QA

Question: How To Measure Trailer Axles

How do I know what size my trailer axle is?

How do you measure a trailer axle replacement?

To determine the axle size you will need there are some measurements needed. First, if you are replacing the axle then you can measure the one you have. Measure from the center of one spring seat to the center of the other spring seat. Then measure from hub face to hub face.

How do you measure hub face on a trailer axle?

Trailer axle hub face is the distance from the outside of hub mounting flange to outside of hub mounting flange, measured one-half way between top and bottom of the hub. The hub face is also known as the mounting surface where the wheel studs are located.

How do I know what axle I have?

To figure out exactly what axle you have, you can look for the Dana stamped bill of materials number. This stamped number can usually be found on the righthand side or on the longer axletube on the same side of the tube as the differential cover, facing the rear of the truck.

How much weight can a 3500 lb axle carry?

The carrying capacity of two 3,500 pound axles is 7,000 pounds. The axles support not only the cargo’s weight but also the weight of the trailer’s frame and body.

How much weight can a 5 lug axle carry?

Technically, a trailer rated for 10,000 lbs can have 5 lug hubs. They are most common on 3,500 lb axles but can be used on the rare 4,000 lb axles as well. You could have a gooseneck or 5th wheel trailer with the 10,000 lb capacity and tandem axle 5 lug axles because the tongue weight can carry the rest.

How do I choose a trailer axle?

Generally speaking, look for trailer axles with more capacity than you need. Also, be sure to match springs and tires, because the real capacity is the lesser of Axle Capacity, Spring Capacity, or Tire Capacity. Don’t get caught short.

How are trailer hubs measured?

Cargo and utility trailers with 5 lug hubs are commonly found with a 5” bolt circle. To correctly measure the bolt circle of a hub, measure from the center of the hub to the center of a stud and multiple that measurement by two. The second specification to determine is the Inner and Outer bearing size.

Are trailer axles supposed to be bent?

First, axles are supposed to be bent. All major axle manufacturers apply a slight bend to the axles called Camber. If you look under your trailer you will see a very noticeable upward bend to the car or equipment trailer axle.

How do you measure the bolt pattern on a trailer?

If the trailer wheel has an even number of lugs, measure from the center of one bolt to the center of the bolt directly opposite using a tape measure or ruler. The bolt pattern will be determined by the number of lugs and the distance between the opposing lug (see 4-lug hub diagram).

Are all trailer axles the same?

In almost all cases 3,500 lb axles will all use the same bearings. If your trailer has a Lippert or Dexter 3,500 lb axle then yeah they would be the same. But to be safe it won’t hurt to pull them off and get the numbers.

How do I tell what gear ratio my VIN is?

The gear ratio is usually listed in the VIN code located on driver’s door, the glove box, or the ID plate on the dashboard. Count the times a rear wheel goes around for one driveshaft turn: if its 3 1/2 it’s a 3.50:1. Divide the number of teeth on the ring gear by the number of teeth on the pinion gear.

What are the different types of trailer axles?

The two primary types of trailer axles available are the spring and torsion type axle. As you explore your options for a new trailer, and what you are going to use it for, it is important to understand the difference between these and what applications each is best suited to meet.

How much weight can you put on a 6×12 trailer?

Therefore, the 6×12 enclosed trailer weight capacity in total, or gross, is 3500 lbs. Trailer Weight: also referred to as “empty weight” this is the weight of just the trailer without any cargo. Remember, asking how much does a 20ft enclosed trailer weight is only part of the equation.

How much weight can you put on a 7k trailer?

A trailer that has two 7,000 lb axles has an axle capacity of 14,000 lbs, but trailers aren’t always limited by the axles which means a trailer could be rated for 12,000 lbs but have to 7k axles which means it’s overall capacity is still 12,000 lbs.

How do you determine the carrying capacity of a trailer?

Subtract the curb weight from the GVWR to find the payload capacity. For example, if you have a light-duty truck with a GVWR of 9,000 pounds and a curb weight of 6,000 pounds, the payload capacity will be 3,000 pounds: GVWR – curb weight = payload capacity. 9,000 pounds – 6,000 pounds = 3,000 pounds.

How do I measure my draw length?

To measure your draw length, stand with your back to a wall stretching your arms out against the wall. Measure the distance from the end of your middle finger to the end of your other middle finger, basically the length of both arms, hands and chest. This measurement, minus 15 then divided by 2, is your draw length.