Trailer axle capacity

[Bob_E_]

Is there any positive way to identify the capacity of the axles on an old camper? I looked all over the axle tubes and can't find any sort of tags or stampings. They are kind of rusty though so I may have missed them.

They are drop axles and have 6-lug 15" wheels with e-brakes. The leaf springs have 4 leaves each counting the main leaf. The trailer GVWR is about 7600lbs, if I remember correctly. So I'm guessing they are either 3500 or 4000 lb axles. But I'd like to be sure.

Thanks!
Bob E.

[RinconVTR]

My new TT has 3" axles and are rated for 3500lbs each.

[otrfun]

Bob E. wrote:
Is there any positive way to identify the capacity of the axles on an old camper? I looked all over the axle tubes and can't find any sort of tags or stampings. They are kind of rusty though so I may have missed them.

They are drop axles and have 6-lug 15" wheels with e-brakes. The leaf springs have 4 leaves each counting the main leaf. The trailer GVWR is about 7600lbs, if I remember correctly. So I'm guessing they are either 3500 or 4000 lb axles. But I'd like to be sure.

Thanks!
Bob E.

My guess they're. 3,500 lb. axles based on your GVWR. 3,500 + 3,500 plus a "token" hitch weight equals 7,600 lb. GVWR.

If your axles were 4,000 lbs. your GVWR would probably be closer to 8,500 lbs.

[Bob_E_]

Just a quick update...I pulled the tarp back and found the sticker on the corner of the camper. As suspected, it is so faded that it is not legible. While cleaning out the camper, I did find the original paperwork that indicated that it was equipped with Dexter axles, so that gave me a starting point. So I went on Dexter's website and started comparing everything. From what I can tell, based on the 3" diameter tubes, 4" drop spindles, and wheel stud count/diameter, the axles are actually 5200# axles with 4000# springs (2000# each side) based on the "stack height" of the leaves and length. The only thing is that I don't know whether what is in today's Dexter catalog (that I matched everything up to) was the same back in 1989. So I sent Dexter an email last night. Hopefully, they can confirm what I think I have.

[Bob_E_]

LarryJM...That's interesting that the sticker would say GAWR=3500lbs, but the tag on the axle says only 2800lbs.

[LarryJM]

donn0128 wrote:
Is there a metalized tag near the left front corner of the trailer? The axle specs will be there.

That FMVSS tag/label DOES NOT have the actual axle specs and it's numbers are based on not just the axle, but the springs, tires, hubs, etc.

AFAIK all axles have a metal tag affixed to them somewhere that will show the actual axle only specs. It will show the actual axle manufacturer. My 2007 HR trailer axles have two tags one is from Lippert that is a sticker as shown below and includes the total axle



http://s1325.photobucket.com/user/12491/media/8306S%20General/Rear%20axle%20tag%202_zps2gljyytd.jpg.html?sort=6&o=13

That actual axle proper is made not by Lippert but by Henschen and it identified by a metal tag welded to the axle as show below. This tag is often extremely hard to find and mine was on the back of the axle at the very edge on the driver's side of the axle. There are very, very few actual axle manufacturers in the U.S.



http://s1325.photobucket.com/user/12491/media/8306S%20General/Rear%20axle%20tag%203_zpszdlroe5c.jpg.html?sort=6&o=

P.S. Pics not showing up so link is shown below each missing image

Larry

[Bob_E_]

Thanks guys. I'll have to look for the tag on the corner of the camper. Hopefully it is there and still legible. I didn't measure, but I'm pretty sure they are 3"diameter tubes. I'll have to crawl under there again and measure. But hopefully they are stronger than 3500#.

[donn0128]

Is there a metalized tag near the left front corner of the trailer? The axle specs will be there.

[Old-Biscuit]

What is the tire max load rating?

MFg. use axles that are just enough and 3500# can/do use 6 lug

Measure the axle tube
Typical Axle Diameters Based on Axle Capacity
- 1,000-lb - 2,000-lb Axles: 1-1/2 inch - 1-3/4 inch diameter
- 3,500-lb Axles: 2-3/8 inch diameter
- 5,200-lb - 6,000-lb - 7,200-lb Axles: 3 inch diameter
- 8,000-lb Axles: 3-1/2 inch diameter
- 9,000-lb Axles: 4 inch diameter
- 10,000-lb Or more axles: 5 inch diameter


Positive way....bearing size and number stamped on bearing

[Retired_JSO]

6 lug axles are usually 5200 lb capacity. 3,500 lb usually have 5 lugs.