what is the weight rating?

[Team Varekai]

Hey guys & gals, is there a way to tell what the trailer will handle weight wise by either # of leafs or spindle size? is there a secret way to know this? Thanks in advance.

[48Rob]

Hi,

If you are trying to determine the rating for the tandem axle trailer you were thinking about using, you might be able to find the overall rating in old brochures of that model year trailer.

To just grab an old rusty trailer axle...no, there is no magic way to tell, other than guessing.
A spring shop is your best bet if there are no rating tags on the frame or axle.
They should be able to get you within a thousand pounds of what it can safely carry.
They might be able to quote you an exact number, but it would still be questionable if there is no way to prove age, and how it was treated/abused during its life.

Most old trailers didn't use a tandem axle until the weight got near 3000#, but they (the axles/springs) may have been designed for 2500# up to 5500#, or more?

If the trailer was 15-20' long, probably 3000-4500 pounds, meaning each axle should be able to handle 2000-2750 pounds (most axles/leaf springs are slightly over rated, 500# or so).

Rob