Best Way to Determine Axle Capacity on Trailer

Updated 07/13/2020 | Published 08/21/2019

Question:

Hi There, i just bought a trailer which has a Dexter hubs and axles. There is no mention of the GAWR on the axle and i need to have this information to register the trailer in Europe. The hubs say Dexter 8-91A. Would you be able to confirm the GAWR of the axle ? Thanks

asked by: Arno

Expert Reply:

The best way to assess axle capacity is by measuring the diameter of the axle tube.

I recommend using digital caliper to do this and you can use the following to find out what the typical capacities of an axle are per their diameter:

- 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
- 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

expert reply by: Kyle S

Donald S.

7/8/2020

my tube is box tubing -- 2.00 inch box tubing -- so ?? my tire size is st 205/15r 14 the boat weight about 4k what axle do I have do I need to pull the hub to determine additional replacement parts??

Chris R.

7/13/2020

If there isn't a tag/sticker on the axle itself stating its capacity it can be kind of hard verifying the rating. Pulling one of the hubs and checking the inner and outer bearing numbers will definitely help narrow it down though. If you're able to tell me what numbers are stamped inside the bearings I should be able to give you a more specific answer.