How To Determine Capacity of Trailer Axle with Drop Spindle

Updated 07/26/2021 | Published 07/21/2021

Question:

I’ve seen the other responses to weight capacity of trailers based on axle diameter but how does a offset axle factor in vs a straight axle?

asked by: Justin S

Helpful Expert Reply:

In regards to determining a trailer axle's capacity when the axle tag (located in the center of the beam) cannot be found, you can indeed measure the diameter to get a rough estimate. This would only apply to leaf spring axles. If you have a drop axle this would not affect the above method. I have attached the list below.

- 1,000-lb - 2,000-lb Axles: 1-1/2 inch diameter - 1-3/4 inch diameter - 2-3/8 inch diameter
- 3,500-lb Axles: 2-3/8 inch diameter - 3 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: Conner L