Ways to Determine Trailer Axle Capacity

Published 01/17/2019

Question:

on a duel axel trailer rated at 5200lb weight capacity. is that the combined weight capacity of the axels 2600 each or are they 5200 rated axels? and is it necessary to install 2 pairs of breaks or is a set on one axel sufficient ? my 2014 Tacoma has an extra leaf spring suspension upgrade and a trailer breaking system installed. Im thinking an electric braking system is what I would be looking for to be compatible with this control system. any suggestions or insight would be great. thanks

asked by: Galen W

Expert Reply:

If your trailer is rated at 5,200 lbs most likely you have axles that are rated less than that individually. Typically on the VIN plate of the trailer the axle capacities will be listed. Common axle capacities are 5,200 lb, 3,500 lb, and 2,200 lb so most likely you probably have 3,500. But you can also measure the diameter of them too to determine this.

- 1,000-lb - 2,000-lb Axles: 1-1/2 inch - 1-3/4 inch diameter
- 3,500-lb Axles: 2-3/8 inch diameter
- 5,200-lb - 7,200-lb Axles: 3 inch diameter

It's actually pretty common to see brakes only installed on one axle of the trailer too.

I attached a link to a guide we put together that covers everything you'd need for adding brakes to a trailer. It will walk you through the entire process of adding them.

expert reply by: Jameson C