axle.

The more information you can provide the better we can find you a solution.

expert reply by: Chris O

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John

7/3/2020

The above axle diameter don't include 5200lb axles?

Reply

Chris R.

7/8/2020

A 5,200 pound axle likely has a 3" diameter, although it's good to keep in mind that diameter alone isn't the best way to determine its rating. You'll want to go by the info sticker/tag on the axle itself or by checking with the trailer manufacturer if there isn't one.

Reply

Steve

10/1/2020

@ChrisR Need some information on a square tube axle w/12 brakes. The seller I bought them from had acquired them by themselves and had no info regarding their capacity or what they came off of. Specs" 2" square tube, appear to be .250 or thicker tube, and springs were over axle. 5 bolt backing brake backing plate with 12" brakes and 5 on 5.25 lug bolt pattern Outer bearing number is LM67048(Koyo brand) Using the spindle diagram featured in other answers, the measurements for mine are A-1.753" B/C Section-tapers from 1.64" to 1.435" and is " in lentgh D-1.248" E-0.982" F-1.23" Info needed, is What are your bearing replacement numbers? What is the capacity range? Then based on their capacity range, could they be used with a trailer that has 83" hub face to hub face axles w/65.5" center to center spring perch, and these axles are 90" hub face to hub face. I understand that there is a limit on how far the spring perches cam be from the hub face, is the 65.5" of the current frame within the safe range, and if not, could I reinforce the outer ends, to negate the stress/force applied to the bearings due to the narrower perches? Thanks

Reply

Jon G.

10/2/2020

@Steve We definitely have the replacement bearing # LM67048 that you need, but I'm having trouble finding anything that matches the dimensions you recorded for the B/C measurements. Did you remove that bearing as well so that we have a part number? Trailer 12" brakes usually fall in the 5.2K - 7K range for the axle but I would confirm this on your end by looking on the axle itself for a plate that says what the weight capacity is. This can generally be found in the middle of the axle. Spring seats can be cut off and then new ones welded on to accommodate differences in trailer designs but this axle that you're talking about is pretty different than the ones that you're currently using. I recommend going with an axle that has the same hub face measurement and then you can adjust the spring seats a little if needed.

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See All (5) Replies to John ∨

Answer 1

The trailer will have a plate or sticker on it that will list the VIN number. The weight rating of the axle should be listed on that same plate or sticker. Also, the axle could have a tag or plate on it that will list the weight capacity. You can…

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Answer 2

I was able to check with Lippert to get confirmation on the specs of your V000408984 axle, which are 5200-lbs axles with 6 on 5-1/2" bolt pattern hubs. This will give you 2 different options you can use depending on the quality of corrosion…

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Answer 3

Replacing your boat trailer's wheel bearings and seals is easiest if you pull one of the hubs and remove the inner and outer bearings and grease seal. The part numbers for these items usually appear as shown in the linked photo, and knowing the…

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Answer 4

For trailer brake assemblies on drum brakes, you simply need to know the diameter of your brake assembly backing plate. For 10 inch assemblies with 4 bolts, I recommend the Electric Trailer Brake Kit - Self-Adjusting #AKEBRK-35-SA. For 12 inch…

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Answer 5

Hey Ben, yeah it sounds like your trailer has a 3,500 lb capacity axle based on what you mentioned so the correct disc brake kit part #T2HRCM10DAC that you referenced does fit.

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Answer 6

For brake lines, we have many sizes and they are either flexible rubber hoses like #HS496-252 or fixed lines like #T4829900. I've linked the page to all the components and kits we carry.

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Answer 7

We do carry brake lines and brake line kits, but they are not specific to any one brand or make of trailer. We have kits like the Kodiak Hydraulic Brake Line Kit #18SI-BLKIT which comes with brake lines, t-fittings and clamps or we have just lines…

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Answer 8

Grand Design lists an 86-1/2" 3,500 lb axle for your Imagine 2150RB. The next size up would be a 5,200 lb axle like the #e45GR. This has the same 86-1/2" hub face measurement but the spring seat is different. You will need to cut off the…

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Answer 9

Here are a set of brake lines and fittings for a single axle trailer #T4829900. They are 18ft long so it should be plenty of length for your boat trailer. I've included a video for you to check out to help with the install. These Rubber Brake…

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Answer 10

Your outer bearing #LM67048 will have the same 1.250" inner diameter of the #15123. So the Kodiak Disc Brake Kit #K2HR526DKG will fit the spindle on your axle without issue. I will say that you should check the bolt pattern on the back of your…

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Answer 11

The surge brake equipment of your trailer consists of the brake lines, drum brakes and the brake actuator. To ensure I recommend the correct parts for your trailer I will need a little more information. A brake line kit is pretty universal. For a…

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Answer 12

I would love to help you upgrade your suspension components! I am guessing that you have 3,500 lb axles on your trailer but if you could verify that it would help me to make sure that I recommend the correct parts for you. Also, are you looking to…

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How to Determine Weight Capacity of Trailer Axle

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