Determining The Capacity Of A Dexter Axle On A Boat Trailer

Updated 07/11/2024 | Published 06/30/2024

Question:

Hello, I am trying to determine the weight capacity of a boat trailer axle. the label on the axle is weather worn so it is hard to read all the numbers. Its a Dexter and the only numbers I can make out are in large type and is 25135. I believe it was installed in about 2010 on a trailer carrying a 900 pound aluminum bass boat with a 40hp Mercury motor. The diameter of the axle is 1and 3/4 inches. The tires always wear out on the outer edges and Im wondering if the axle might be too big for the overall weight of the rig which I believe is less than 2000 pounds. Any suggestions you might have on the axle or what I can do to identify its capacity would be very helpful. Thanks, Alan Klem

asked by: Alan K

Expert Reply:

Hey Alan,

Without more information it's hard to say exactly what you have but after speaking with Dexter they believe you have a #8 torsion axle, which would have a 600-1,100lb capacity. If you can send me a picture of the axle tag I might be able to get something more out of it and see if we can narrow down that number.

If the tires are always wearing out on the outer edges that would typically be a sign that you have your tires underinflated. Are you filling them to the max cold psi rating listed on the sidewall of the tire?

expert reply by: Kevin C

Alan K.

7/10/2024

Hi Kevin, Thanks for your response concerning the Dexter axle. I send a request to Dexter and they asked for a photo of the label as well which I was able to send to them. I'm not sure how to upload a digital photo on this site. But I do appreciate your responding to me. I always keep maximum tire pressure which is rated at 50lbs on the tires. I always keep my bearings packed and checked before each use. I just don't understand why they wear so much on the outside edge of the tires. Alan Klem

Kevin C.

7/11/2024

@AlanK Outside wear is usually from under-inflated tires, too much camber, or a lack of weight on the axle to straighten it out and let the tires ride straight. The axle should have a slight bend in the middle that would come down and straighten out once weight (the boat) was added. It's possible that you could've hit a low curb and bent the axle in more causing it to ride on the outer edges of the tires.