Axle Swap / Upgrade?

[Robert Wesner]

A little off the GORV theme, but maybe not....

Anyone had any experiences with upgrading or swapping trailer axles?

I'm dealing with a cargo trailer that has axles way-underrated for the weight we're hauling.

New axles are really expensive so I'm considering searching for a wrecked 5th wheel or camper that I can scalp from.

Current axles are standard tandem 3500# torsion and we need to go up to much bigger like 7,000#.  We're usually hauling at least 10,000lbs.

New axles means new tires, new brakes, etc.

If y'all got any tips, we'd appreciate 'um.........

[Robert Wesner]

hard part is finding the right size/drop/width/rating/etc.... and you have NO idea how they were treated before you got them....

we bit the big one and bought brand new 7k axles replacements made to order from Dexter......  only about $800 each delivered.....

[Lakota Wolf]

Exactly, You have to look and inspect them before buying,, (Good point Robert) and $800 delivered is a nice liveable expense.

Also forgot to add the note,,, Trailer frames are rated for strength, so just adding heavier duty axel won't cure your problem of severe OVERLOADING. Bite the bullet and get what you need, Not just what you have available which in your case can be dangerous, not only for you but other motorists in the case of catastrophic  failure while on the road.