How To Tell Trailer Axle Weight Rating

How to Tell Trailer Axle Weight Rating: A Comprehensive Guide

Knowing your trailer's axle weight rating is crucial for safe and legal towing. Overloading your trailer can lead to serious accidents, damage to your vehicle and trailer, and hefty fines. This guide will walk you through how to find this vital information.

Where to Find Your Trailer Axle Weight Rating

The axle weight rating is the maximum weight each axle on your trailer can safely support. This is different from the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), which is the total weight of the fully loaded trailer. You'll need to know both.

Here's where you can typically find this information:

1. The Trailer's Manufacturer's Plate or Sticker

This is your primary source. Look for a metal plate or sticker, usually located on the trailer's tongue, frame, or side. This plate will list several important ratings, including:

• GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating): This is the maximum weight each axle can carry. You might see this listed for each axle individually (e.g., GAWR-Front: 2000 lbs, GAWR-Rear: 3000 lbs) or as a total for all axles.
• GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): This is the maximum combined weight of the trailer and its load.
• GTW (Gross Trailer Weight): Sometimes used interchangeably with GVWR.

Important Note: If the plate is missing or illegible, you'll need to investigate further using the methods below.

2. The Trailer's Owner's Manual

If you have the original owner's manual, it should contain the axle weight rating specifications. This is a valuable secondary source of information.

3. Contacting the Trailer Manufacturer

If you cannot find the information on the trailer or in the owner's manual, contact the trailer manufacturer directly. They will have the specifications on file. You'll need the trailer's make, model, and serial number to assist them in their search.

4. Consulting an Automotive Parts Store or Trailer Repair Shop

Professionals at automotive parts stores or trailer repair shops often have access to databases containing trailer specifications. They might be able to help you identify your trailer's axle weight rating based on its make, model, and year.

Understanding Axle Weight vs. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

It's vital to understand the difference between these two ratings:

• Axle Weight Rating (GAWR): This refers to the maximum weight each individual axle can handle. A tandem-axle trailer, for instance, will have two axle weight ratings.
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): This is the maximum weight of the entire trailer, including the load. This should never exceed the sum of all individual axle weight ratings.

Never exceed either the GAWR or GVWR. Overloading can lead to:

• Axle failure: This can cause a catastrophic trailer failure while driving.
• Tire failure: Overloaded tires are more prone to blowouts.
• Brake failure: Overloaded trailers require more braking power, increasing the risk of brake failure.
• Suspension damage: Excessive weight can damage the trailer's suspension components.
• Legal consequences: Driving an overloaded trailer is illegal and can result in fines or other penalties.

Tips for Safe Towing

• Always weigh your loaded trailer: Before each trip, it’s best to weigh your loaded trailer at a truck stop or weigh station to ensure you are not overloading.
• Distribute weight evenly: Properly distribute the weight in your trailer to avoid overloading any single axle.
• Use the correct hitch: Ensure your hitch is rated for the trailer’s GVWR.
• Regular maintenance: Keep your trailer's tires, brakes, and suspension in good working condition.

By carefully checking your trailer's axle weight rating and following these safety tips, you'll ensure a safer and more enjoyable towing experience.