Does Weight of Trailer and Cargo Get Factored for Axle Capacity

Published 08/24/2021

Question:

I am looking to put an axle on a trailer that is home made. Does the trailer weight rating include the weight of the trailer? For example: trailer weighs 400 pounds and the boat for the trailer is 1500 pounds that sums to 1900 pounds. Does that mean a 2000 pound trailer axle rating is acceptable? or Does it mean that a 2000 pound trailer rated axle can hold 2400 pounds, which includes the weight of the trailer? I suspect the first example is correct, one would not place a 2000 pound rated axle on a 4000 pound trailer - so If the first example is true, than my follow-up question is what percentage should the total weight trailer and loaded equipped boat be related to the rating of the axle rating? Perhaps a 2000 pound axle rated trailer really can hold 2500 pounds and it is rated at 2000 pounds as a conservative safety measure. Perhaps a boat at 1200 pounds provides more safety in terms of weight and rating of axle. Thank you for addressing this inquiry.

asked by: Fred

Expert Reply:

Your first example mentioned is correct. The weight of the trailer and the cargo is the weight rating. So if a trailer weighed 400 lbs with a 1,500 lb boat you'd need at least a 1,900 lb rated trailer axle and a 2,000 lb rated axle would work great.

expert reply by: Jameson C