Weight capacity of axels

[paul dyar]

Any way of telling the weight capacity of axels. I have a converted boat trailer with tandem axels and would like to know what capacity they are.
Thanks, Paul

 

[radioman]

There seems to be a telltale signs from how many bolts to hold wheels. If 4 then it probably 2k rating. If 5-6 its probably 3500k rating. etc. This is not the bible absolute, but the general idea. Why not check the tire ratings itself ? the weakest link of trailers is either the tire or axle.

 

[ModMech]

Oh I'd take what radioman said to the next level...

TIRES are the "weakest link", they are the only thing that will get you - BAD. Bearings will take 2x the load pretty well if properly lubricated but the tires will not take even 1.5x rated load when new for very long.

My suggestion is, when in doubt, use the actual tire ratings at 90% and not a pound more.

 

[Diamondpilot]

What these guys said is the truth for the most part.

In general 5 lug = 3,500# and will have 14" or 15" wheels
6 lug = 5,200# or 6,000# and will have 15" wheels
8 lug = 7,000# will have 16" wheels

Anything with 13" wheels can be 4 or 5 lug and 2,000# or less axles. Smaller wheels, like on a jet ski trailer or log splitter, are commonly 4 or 5 lug and 1,200# axles.

Like mentioned tires are usually the limiting factor.


Close pictures will tell me a lot. I am a boat trailer dealer and while I have not seen it all I deal with plenty of stuff.

Chris

 

[pat32rf]

I went to a trailer dealer when looking for replacement bearings and he told me the axle ratings...

 

[paul dyar]

Thank for the replies. Will try to get pictures.

Paul

 

[JIGBUILDER]

Many trailer axles come with a metal band around the axle tubes with the GAWR numbers stamped on the band.