Will Axle Flex Under Load

Updated 07/30/2019 | Published 07/28/2019

Question:

Hi I purchased and installed this axle on my car trailer. It replaced an obsolete axle I couldnt get parts for anymore. I loaded a sedan on it and the axle didnt seem to care at all but I put a truck on it which with tongue weight subtracted put the total trailer load around 6000 lbs and I noticed the tires ever so slightly had a negative camber to them. Is this normal for this axle at full capacity. 5500 lb truck + 1500 lb trailer - 1000 lb tongue weight

asked by: Alex K

Expert Reply:

The Dexter Trailer Axle Beam with 4" Drop E-Z Lube Spindles - 95" Long - 3,500 lbs # 7685269 does have a 3,500 lb capacity so I assume you just replaced one of the axles on a tandem-axle trailer because otherwise the axle would be far overloaded.

Assuming that's true, there is going to be some flex in an axle when it is under a load; if you have a pair of 3,500 lb axles and are hauling something in the neighborhood of the capacity, it will flex even more. Since you said "slightly negative camber" it does not sound like the issue is something to be concerned with. Just be sure you fully inflate your trailer tires to their max psi to ensure they wear evenly and can carry the load.

expert reply by: Kyle S