Trailer Axle Capacity for a Trailer with 2-1/2 inch Diameter Axles

Published 11/06/2014

Question:

My trailer axles are 2 1/2inch diameter. According to your chart these should be weighted to 3500. It isnt 2 3/8 though. Is this different. Is wall thickness not an issue?

asked by: Garth

Expert Reply:

The following guidelines on trailer axle capacities are common sizes/capacities, but there are other axle sizes and capacities that are possible. These are just the most common ones.

Typical Axle Diameters Based on Axle Capacity
- 1,000-lb - 2,000-lb Axles: 1-1/2 inch - 1-3/4 inch diameter
- 3,500-lb Axles: 2-3/8 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

Based on this it would seem like your capacity is right around 3,500 lbs.

The trailer will have a plate or sticker on it that will list the VIN number. The weight rating of the axle should be listed on that same plate or sticker. Also, the axle could have a tag or plate on it that will list the weight capacity.