Can I Upgrade 3,500 lb Axles to 5,200 lb Axles on a Budget

Updated 06/06/2024 | Published 09/10/2022

Products Featured in This Question

Trailer Axle Beam with Easy Grease Spindles - 89" Long - 5,200 lbs

(263)

$235.89

Dexter Trailer Axle Beam with Standard Spindles - 89" Long - 3,500 lbs

(158)

$207.59

Question:

hello, I have a question, my trailer is double axle, it has 3,500 per axle, they are bad and I want to put 5,200, my question is the components that my axles have, they work in the 5200 axle or they dont work and I have to buy the 3500 axle, I dont have much money for it spend and I want to know if I buy the 5200 pound axle alone or the 3500 axle alone, putting the components of my old axle on it I put a photo that is the same as the one of my trailer that has 4 holes and your 5200 pound one has 5 screws. My axle diameter is 7inch circumference like the guy in the video

asked by: Anthony O

Expert Reply:

Thank you for reaching out!

The best thing for your situation is to go with the 3,500 lb Dexter Axle # T3584F-8974 you are looking at. While you can upgrade your axles to the 5,200 lb # e55GR, you won't really see a benefit from it unless you also upgrade your trailer suspension and then reinforce the frame so it can safely handle the extra weight of your cargo.

When you toss in the fact that you're wanting to use the same equipment from your old axles that also helps clear things up since the brake mounting flange has a different mounting hole pattern and then the spindles are different sizes so you'd have to get new hubs and brakes (if you run with brakes on your trailer).

Just be sure the 74" spring center and 89" hub face measurements match with your current axles and you'll be good to go with the newer 3,500 lb axle!

Attached are some videos for you to check out.

expert reply by: Jon G

Spindle on etrailer 5,200 lb Trailer Axle
(click to enlarge)

Spindle on 3,500 Dexter Axle Trailer Axle
(click to enlarge)

John M.

6/6/2024

Somewhat related question. We fabricated a custom axle with 5000 LB torsion springs and the 5000 lb spindle for a ski boat trailer. Mainly because this fit the 6 lug 5000 lb spindle, hubs and wheels. They are way too heavy duty for a 2500 lb boat. We plan on swapping everything out for a 3500 lb axle and leaf spring setup. Question is are there any oversized bearings that would fit in the 5000 lb hubs but also fit on a 3500 lb spindle?

Jon G.

6/6/2024

@JohnM Unfortunately not. The bearings and seals used for a 3,500 lb hub are a bit smaller than what you find on a 5,200 lb hub so you'll have to swap everything.

John

6/6/2024

@JonG thanks. I figured that and then I thought the bearing spacing in the hub might not be the same either.