Can 2016 Keystone Cougar 29RLI Be Upgraded to Use 6K Trailer Axles

Updated 08/06/2024 | Published 08/01/2024

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter Trailer Axle Beam with E-Z Lube Spindles - 89" Long - 6,000 lbs

(784)

$324.17

Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brakes - 12" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 6K

(1627)

$253.37

Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 5,200-lb and 6,000-lb Axles - 6 on 5-1/2 - Pre Greased

(1075)

$299.37

Question:

I have a 2016 Keystone Cougar 29RLI, fifth wheel with 4400 lb axles as noted below. The trailer weighs 10,000 lbs with 1500 lb pin weight. 1. Im guessing my existing rear axle bent since the tires on this axle only, wore bald on the inside 1/3. 2. Id like to replace both axles with 6,000 lbs axles. Will these axles be too strong for the weight of the trailer and not wear evenly? 3. I noticed these axles dont come with the dexter never adjust brakes. Can I get this axle package with the never adjust? I have over 30,000 miles on my existing brakes and never touched them. 4.I realize the axles will need to have the spring support removed and replaced. Thank You

asked by: Dave

2016 Keystone Cougar 29RLI Axle Tag
(click to enlarge)

Expert Reply:

Hey Dave, thanks for reaching out.

Before replacing everything, I recommend checking to make sure you didn't overload that one side of your rig and that your hub on that side of the axle is in good shape as those can cause weird tire tread wear as well.

You could get away with 6K axles, but you'd want to stick with lower rated springs to avoid a stiff ride. The other thing to note is that using higher rated axles won't increase your weight rating either.

From what I'm seeing on your tag you have an 88" hub-face measurement and a 68-1/2" spring center measurement. This means you can use the Dexter Trailer Axle Beam with E-Z Lube Spindles # 8327830 since it's only 1" longer than what you currently have, but you'll need to have an experienced welder cut and weld new spring seats so they are 68-1/2" apart on center.

These axles aren't kitted with the Nev-R-Adjust brakes but you can add 2 of the hub # 8-201-9UC3-EZ and the Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brakes # 23-458-459 to complete the setup.

expert reply by: Jon G

Dave

8/2/2024

Thank You for your response. I'm looking for more information before I decide which to purchase. The rear trailer axle has lost some of its camber (I had called bent) compared to the forward axle and both rear axle tires had the same loss of tread. I have measured both. I have never overloaded the trailer and actually weighed what I put in it and where. Unfortunately, I have had to park on some campsites recently with a good slope and when leveling the trailer the rear wheels would take the entire load of the trailer. Leveling a 5th wheel with the jack right behind the rear wheel isn't easy. I was looking for the 6K axles for durability. My concern is will the camber flatten as needed with a lighter trailer? Or will there be uneven tire wear? I tried to jack up the trailer and improve the camber but to no avail, so I need to replace. E-Trailer axles don't match the existing axles so I'll have to get two. So I plan to order two axles but not sure on the 6K or 5.2K. Does E-trailer have any information on axle camber, loading and deflection?

Jon G.

8/6/2024

@Dave You said that some of the campsites you've been at have caused the rear wheels to take the entire load of the trailer so that's definitely where your issue has been. The axle may not have been overloaded when you loaded the trailer, but taking on the entire load has definitely overloaded it and caused the issue you're seeing. As for 5.2K or 6K axles goes, both of these have the same diameter and the only real difference is the bearings/grease used for the larger capacity. You can use the parts referenced above, but you'll need to have some modifications done like I mentioned.