My trailer came from the factory with 5200 pound axles... 7000 pound axles were an option that I was not made aware of.Is it possible to ask the factory to install 7000 pound axles and then recertify the trailer with the higher capacity?(Maybe it'd be better just to install the higher rated axles and be done with it...?)Mike
Posted 2005-10-31 7:10 AM (#32519 - in reply to #32516) Subject: RE: Upgrading Weight Rating
Expert
Posts: 2958 Location: North Carolina
Originally written by racesarabhorses on 2005-10-30 7:56 PM
Is it possible to ask the factory to install 7000 pound axles and then recertify the trailer with the higher capacity? (Maybe it'd be better just to install the higher rated axles and be done with it...?)Mike
It's always good to ask ... They can only say "no" My trailer builder said "yes" ..
Why do you want the higher axles?
The higher spring rate axles will give a harsher ride than the 5k axles, unless you add a bunch of weight.
Do they change the tires and wheels too? That might be an issue too.
Another point though. Will uprating your trailer rating affect your driver's license? In NC there is a 10,000 # towed limit on the usual class c license.
Posted 2005-10-31 8:32 AM (#32523 - in reply to #32516) Subject: RE: Upgrading Weight Rating
Veteran
Posts: 254 Location: Dickinson, TX
Good point to raise regarding the license... I don't know the answer to that question (Texas license).I'll check with Silver Star on the upgrade. My purpose is that I want to build living quarters into the trailer... The weight rating is 9880 pounds on the trailer (3-horse), and I can meet/exceed that already with 3 horses and gear on board IF the empty weight of the trailer is what I was told it is (5600 pounds).Mike
Posted 2005-10-31 11:21 AM (#32528 - in reply to #32523) Subject: RE: Upgrading Weight Rating
Expert
Posts: 2958 Location: North Carolina
Hello again ... Some other points you might want to ponder. The LQ weight will be divided almost equally between the trailer axles and the truck. Will your truck be able to take the added hitch pin weight?
Look at the post asking typical pin weights.
Does Silver Star do any frame reinforcement for LQ? or is your trailer suitable already? Another question for Silver Star
Silver Star may be okay with rerating the trailer as is, if you can tell them how much weight you intent to add. or maybe what you'll build in.
Posted 2005-10-31 1:37 PM (#32531 - in reply to #32516) Subject: RE: Upgrading Weight Rating
Expert
Posts: 2689
Sounds to me like one set of citations vs two (sets), or none.
If you will be going over the trailer's current GVWR anyway - better fix that - ANYWAY. Get it re-certified to the higher rating, new ViN plate to rivet on. Then if the licence is an issue, fix that too.
Upgrading Weight Rating
