Is A 3500lb Axle Too Heavy For a 5x8 Trailer?

[Jwh92020]

I'm building a 5x8. I can get a 2000lb axle kit complete for $300 + shipping. I can pick up a 3500lb kit locally for $225. Is the 3500 too heavy or will it be ok?

 

[Grummy-TNT]

There would be nothing wrong with using a 3500lb axle on ANY small trailer, in fact, its usually a better thing. What matters however is that if you purchase a 3500lb axle KIT with springs, you will be getting springs capable of 1750lbs load on each side. That is what is probably not good if your not going to have that much weight.

If you can get the 3500lb axle with springs that are more suited to your load, that would be the best bet. With the heavier axle, and what appears to be a load of under 2000lbs, you would never have to worry about a bent axle because it is going to be a slightly larger tube diameter.

I'd get the local kit if it were me. You can always remove a leaf spring from the 1750lb stack if it rides too stiff for your intended weight.

 

[DezPrado]

Fully agree with Grummy TNT

 

[Jwh92020]

There would be nothing wrong with using a 3500lb axle on ANY small trailer, in fact, its usually a better thing. What matters however is that if you purchase a 3500lb axle KIT with springs, you will be getting springs capable of 1750lbs load on each side. That is what is probably not good if your not going to have that much weight.

If you can get the 3500lb axle with springs that are more suited to your load, that would be the best bet. With the heavier axle, and what appears to be a load of under 2000lbs, you would never have to worry about a bent axle because it is going to be a slightly larger tube diameter.

I'd get the local kit if it were me. You can always remove a leaf spring from the 1750lb stack if it rides too stiff for your intended weight.

Thanks for the input. I ddn't even think of removing a leaf.

 

[lionbill]

Seems like a no-brained to me, go local and get more than you need!

Better to have the higher capacity in my opinion. Plus everyone has bearings for 3500's in stock if you ever need a set.

 

[Jwh92020]

Maybe I should have asked - Is a 3500lb axle w/3500 lb springs too heavy? The guy that sells the axle kits does sell anything under 3500 lbs, so it's either the 3500 lb kit local or have a 2k kit shipped in.

 

[working on it]

I had a custom length 3500 lb. Dexter axle made for me in 2014, and bought the springs separately, at a local Northern Tool store. I'm assuming the springs for the axle will be 25.25" eye-to-eye (not slipper springs), so any trailer parts house will have various weight capacity springs on hand.

Since my trailer was already nearing 2000 lbs at the time, and eventually reached 2225 lbs, and I wanted a stiffer ride and wanted to prevent a future broken spring event (I've had two instances, previously, caused by overloaded springs flexing past their limits), I chose 3000 lb (per pair) springs. In addition, I added a progressive bumpstop (of my own design) that absorbs the extra bounce caused by the heavier-duty springs.

Living in Ok City, you should be able to source the springs you want in several places, including Northern Tool, for example. And, be sure to order your axle with the correct hub-face to hub-face measurement. In my case, I initially had it wrong, but Dexter called me and asked for a new measurement (because the electric brakes required more space). They were happy with the new measurement, and I got a complete braked axle shortly thereafter (minus springs and mounting hardware, which I bought separately).

 

[DrewsBrews]

Get the local axle and pull the smallest leaf out of the spring packs and give it a shot. If the springs are still too stiff and need replaced at some point, springs are rather cheap. IMO the trailer will still be usable no matter what. It would just be a bit more more bouncy and anoying to tow the stiffer the springs are compared to the trailer weight. No different than pulling an unloaded utility trailer.

 

[Jwh92020]

I had a custom length 3500 lb. Dexter axle made for me in 2014, and bought the springs separately, at a local Northern Tool store. I'm assuming the springs for the axle will be 25.25" eye-to-eye (not slipper springs), so any trailer parts house will have various weight capacity springs on hand.
View attachment 1319318
Since my trailer was already nearing 2000 lbs at the time, and eventually reached 2225 lbs, and I wanted a stiffer ride and wanted to prevent a future broken spring event (I've had two instances, previously, caused by overloaded springs flexing past their limits), I chose 3000 lb (per pair) springs. In addition, I added a progressive bumpstop (of my own design) that absorbs the extra bounce caused by the heavier-duty springs.

Living in Ok City, you should be able to source the springs you want in several places, including Northern Tool, for example. And, be sure to order your axle with the correct hub-face to hub-face measurement. In my case, I initially had it wrong, but Dexter called me and asked for a new measurement (because the electric brakes required more space). They were happy with the new measurement, and I got a complete braked axle shortly thereafter (minus springs and mounting hardware, which I bought separately).

In 2015, I got a 3500lb Dexter kit shipped from New York for $220. I wish those days were still here.

 

[Jwh92020]

Get the local axle and pull the smallest leaf out of the spring packs and give it a shot. If the springs are still too stiff and need replaced at some point, springs are rather cheap. IMO the trailer will still be usable no matter what. It would just be a bit more more bouncy and annoying to tow the stiffer the springs are compared to the trailer weight. No different than pulling an unloaded utility trailer.

A lot of folks suggested that. I may give it a try. Thank you.

 

[Grummy-TNT]

Maybe I should have asked - Is a 3500lb axle w/3500 lb springs too heavy?

Hard to say if you ask me. I think there is a lot of variables in different brands of springs, especially in that most are probably imported. It's not only about the weight specs, but also how much arch the spring has.

If your building your interior, do not get overly excited about the springs in the beginning. Just use what you get and deal with it later because once you start adding more permanent weight, the rig will end up sitting lower, and a rather flat spring will ride smoother then.

I changed out my 3500lb spring set on my 6x12 last year to a set rated for 4400lbs. I did this in order to gain some ride height back after adding so much permanent weight (driveway clearance). Because of the interior weight, there really was no change in ride quality, but I did gain about 1" of lift, which I really needed.

 

[Jwh92020]

Good advice. Thank you.

 

[Sparksalot]

After 12 years I upgraded to a 3500# axle and 14” wheels. The axle to get bigger bearings, and the wheels to get away from 65mph trailer tires.