Axle rating vs GVWR
Hi all, I was crawling around in the gravel under the trailer this weekend adjusting my trailer's brakes and took the opportunity to have a look see at the stuff underneath. I noticed that my trai...
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Most run them right to the limit counting on tongue weight.
Mine are rated 2500# ea with a GVWR if 5345#. Also your assessment on individual loading is spot on. I scaled my trailer and was under the combined axle ratings of 5000#. As the trailer got to be a couple of years old I noticed the equalizer between the springs was not even leading me to believe that back axle may have had more weight on it. Well, last year I pulled into a rest area and when I braked, the left rear spring on the trailer broke. Fortunately, I got it towed and fixed. When I got home I ordered new springs- 1750# springs instead of the 1250# springs (I know I should replace the axles, but again by scales they are not overweight. The 1750 were the next size up of the same eyelet dimensions).
When changing them my suspicions were confirmed. The remaining rear spring was considerably "flatter" when it was off the trailer than the front ones.
These were Lippert axles and I had read somewhere on these forums, that Lippert had some problems with imported springs. I am kind of on my own on this since the trailer is out of warranty and the manufacturer is no more.
Moral: Watch your springs and equalizer.
Mine are rated 2500# ea with a GVWR if 5345#. Also your assessment on individual loading is spot on. I scaled my trailer and was under the combined axle ratings of 5000#. As the trailer got to be a couple of years old I noticed the equalizer between the springs was not even leading me to believe that back axle may have had more weight on it. Well, last year I pulled into a rest area and when I braked, the left rear spring on the trailer broke. Fortunately, I got it towed and fixed. When I got home I ordered new springs- 1750# springs instead of the 1250# springs (I know I should replace the axles, but again by scales they are not overweight. The 1750 were the next size up of the same eyelet dimensions).
When changing them my suspicions were confirmed. The remaining rear spring was considerably "flatter" when it was off the trailer than the front ones.
These were Lippert axles and I had read somewhere on these forums, that Lippert had some problems with imported springs. I am kind of on my own on this since the trailer is out of warranty and the manufacturer is no more.
Moral: Watch your springs and equalizer.
