How to Determine the Axle Capacity for a 16 Foot Aluminum 1965 Dilly Boat Trailer

Updated 07/18/2011 | Published 07/16/2011

Question:

small trailor for 16ft alluminum boatnot sure of the axil capacity-how can I tell?

asked by: Greg E

Expert Reply:

You can usually find the axle capacity on the tongue of the trailer where the VIN number is located. If that tag is missing, there is usually a tag on the axle that lists the capacity. If neither of these sources is available, there are guidelines that you can follow to try to determine the axle capacity.

Typically axle diameters are based on the capacity that the axle is designed to carry. The following guidelines can be used in conjunction with weighing your setup, fully loaded and ready to travel.

1,000-lb - 2,000-lb Axles: 1-1/2 - 1-3/4 inch diameter
3,500-lb Axles: 2-3/8 inch diameter, Can have a 3-1/2 inch diameter, but rarely
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

After weighing your fully loaded trailer, and measuring the center to center dimension of your existing springs, you should be able to select the correct replacements for your trailer.

I have attached links to some helpful information and all of the double eye springs that we carry for you to review.