The weight of the load you intend to carry should always be considered while towing a trailer or even just for the axle on your car. To ensure the security and stability of your load and prevent any damage to your vehicle, it is essential to understand the weight capacity of your axles.
A standard heavy-duty axle used on trucks and trailers is the 3500 axle. Its name refers to the burden it can generally carry, which is 3,500 pounds. Utility trailers, horse trailers, and other types of trailers used to tow heavy loads frequently have 3500 axles.
In our guide, you can learn more about the truck or trailer carrying capacity. Foremost, you’ll see a dual axle trailer weight capacity is naturally higher than a single axle, yet the GVW could remain the same.
By the end, you’ll see what factors can affect this and what you can risk by overloading as you try to pull or haul too much. (Read Can A Bad Harmonic Balancer Cause A Misfire)
What Is The Load Capacity of a Single Axle Trailer?
A single-axle trailer load capacity varies depending on several variables, including the trailer’s type, the type of 3500 axle it is fitted with, and the trailer’s overall load-carrying capacity.
The maximum weight capacity of a single-axle trailer with a 3500 axle is often close to 3,500 pounds. To determine the precise load capacity, it’s crucial to refer to the manufacturer’s specifications for the specific trailer and axle.
1. Understanding Weight Capacity
It’s essential to understand the weight capacities of the vehicle towing the trailer and the utility trailer itself before beginning any towing. The maximum weight a trailer is designed to securely transport is known as the trailer’s weight capacity and includes the trailer’s weight and any cargo being hauled.
The strength and capacity of the trailer’s frame, axles, tires, and brakes determine a trailer’s weight capacity. To prevent harm to the trailer or the towing vehicle, it’s crucial to stay under the trailer’s weight limit and the truck or cars doing the towing.
2. Determining the Total Load Weight
To calculate the overall weight of a load, add the trailer and cargo weights together. A label on the trailer’s frame lists its weight, and the sticker should specify its weight capacity.
It takes a little common sense to determine the cargo weight by size and weight. If you don’t know how much the load weighs, compare it to similar things or use a scale. It is worth knowing metric and imperial; while any weight in grams may appear a lot, converting tells you something different. 7000g to lbs., as an example, only comes to 15.4 lbs.
Remember that a trailer’s weight capacity is not unlimited, and equally distribute the load for safety and stability. Allow for extra capacity or upgrade your trailer if you need to add more for or during your trip. (Read Fuel Injector Replacement Cost)
What Is The Double Axle Trailer Weight Capacity
If you are using a utility trailer with multiple axles, the load rating of each axle will need to be considered, even though it will carry more weight. Typically, in the USA, Canada, and the United Kingdom, the load rating of each axle should not exceed the maximum weight capacity of the trailer.
For example, if the trailer has a maximum weight capacity of 7,000 pounds, the load rating of each of the two axles should not exceed 3,500 pounds. It is important to note that the load rating of each axle will depend on the type of axle and the type of trailer it is installed on.
1. Tow Vehicle Towing Capacity
It’s essential to consider the towing capacity of the car or truck towing, besides the load-carrying capacity of the trailer. The maximum weight a vehicle can safely tow is known as its towing capacity.
This comprises the load’s weight and the weight of the trailer. Check the manufacturer’s specifications (on the trailer sticker) or the owner’s manual to determine your vehicle’s towing capacity.
Other Towing Factor Considerations
When determining the maximum load your trailer can transport, there are more factors to consider.
1. Tongue weight: The weight placed on the towing vehicle’s hitch is known as the tongue weight of a trailer.
To ensure proper handling and stability, it is crucial to make sure the tongue weight is within the range that the towing vehicle recommends.
2. Tires: Another critical factor is the size and load rating of the tires on the trailer and the towing vehicle.
It’s critical to check that the cars’ and trailers’ tires can haul the weight of the load and the trailer.
3. Brakes: When determining the maximum load the trailer can safely carry, the brakes on the trailer and the towing vehicle should also be accounted for.
It’s crucial to check that the brakes are functional and capable of safely stopping the trailer and the load.
Common sense and being aware of weight limits for the trailer and the towing vehicle are sufficient to guarantee the safety of your load in most cases. However, seek advice if you are unsure about any part of towing a trailer. (Read My Brake Pedal Is Stiff And Car Won’t Start)
4. Trailer Axles
Axles support the trailer’s weight and load. Single and tandem trailer axles are common, and tandem axles have two or more axles with more wheels than a single axle. The number and type of trailer axles determine weight capacity.
Two rear 3500 axles will have a higher weight capacity than one as it places less strain on the towing hitch. When determining the trailer’s maximum load, consider the axles’ weight capacity.
Gross Weight vs. Dry Weight
Gross and dry weight must be considered when determining a trailer’s weight. The gross weight of a trailer includes cargo, water, and gasoline. The dry weight of a trailer is the weight of the trailer without cargo or additional weight.
A sticker on the trailer frame lists its dry weight. Gross weight affects the trailer’s weight capacity and the towing vehicle’s weight capacity. Gross trailer weight shouldn’t exceed trailer rating or vehicle towing capacity. To ensure load safety and stability, equally, distribute the load and avoid overloading the trailer.
When towing a trailer, consider its weight and load. Understanding the trailer’s weight capacity, the towing vehicle’s weight capacity, and the per-axle load capacity can help you safely transfer your load.
By sticking to these weight limits, you can ensure the safety and stability of your trailer and avoid damage to your vehicle.
Per Axle Load Capacity
A trailer’s per-axle load capacity should also be considered. The per-axle load capacity is the maximum weight that each axle can carry. If a trailer weighs 7,000 pounds and has two axles, each can carry 3,500 pounds.
Don’t exceed the per-axle load capacity to avoid damaging the trailer or towing vehicle.
1. Weight Rating
A trailer’s weight rating is its maximum safe load. This includes the trailer and any cargo.
It’s essential to stay within the trailer’s correct weight rating found on the sticker to ensure load safety and stability and avoid damage to the trailer or towing vehicle hitch.
2. Trailer Axles
Axles support the trailer’s weight and load. Single and tandem trailer axles are common, and you’ll see tandem axles with two or more axles than single axles.
The number and type of trailer axles determine weight capacity. Two 3500 axles will have a higher weight capacity than one. When choosing the trailer’s maximum load, consider the axles’ weight capacity.
Understanding Trailer Weight Capacity
Here you can find out more about your utility trailer, load capacities, axle capacity, light weight capacity, and the amount your truck can carry.
1. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The GCWR is vital for any vehicle used for towing. It represents the vehicle’s maximum weight and trailer and must never be exceeded.
Manufacturers of trailers determine this number by weighing the vehicle’s construction, engine, and brakes. Exceeding the GCWR could cause a vehicle breakdown or accident. Calculating GCWR is easy.
Find the vehicle’s GVWR in the manual or on the label. Next, add the GVWR to the trailer’s loaded weight to the declared capacity.
2. Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR)
The GCWR is essential for any vehicle used for towing. It represents the vehicle’s maximum weight and trailer and must never be exceeded. Manufacturers determine this number by weighing the vehicle’s construction, engine, and brakes. GCWR may appear easy, yet it affects vehicle and occupant safety.
Exceeding the GCWR might cause a vehicle breakdown or accident. Know your GCWR, and don’t exceed it. If you’re unsure about your GCWR, see your owner’s manual or dealer’s.
3. Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
The maximum weight a single axle can safely support. When carrying a evenly distributed load on two axles, the load weight distribution falls equal on each axle. So, each axle bears around 50% of the trailer’s total weight.
Also crucial for the tow vehicle is safety. If the tow vehicle’s axle GAWR is too low, the trailer may cause complications. To avoid this, ensure the GAWR of the tow vehicle and trailer match your needs. (Read Coolant Reservoir Empty But Radiator Full – What To Do)
4. Tongue Weight
Tongue weight is typically the term for the downward force a utility trailer, or another towable load exerts on the back of a tow truck.
It is essential for keeping adequate control when hauling because it is significantly impacted by where you are loading a trailer. The maximum weight that a trailer hitch can support is known as the maximum tongue load.
5. Payload Capacity
Many individuals confuse payload capacity with towing capacity when buying a utility trailer for loading to hitch on the rear of a towing vehicle. The maximum weight that a vehicle or trailer can safely tow without damaging the suspension, tires, or other parts is referred to as the payload capacity.
Payload capacity is determined by frame strength, suspension type, tire size, and braking of your utility trailer. In addition, axle diameter can have a bearing on the carrying capacity.
Some tandem axle trailers have independent brakes, although overloading might compromise towing safety. If you plan on carrying a lot of weight, ensure essential your truck or trailer has a high payload capacity or maintain an average weight you know is under the limit.
Otherwise, you risk damaging your vehicle or crashing. It’s essential to know your vehicle’s payload capacity before driving.
