Can you swap axles on trailers?

It’s definitely possible to upgrade a trailer’s axle rating to a higher rating by just swapping the axles.

What are the different types of trailer axles?

Trailer axles are normally divided into two different types: Spring axles and torsion axles. While these two types of axles perform the same basic job, the way they go about suspending and cushioning the trailer load is completely different.

What is the advantage of a split axle trailer?

The spread axle trailer, aka the split axle trailer, has a greater distance between its two rear axles. On a tandem axle trailer, there’s usually no more than a few feet of separation. However, for a spread axle trailer, you can see spaces between axles in excess of ten feet on larger trailers.

Can you put bigger axles on a trailer?

The most common failures are uneven tire wear, tire sidewall damage, and bent or broken axles and spindles. The best advice is to not get in this mess in the first place by buying a trailer with the correct capacity for what you haul, but it is possible to upgrade the axles and suspension for heavier cargo—to a point.

How much weight can a single axle trailer hold?

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.

How do I know my axle size?

Hook your tape measure on the outside of the hub where your rim touches your hub. Measure across your axle to the exact same spot on the other side. Do not measure to the back side of your hub.

How much bend should a trailer axle have?

view full answer… Should Trailer Axle Have Slight Upward Bend You did not specify which way your axle was bent, but a trailer axle such as the Dexter Trailer Axle Beam #T3584F-EZ-8974 should have a slight upward bend, as you should be able to see in the accompanying photo of this axle installed.

How much weight can a split axle trailer hold?

A spread axle trailer can carry 40,000 lbs on the spread axles allowing for more leeway in placing a heavier load. The spread of the two axles is 10’2″ counting them as two separate axles that can each carry 20k lbs. This gives you a legal limit of 86k lbs of all axles.

Is a spread axle trailer better?

A spread axle trailer has a definitive advantage in how it handles as these trailers are better at tracking behind the tow vehicle. As well, a longer wheelbase increases stability. This also helps a spread axle trailer do better when encountering bumps and helps keep cargo secure.

How do you make a single axle trailer stronger?

A Second Approach to strengthen a trailer frame is to “sister” the beams. Weld a new beam next to the existing beam, which may be easier to say than to do. For a simple rectangular trailer, this might increase the width a little, so note that the new axle may also want a wider spring seat dimension.

Can a trailer axle be welded?

WARNING Welding an axle requires that you have the proper equipment and have the skill to apply a proper weld. If you are not comfortable with your welding capabilities, have a qualified welder assemble you axle. 1. Determine the axle capacity required for your trailer.