how to determine GVW on a dump trailer

[garry]

I recently purchased a used single axel dump trailer. It has been repainted and I do not find any markings on it. The previous owner told me it was a BiMar but did not know the GVW. How can I find out what the GVW is on this trailer?

 

[disney]

I would look at the weight ratings on the tires to get a rough idea (hopefully they are actually trailer tires and wheels). How many wheel bolts/ studs are there? what size wheels/ tires are they? Does it have brakes? as always pictures might help....

 

[the6shooter]

I would tow it over to a trailer sales lot and have them find out what the axle is rated for. they would know better than guessing.
david

 

[Diamondpilot]

The axle will tell the story.

Chris

 

[Pops15]

Check the axle, previous registration, and Bri-Mar website.

 

[Will_C]

Does it have brakes? Most single axle dump trailers are rated at 3000lbs if no brakes, 5200 if they are equipped with brakes.

Will

 

[schmism]

Does it have brakes? Most single axle dump trailers are rated at 3000lbs if no brakes, 5200 if they are equipped with brakes.

Will

3500lb axles come with brakes. not the best way to tell.

short of a label on the axle. best way to tell is number of studs. 5 studs = 3500 4 (even less) 6 studs = 5200-6000lb 8 stud = 7K -8K

those 2 are somewhat generic as there are axles that can be 8bolt and only 5K but for the most part its a much better guide than brakes or no brakes.

6bolt alxes 15" rims are usually 5200, 16" are usually 6000. (the per tire load is higher for a 16" rim than it is for 15")

 

[Kioti guy]

I agre with what schism say's.. Sort of... Both 2000# and 3500# axles are 5 bolt(5 on 41/2" pattern) both may or may not have brakes, the difference between the two sizes is the diameter of the tube ( and coresponding spindle).
3500 lb axle outside diameter is 2 1/2" 2000 lb is approximatly 2".
I used to build custom trailers for a living and for the most part would build whatever the customer wanted ,however if asked I would strongly recommend against a single axle dump trailer, it is impossible to get the physics right for a single axle dump and it is way to easy to overload both the axle and the tongue weight.
It has been my experiance that most occasional trailer users favor the " if it fits I can carry it" method of determining weight carrying ability , this is bad enough in a utility style trailer but I have found it to be much worse with dump trailers.
Be honest with yourself figure out what is the most (weight) you will want to carry with your trailer then go shopping for one that will carry a thousand pounds more than that and you will never be disapointed...... Craig

 

[garry]

Well the wheels have a 5 bolt pattern. The trailer does not have breaks. The axel is 2 3/8 inch in diameter. The tire size is ST205/75R-15.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Well the wheels have a 5 bolt pattern. The trailer does not have breaks. The axel is 2 3/8 inch in diameter. The tire size is ST205/75R-15.

More than likely its 3,500#. Just make sure each tire is rated for the weight.

Chris