Re: Axle load rating
Trailer weight capacity is determined by a number of things:
1) Start by checking the load capacity molded into the sidewall of the tires. For a single axle trailer, that rating multiplied by 2 (two tires) is the total wieght the trailer can safely carry and that must include the weight of the trailer itself. One must also make sure however, that someone didn't install tires with a higher load capacity than the axle can carry which brings us to the second factor.
2) The axle cannot carry more than it it designed to carry. You can check that capacity by removing a wheel and hub. If the the spindle requires a
1-1/16 outer bearing and a 1-3/8 innter bearing it is very likely a 3500 pound capacity axle. If the spindle is straight and used 1-1/16 inner AND outer bearings it is a 2000 - 2200 pound axle. If you have a single axle trailer, it would then have either 2200 or 3500 pound capacity (again provided the tires can support that weight). If the trailer is tandem or tri-axle, you multiply the axle capacity by two or three respectively.
