Can Trailer Weight Capacity Be Increased by Changing the Axle

Updated 06/15/2017 | Published 06/12/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter Idler Trailer Axle w/ Hubs - EZ-Lube - 5 on 4-1/2 Bolt Pattern - 60" Long - 2,200 lbs

(419)

$308.11

Detail K2 Mighty Multi A-Frame Utility Trailer - 7-1/2' Long - 1,640 lbs

(9)

$2124.17

Question:

Hello Im looking to upgrade the axle on my trailer to 2,000lbs. I saw that you suggested axle number # 20545I-EZ-60-10 with this suspension # SP-179275 and these u-bolts # APUBR-10. My question is for the suspension, my measurements from center hole to end of spring is about 22 1/2, it is also slightly smaller than 2inch wide. Ill upload some pictures. Please let me know if the parts that were suggested are a good fit.

asked by: Richard

Expert Reply:

Changing out a trailer axle could potentially be considered an upgrade for your trailer so long as the axle was the lowest-rated part of the trailer. This is not always easy to determine unless you happen to be a mechanical design engineer.

I would not presume that the deck surface of the trailer can also handle the same increased weight that a higher-capacity axle could. Wheels, tires and the trailer's frame also have a fixed capacity that could be the limiting factor in actual weight carrying capacity for trailer.

Generally, a trailer should be designed so that no one of its components has far more capacity than the others. This would tend to increase the cost and weight of the trailer without really delivering any benefit. The weakest link in a system determines overall capacity.

Particularly with bargain trailers like your HF folding utility model maximum capacity is not their primary design goal; those design goals are cost-effectiveness, a reasonable shipping weight and storage convenience.

If you need to carry more weight than what your trailer is rated for then a higher-capacity utility trailer like # K2MMT5X7 is a much safer option.

expert reply by: Adam R