How to Tell the Weight Rating of a Trailer Axle
- 1. Check the Sticker, Stamp, or Plate If you're lucky, your axle will still have its sticker with the weight rating included. ...
- 2. Measure the Axle Tube Diameter For round axles, the tube diameter is a good indicator of the axle's capacity. ...
- 3. Check the Bolt Pattern / Number of Lugs ...
- 4. Check Your Wheel Bearings ...
- 5. Take Other Identifying Axle Measurements
What is the weight of a single axle trailer?
When it comes to single, dual, or even triple-axle trailers, there are no hard and fast rules. However, we can make some generalizations. Single-axle boat trailers typically weigh up to about 600 lbs and have a capacity up to about 3,300 lbs. Tandem-axle boat trailers usually weigh up to around 1,000 lbs.
How to identify trailer axles?
beam . After November 2010, trailer axle products have a stainless steel ID tag located on the inside edge of the brake chamber bracket . The part number is used to identify the axle specifications . This number should be referred to when contacting Hendrickson to determine the appropriate service parts . The serial number is used to identify a ...
What is the weight limit on a tractor trailer?
What is the maximum weight of a tractor trailer? Tractors can pull two or three trailers if the combination is legal in that state. Weight maximums are 20,000 lb (9,100 kg) on a single axle, 34,000 lb (15,000 kg) on a tandem, and 80,000 lb (36,000 kg) total for any vehicle or combination.
What is the weight rating of a trailer?
When fully loaded with cargo, supplies and fluids, the gross vehicle weight rating of a travel trailer can vary from 6,300 to 10,500 pounds. The average cargo capacity of a bumper pull travel trailer is 1,600 pounds. Gooseneck flatbed trailers and utility trailers generally have higher weight ratings than their bumper pull cousins.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
The outer bearing measurement you took on the spindle matches up to the L44649 bearing, but we don't quite have a match for that inner bearing dimension. I recommend verifying that measurement - if you get something closer to 1.378", then you have the very common 3,500 pound axle setup.
Follow up Questions
The outer bearing measurement you took on the spindle matches up to the L44649 bearing, but we don't quite have a match for that inner bearing dimension. I recommend verifying that measurement - if you get something closer to 1.378", then you have the very common 3,500 pound axle setup.
How is the maximum weight of an axle determined?
Maximum legal weight for each axle is determined by the federal bridge formula, federal limits for a single axle and axle groups (mentioned above) and single axle and axle groups legal limits posted by each state. (State limits are often higher than the federal limits).
How much weight can a single axle carry?
Maximum legal gross and axle weight limits. In addition to Bridge Formula weight limits, Federal law states that single axles are limited to 20,000 pounds, and axles spaced more than 40 inches and not more than 96 inches apart (tandem axles) are limited to 34,000 pounds. Gross vehicle weight is limited to 80,000 pounds (23 U.S.C. 127).
How many axles are in a tridem?
Tridem Axle: A tridem axle is made up of three consecutive axles spaced within a state posted limit of each other
How far apart are tandem axles?
Distances are measured from the centers of the two axles. Note: two axles spaced less than 40 inches apart are considered a single axle. Tandem axles may be drive axles.
How much damage does a 5 ton axle do to a road?
That is, going from a 1 ton axle to a 5 ton axle will do 625 times more damage to the road surface. That is why the gross and axle weight limits exist and are strictly enforced.
What happens if you get overweight on your axle?
If you get caught overweight on an axle, gross vehicle weight, or worse haven’t purchased an overweight permit, the consequences can be devastating.
What are the factors to consider before placing a load on a vehicle?
These factors include: the dimensions of the load, the combined effect of the load and vehicle configuration, whether the equipment is rated to handle the dimensions of the load, if the dimensions are within regulation, etc.
How to determine axle size?
A second way to determine the size axle you need is to measure the diameter of your existing axle. The tube in our video example measures at 2 and 3/8ths of an inch. You can use this measurement to identify the axle. If it is not worn away or otherwise concealed, there may be a number on the axle itself that may be used to identify it.
Where to find VIN on a trailer?
You should find it on the driver’s side of the trailer.
How much does a motorcycle trailer weigh?
This is different from a trailer towed by a motorcycle, also known as a motorcycle trailer. Unloaded, a motorcycle trailer may weigh 300 to 800 pounds with an average weight of 500 pounds.
How much weight can a 12 foot trailer carry?
However, for trailers 12 feet long or less, the average cargo load capacity is typically around 2,200 pounds.
How much weight can a bumper pull trailer hold?
A bumper pull car hauler with length enough for one car may have a GVWR of 6,000 pounds, while a double-car gooseneck trailer could max out at 15,000 pounds. Additionally, aluminum car trailer weight and capacity will vary greatly from steel. On average, the load capacity for car trailers is 7,100 pounds.
How much does a gooseneck flatbed weigh?
Smaller gooseneck flatbeds can weigh as little as 4,700 pounds, but the largest are upwards of 10,000 pounds.
How much does an A frame camper weigh?
An A-frame camper is a specific type of pop up camper trailer. This type of camper usually weighs between 1,200 and 2,300 pounds unloaded. The average weight is 1,700 pounds. A-frame campers provide a substantial amount of cargo capacity with an overall average of 1,200 pounds.
How much does a 5th wheel weigh?
5th wheel campers have an average weight of 12,700 pounds, empty and unloaded. Smaller models weigh as little as 5,000 pounds, while the largest 5th wheel camper trailers weigh up to 16,000 pounds.
How much does a tow dolly weigh?
Some tow dollies weigh as a little as 400 pounds and others as much as 800 pounds, depending on the style and construction.
How to get accurate weight on a trailer?
2. Lay a 2×4 on the ground beneath the trailer tongue. Position a reliable board on the ground, directly below the trailer tongue. The board must be at least 3-1/2 feet long for this trick to work.
How to keep a travel trailer in tow?
Keeping the weight of your travel trailer down near the lower end of your tow vehicle’s towing capacity will ensure a long life for it, especially if you’re planning to tow over many mountain passes or other strenuous drives. It’s important not to overload your car or truck, and keep the ambient temperature outside in mind when towing, as too hot temperatures can overheat your engine.
What is GCWR in trucking?
GCWR is the maximum weight of your vehicle with a trailer attached, as determined by the vehicle manufacturer. This means the weight of both the tow vehicle and the trailer together. It also includes any cargo or load placed in either vehicle.
What is a HW hitch?
Also known as tongue weight, HW is the amount of weight of the trailer that is carried on the hitch. You will need to know this weight when shopping for a proper hitch. Hitches are rated both by their towing capacity and their tongue weight, but we will touch more on this later.
What does UVW mean in RV?
UVW means the weight of an RV as built at the factory, by the manufacturer. It does not include the weight of the cargo, freshwater, propane gas, occupants, etc. It is the weight of the trailer with nothing extra in it, and is the weight you should know when shopping for a new travel trailer!
Why is it important to not overload a trailer?
It’s important not to overload your trailer’s frame, as it can bend and warp from continued improper weighting. Improper weighting inside your rig matters when you tow as well, and each axle has its own preferred amount of weight per axle. So arranging items inside your trailer matters too!
What is a toy hauler?
Toy haulers are a good type of travel trailer to look at if you plan on hauling a lot of heavy equipment or additional recreational vehicles. They are built to handle such weight, but even toy haulers have their limits. It’s important not to overload your trailer’s frame, as it can bend and warp from continued improper weighting.
How many sizes of axles are there?
As you can see, there are only 3 basic sizes of axles. With 4, 6 and 8 bolt Wheels, just measure across to the opposite lug to get the bolt circle. On 5 bolt wheels, you must use the chart below to figure your bolt circle:
Do all axles have brakes?
Not all axles have brakes, but the bearing sizes are still the same, either brake or idler.
