We just bought a 7x12 flatbed trailer and I'm wondering about the weight rating.
It has a drop axle and under-slung suspension. The axle is 1.5" square. I've seen a lot of stuff online saying 1.5" axles are often rated for 1,000 - 2,500 lbs. But, square is usually more sturdy than round, and this axle seems more solid than a lot of modern tube axles. The seller said it was solid and had a weight rating of 2,000 or 3,000 or so. I couldn't find any VIN, manufacturer plate, weight rating, etc on the trailer frame. We will be loading it with between 2,000 - 2,500 lbs so it needs to be reasonably sturdy, not just a light-duty trailer for hauling a few dirt bikes.
- Based on the axle, spindles, and hubs, how much could this trailer handle?
- Is there a simple way to improve the weight rating or reinforce the weakest link?
- Is there another way to get more info about this trailer?
- Any way to tell how solid the axle is / how thick the tubing is?
For reference, I was also looking at this thread, which is relevant to my situation:
2" solid square steel trailer axle weight capacity?
It has a drop axle and under-slung suspension. The axle is 1.5" square. I've seen a lot of stuff online saying 1.5" axles are often rated for 1,000 - 2,500 lbs. But, square is usually more sturdy than round, and this axle seems more solid than a lot of modern tube axles. The seller said it was solid and had a weight rating of 2,000 or 3,000 or so. I couldn't find any VIN, manufacturer plate, weight rating, etc on the trailer frame. We will be loading it with between 2,000 - 2,500 lbs so it needs to be reasonably sturdy, not just a light-duty trailer for hauling a few dirt bikes.
- Based on the axle, spindles, and hubs, how much could this trailer handle?
- Is there a simple way to improve the weight rating or reinforce the weakest link?
- Is there another way to get more info about this trailer?
- Any way to tell how solid the axle is / how thick the tubing is?
For reference, I was also looking at this thread, which is relevant to my situation:
2" solid square steel trailer axle weight capacity?