Can I Upgrade Trailer Axle From 3,500 lb to 7,000 lb Axle and Keep 14 Wheels

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Question:

I have a 3500 lb Dexter axle on my RV trailer with 14 inch wheels.Is it possible to up my load capacity by adding a heavier axle and keeping the same wheel size.

asked by: Monty

0

Expert Reply:

You can add a heavier axle to the trailer but the rest of the components of your trailer may not be rated for a higher weight capacity such as the suspension components and wheels. If you go from a 3,500 lb axle to a 7,000 lb axle like part # 8327834 you are not going to be able to keep your wheels because more than likely the bearings in the hubs that fit your wheels will not fit the spindle of the new axle. Also the wheels are more than likely not rated for the 7,000 lb trailer weight. Since the trailer frame itself may not be rated for a higher weight then changing out the axle won't really give you a higher gross weight rating.

If you decide to upgrade the trailer axle to the 7,000 lb axle part # 8327834 you would need wheels that are rated for the 7,000 lb capacity like Kenda Karrier ST235/85R16 Radial Trailer part # AM32743B with a 8 on 6-1/2 bolt pattern. You would then need a hub that has bearings that fit the spindle of the new Dexter axle with a 8 on 6-1/2 bolt pattern like part # 42866UC3-EZ with a 25580 inner bearing and 14125A outer bearing. You would also need to upgrade the leaf springs.

expert reply by: Heather A

0

Joseph

8/26/2024

Do you make a complete kit instead of buying all the parts separately?

Reply

Heather A.

10/17/2024

@Joseph Yes we do have axles that come with the hubs and trailer brakes. You would need to pick out your own tire and wheel combo if you don't have those already depending on the bolt pattern of the hub. I attached a link for all the axles that have electric brakes and hubs. If you don't need a electric brakes there are also options with idler hubs. Make sure to check the measurement spring center to spring center as well to make sure you get the correct length.

Helpful Links

dept-pg-trailer_axles-tw-electric_brakes.aspx

Reply

B&l E.

9/23/2024

You’d only need 2 3.5K springs not 7k though wouldn’t you?

Reply

Heather A.

10/17/2024

@B&lE Yes, that is correct. That was a typo! Thank you for calling that out.

Reply

Brian

1/16/2025

Would a 7000# axle be too much axle for that situation? I would be worried about camber with only around 3500-4000# on each one.

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Answer 1

I don't recommend upgrading one axle at a time. The capacity differences are substantial, and you will be limited to the weakest component. So the axle, the springs, the equalizer, the brake assemblies, and the hub/drum assemblies would all need…

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Answer 2

The 6,000 lbs Dexter Axle item #8327826 has a thickness of .16" The 5,200 lbs Dexter Axle item #8327816 has a thickness of .18" The thickness of the axle won't affect you needing an alignment, unless you're bending the axles by…

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Answer 3

I have a solution for you. I suggest going with the Dexter Trailer Axle Beam with E-Z Lube Spindles - 86-1/2" Long - 6,000 lbs #8327826 and the Roadmaster Comfort Ride Leaf Spring Suspension Kit w/ Shocks - Tandem 8K, 3-1/2" Axles…

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Answer 4

You can weld on new spring seats on your axle without compromising the integrity. So if you went with the part #8327826 you could install the new seats with part #TRSS300 which would be easier than moving the brackets on the trailer frame. The extra…

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Answer 5

For your 2018 Grand Design Reflection 337RLS you need a 6,000 lb axle with an 86-1/2" hub face measurement and 68-1/2" spring center length. Since the spring seats can be moved, you can use the Trailer Axle Beam with Easy Grease Spindles…

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Answer 6

Not all bearings are created equal, but you would be hard-pressed to find one that is vastly superior than another. Whether it is TruRyde, Timken, or some other brand, if the bearings are properly maintained, used in the correct hub, and within the…

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Answer 7

Shock absorbers are going to make the biggest difference in smoothing out your ride quality as they get rid of the bounciness. SumoSprings would help a little bit but without the dampening that shocks provide most of the smoothness. I believe your…

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Answer 8

Installation for the Roadmaster Comfort Ride Leaf Spring Suspension Kit #RM-2460-2570 is likely going to be quoted at roughly a 4 hour installation. As every shop is going to be different it is normal to see a range of different times quoted. If this…

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Answer 9

On an axle like the Dexter Trailer Axle w/ Electric Brakes #35545E-ST-89 the maximum overall overhang(hub face to spring center distance) is 18" total. That will put your current axle 2" past the maximum with having an 89" hub face and…

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Answer 10

The best option we have for the trailer tire size 235/75-16 is the part #LHWL410. This tire has a capacity of 4,400-lb max load at 110 psi, has a speed rating of 75 mph. But what is really great is the 2 year roadside assistance program. If your RV…

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Answer 11

Thank you for reaching out! The best thing for your situation is to go with the 3,500 lb Dexter Axle #T3584F-8974 you are looking at. While you can upgrade your axles to the 5,200 lb #e55GR, you won't really see a benefit from it unless you also…

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Answer 12

I checked with Dexter, manufacturer of many trailer parts, and according to them there should be at least 1 inch of space between the tires when under load. So once your trailer is loaded and ready to tow, if you have more than 1 inch of space…

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Can I Upgrade Trailer Axle From 3,500 lb to 7,000 lb Axle and Keep 14 Wheels

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