Can a Trailer Rated for 2,990 Pounds be Upgraded to 3,500 Pounds

Updated 03/02/2016 | Published 03/01/2016

Products Featured in This Question

4-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 3,500-lb Trailer Axles - 25-1/4" Long

(2447)

$58.23

U-Bolt Kit for Mounting 3,500-lb, Round Trailer Axles - 5-1/2" Long U-Bolts

(2265)

$79.34

Dexter Trailer Axle Beam with Standard Spindles - 89" Long - 3,500 lbs

(159)

$208.84

Question:

Hello, My gvwr on my trailer is 2990lbs. I use the trailer for hauling my tools around from jobsite to jobsite. The question i have is there a way to switch my axle to a heavier axle as Im hauling 2900 lbs around daily and I want to make sure I dont snap my axle. Ive already installed brakes on the 3500lbs, but I feel nervous of towing close to the gvwr and would like to somehow raise it without replacing the trailer. Thanks for you help.

asked by: Brandon

Expert Reply:

Yes, you can replace the axle on your trailer with one that is rated higher. This will ensure that the axle is rated for more than enough weight. But you will also need to upgrade the suspension, tires, and possibly the wheels and the trailer coupler depending on what they are rated for now.

But we can start with the axle. I have included a link to the axle options we carry. If you want to go with a 3,500 pound straight axle beam all the ones we carry are 89 inches long such as # T3584F-8974. I have included a picture that shows where measurements are taken on an axle.

If this axle will work for you then you can use u-bolt mounting kit # APUBR-1 with hanger kit # APS1, and spring # e54SR.

expert reply by: Michael H