Trailer Axle capacity

[overhaulin]

I am looking at buying a trailer that has these wheels that look like Daytons, but the owner says the trailer does not have a spec tag on it and is not sure what the capacity the axles would be. Can anyone help me figure out what capacity these axles might be based on the wheels design?

Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[Turbys_1700]

Those Dayton's look the same to me. You need to get under the trailer and measure the axle diameter to determine axle capacity. If they are 2-3/8" diameter they have a 3500# capacity. These are very common. If they have a 3" diameter they will be rated for 6K-7.2K. I purchased a 3 axle trailer last year that has 6K axles.

 

[bcp]

From:
Typical Axle Ratings Based on Axle Diameter | etrailer.com

Here's a breakdown on typical axle weight ratings based on axle diameter:

1,000-lb - 2,000-lb Axles: 1-1/2" - 1-3/4" diameter
3,500-lb Axles: 2-3/8" diameter (Can have a 3-1/2" diameter, but rarely)
6,000-lb - 7,200-lb Axles: 3" diameter
8,000-lb Axles: 3-1/2" diameter
9,000 lb Axles: 4" diameter
10,000-lb Or more axles: 5" diameter



Bruce

 

[rustyshakelford]

Are those trailer house axles?

Brett

 

[Oldtractorfixer]

If those are 14.5" it is likely Mobile home axles. Usually rated around 6k. Usually not great axles, tires are expensive and the brakes have thin lining.

 

[Turbys_1700]

Most of the time they are house trailer axles. Dexter does make fully serviceable trailer axles with the clamp on spoke wheels and hubs. You can tell by inspection. The brakes on house trailer axles are riveted on with a backing plate that is welded. Fully serviceable axles will have backing plates that bolt on. Still lots of home made trailers running around here with house trailer axles performing quite fine. The trailer that I bought last year has fully serviceable axles. They are referred to as UTG axles.

 

[TMGT]

If those are 14.5" it is likely Mobile home axles. Usually rated around 6k. Usually not great axles, tires are expensive and the brakes have thin lining.

Those are going to be 14.5 tires but most likely not mobile home axles as it looks like a manudactured trailer.
Typically those axles were rated for 6k lbs although there were some variations, as stated axle tube diameter will give you an idea.

Check if the backing plates for the brakes are bolted on, if they are welded then you most likely have mobile home axles, if they are bolted you're good to go.
Standard brake components for a 6k axle will work. Make sure the tires have a dot number and don't just say "Mobile Home use Only".
Decent brand 8-14.5 tires go for around $80-100 here so usually a little less then equal capacity even sized wheel tires.

I have 2 trailers with 14.5, they aren't my favorite but they are heavy duty and have served me well. Biggest issue is they have a tendency to ride a little rougher and usually have a speed where they vibrate.

 

[overhaulin]

You are correct it was a purpose built equipment trailer. The seller says it has a 17' deck but I am guessing it is really 16'.

Sorry, I should have included a picture of the trailer.

 

[TMGT]

I would bet 6k, even my dad's 3k rated trailer with the dayton axle has a 6k axle rating.

That's a pretty cool trailer, was it built for a scissor lift or skid steer etc.?

 

[Turbys_1700]

That is a really nice equipment trailer. I would bet money they are 6K axles and fully serviceable.

My wife and I took a 600 mile round trip to Richmond Friday a week ago in my home made inherited 10x5 trailer. It has to my knowledge mobile home axles. Never had an issue with it. We did have the bearings repacked a few years ago along with putting on new rubber. I actually found a new 14 ply tire and rim off of Amazon mounted for $80 as a spare. Not bad in my opinion.

 

[overhaulin]

Great... thanks guys for all the insight!!

 

[Diamondpilot]

If those are 14.5" it is likely Mobile home axles. Usually rated around 6k. Usually not great axles, tires are expensive and the brakes have thin lining.

I would pass. Those are nothing but a headache.

 

[overhaulin]

Thank s again guys!!!

I think I will pass just because I'll probably spend a few dollars to update and I could just put the money towards a newer trailer that I know exactly what it is or isn't.

 

[TMGT]

I would pass. Those are nothing but a headache.

How so? I've have a couple trailers with them and haven't had any problems other then a slighter rougher ride at times.

 

[Diamondpilot]

How so? I've have a couple trailers with them and haven't had any problems other then a slighter rougher ride at times.

Tough to get the wheels centered on the hub, get brakes for, get bearings and seals for, and will always be questioned when selling and by LEO.

 

[AGRIMAN]

Back in the mid 80's my dad and I bought one of the frist gooseneck trailers built by a local manufacture. It came new with 3 mobile home axles.

I would hate to know how many 100's of thousand of miles that trailer has on it and I have never had any special issues with the axles. There's not much farm related or other really that it hasn't hailed. I use to haul a 1586 international with factory duals and a full set of suitcase weights on it. Back then, we were pulling with a FWD F150. No diesels, no turbos, just a 351M with a 4 barrel

I have a bigger Horton now, so I don't use it as must, but I would not hesitate to pull it anywhere. I can still buy new tires/wheels locally for $30. Bearings and seal at the local parts house. Never worried with the brakes.

Never really had any trouble centering the tires. It takes a little practice but once you learn how it's not hard.

 

[California]

Are there legal issues if you get pulled over hauling a tractor or something obviously heavy, and don't have a weight rating anywhere on the trailer or in the title docs?

 

[TMGT]

Tough to get the wheels centered on the hub, get brakes for, get bearings and seals for, and will always be questioned when selling and by LEO.

Maybe it's regional but we don't have those problems here, the axles on my trailers aren't mobile home axles but standard dayton style hubs. Brakes, bearings, seals etc. are all off the shelf items. Most parts will interchange with dexter axles.

I've never heard of a problem with law enforcement, lots of older heavy duty trailers use dayton style axles.

I think there's a lot of confusion between mobile home axles and regular dayton axles.

 

[Turbys_1700]

Maybe it's regional but we don't have those problems here, the axles on my trailers aren't mobile home axles but standard dayton style hubs. Brakes, bearings, seals etc. are all off the shelf items. Most parts will interchange with dexter axles.

I've never heard of a problem with law enforcement, lots of older heavy duty trailers use dayton style axles.

I think there's a lot of confusion between mobile home axles and regular dayton axles.

Same here. Never been pulled over. Never been an issue.

LEO's around here will check the tires. Must be DOT approved. They will check your tag weight and compare it to the axle ratings. Brakes, lights, etc...

A neighbor of mine was pulled over couple years ago. He was pulling his skid steer with his 3/4 truck. Didn't have enough tag weight purchased. Cost him a tick over $700. He was using a factory trailer with non Dayton type wheels and rims. LEO's around here look for trucks pulling heavy loads. The consternation over Dayton Style wheels are not an issue.