Axle weight info:
My Axles are by Lippert Components and are 5200 pound capacity axles. Trailer info says cargo is 2400 pounds max, trailer empty is 8,234 pounds. I thought total was almost 11,000, which is higher than the 10,000 my tow vehicle is rated for. It has never been over the trailer max GVWR any time I have weighed it.
Trying to find old notes about times I have weighed it, but the total rig often comes in at my 17,000 pound GCWR for the burb. Some short local trips I have been over the 17,000, but under 18,000 with flat towing and no issues. Tows really nice. Keep in mind, the same burb with 4.10 gears is rated at 19,000 pounds and from what I can find, is the same axles, brakes, etc. Not recommending it, just not interested into turning this into a srw tow nazi thread. This is about trailer bearings.
Two notes I found are 14860 total empty, trailer axles at 7240 total. This is with trailer pretty empty and just me in the burb. The other one was with the stabilizers off when setting it up. Total is 16,800: Front burb i s2940, rear is 5260, trailer axles at 8600. equalizers will move some of the rear axle to the front and trailer, but I do not think I have ever been over 5,000 on the trailer axles. Being within spec does not mean they are handling the weight though. I think rear axle on the burb is 5200 and with the equalizers on, it is below that fully loaded.
Still, I go on Ebay and 50 miles from me, lippert axles are available. 7,000 or 5,200 pound for $325 to $300 each. That is leaf springs to drums, ready to go. Of course, the 7,000 are 8 lug and will require new rims and tires which will push you into a 235/85r16 at $1,000 for a set of four with white rims! Then my tire diameter goes from 28.5" to 31.5", not sure I have 3" between my tires right now, or the clearance above them for an additional 1.5"!
This just opens a can of worms....
