Question for the trailer experts

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Is this a true/factual statement: Have a dual axle trailer, 15 inch 6 lug wheels, brakes on one axle, leaf springs (didn't count the number of leafs); have been told without any identifying labels, that the axles would be rated at about 5200 lbs each; load capacity of trailer would be total axle weight (about 10400) less weight of trailer. So without any other information, if the trailer weight (which I haven't weighed) is 4000 lbs, the load capacity would be 6400 lbs give or take. I haven't been able to find any identifing marks on the axles, will be removing the flooring and there might be something I can find when I do that. Do I need to measure the diameter of the axles to help in determing what the rating of the axle is? Thanks for any input. jr
Reply:That's not true. You can get a 3500# axle with 6 hole wheels. If the axle tube is 2 7/8" it is probably a 5000# axle. I havn't seen a 5200# axle but that doesn't mean they don't make them.
Reply:I doubt a 10K trailer would have single brakes. 7K trailer might posibly have either single or dual brakes. 5K trailer with single brakes would make sense.I doubt that the trailer weights 4K. My buddies 12K dump trailer weighs less than 3.5K empty. The 7K trailer he's got weighs 1.5K. My guess is that it's not a 10K trailer. Chances are it's either a 7K or 5K trailer.Edit: Is there any tags on the trailer tounge at all? Usually axel weights and GVW is stamped on the Mfg tag on the tounge or front cross member. Do you have a title for the unit? That should also show the weight rating.Last edited by DSW; 07-02-2009 at 09:32 PM.
Reply:You could measure the spindle diameter, then compare that with what is currently in the marketplace.A butterfly without wings, is just an ugly bug
Reply:if you can't find it any place on there pull a hub and measure the spindles.I'm a Lover, Fighter, Wild horse Rider, and a pretty good welding man......
Reply:The trailer in question, to help/add information, is a homemade trailer - made by an "ol pipeline welder in the late 50's"...so no labeling on tongue. As far as weight of trailer I was just plugging a number in to see if the way to calculate load capacity was correct. I will just have to look at the spindles and axles again. There is a possibility that the axles were made by the "welder" and not "store bought". Will check these tomorrow. I do appreciate the replies esp. since all the information and no pics was very very vague. jrsometimes you really have to read the way I state my post sometimes...try to include information that is helpful..as stated in original post some of the numbers are approximate...tksLast edited by JayRay; 07-02-2009 at 10:46 PM.Reason: helpful info
Reply:Maybe this will help.lets say each axle is rated at 5000 lbs, so X 2 gives you 10,000 lbs that the combined axles can carry.then it took 500 lbs of steel to build the trailer by the former pipeline welder.so 10,000 - 500 = 9500 of usable load, which means you can load your trailer with 9500 lbs of stuff.as far as brakes go.... brakes help stop the stuff not carry more stuff.  i think this is what you are looking for ones you figure out what the axles are rated for.Have fun and be safe..... People are more violently opposed to fur than leather because it's safer to harass rich women than motorcycle gangs.  Unknown Pro Mig 175Hyphertherm 600Lots of toys at work
Reply:I agree, I doubt it weighs 4k either. I have a 42' long Gooseneck WEDGE trailer, 14,000 lbs, with allot of steel in it. (For SALE, if anyone is interested) and it only weighs 44oo lbs empty. With a tool box and two spare tires.
Reply:Just my luck, went to weigh trailer today, tried two different places and due to holiday wkend both were closed. Appreciate replys very much all info is helping, jr