What's the difference between 5200 & 6000 lb axles?

[TSO]

I have a 20ft Equip hauler with 5200 axles. What's the difference with these & the 6000 lb axles? Is it just a leaf pack? It looks like they're both 6-lug wheels. Maybe it's leafs & stepping up to E rated tires? Maybe bigger brakes too?

Asking in case, down the road, I need more capacity... When I looked at the trailers, nothing looked different (construction wise) between the 10000 & 12000 lb trailers besides the rated numbers. Could I get away with (not officially) swapping in 6000 lb axles? Would they be a direct fit?

The tongue & receiver state (in stamped writing) that they're rated for 12,500 lbs.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Diamondpilot]

The tube wall is thicker on 6 axles. Springs, spindles, bearings, hubs, ect are all the same. 5.2K run 15" wheels and LRD tires while 6K run 16" and LRE tires.

Each component has a rating. While you may find 15" wheels with 3000# capacity they are rare. Most all 16" have 3000# plus capacity.

Chris

 

[bdog]

I like to look at this website and see the trailer parts and specifics. Trailer Parts from trailerpart.com

For whatever reason they don't show any 6000lb axles but maybe you can poke around on there and get some useful info.

 

[Egon]

Of hand I'd say about 800 pounds.

the components may be larger and the tires/brakes may be a different rating.

 

[Flying MXZ]

I have a 20ft Equip hauler with 5200 axles. What's the difference with these & the 6000 lb axles? Is it just a leaf pack? It looks like they're both 6-lug wheels. Maybe it's leafs & stepping up to E rated tires? Maybe bigger brakes too?

Asking in case, down the road, I need more capacity... When I looked at the trailers, nothing looked different (construction wise) between the 10000 & 12000 lb trailers besides the rated numbers. Could I get away with (not officially) swapping in 6000 lb axles? Would they be a direct fit?

The tongue & receiver state (in stamped writing) that they're rated for 12,500 lbs.

Thanks in advance.

I know all trailers are different, but my 12,000# trailer has 8 lug axles/wheels. Mine is a couple years old, but the specs haven't changed (at least not much).

20ft Flat Deck Trailer 12000# GVW HH-F12000A20 | Heavy Hauler Trailers & Truck Accessories

 

[MESSMAKER]

Of hand I'd say about 800 pounds.

the components may be larger and the tires/brakes may be a different rating.

Beat me to it.:laughing:

 

[TSO]

Of hand I'd say about 800 pounds.

the components may be larger and the tires/brakes may be a different rating.

Beat me to it.:laughing:

Extremely helpful fellas ... thanks for taking the time to post

 

[BWSwede]

Axles, brakes, tires are not the only thing that determines a trailers capacity. The structural members get thicker and deeper and the welds larger and longer. The structural members may even change shape to better accommodate the increased rating.

Just changes these assemblies may be like only changing the posts under your backyard deck so that it can hold a hot tub.

BWSwede