How to Determine the Axle Capacity of Axles on a 1977 Dilly Tandem Axle Trailer

Updated 04/25/2013 | Published 04/22/2013

Question:

I have a older trailer with the vin tag faded beyond any ability to read it. Im trying to determine what its axles are rated for and if I need to purchase springs, axles or just a larger trailer. The trailer is 26foot long from hitch to tail, 75inch wide from inner fender to inner fender, tandem axle. The axles a slightly larger then 2, maybe 2 1/8, but not 2 3/8. It has 4 sets of 3 leaf springs, 5 lug hub with a 5 by 4.5 lug pattern, no front brakes, drumb in the rear. Any information you can provide would be a world of help, Thankyou

asked by: Nathaniel H

Expert Reply:

I can tell you with relatively high accuracy what the axle capacities probably are based on the inner and out bearing numbers. If you can tell me what the numbers are on the bearings are by pulling a hub I can give you a more definitive answer.

A 5 on 4-1/2 hub can be found on everything from 2,000 to 3,500 pound axles so know the bearing numbers is important. I have included a link to a video that will help you with this project.

expert reply by: Michael H