How do I know my axle rating?

The axle rating is the maximum load an axle can safely carry, usually shown as GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) per axle. You can find it on the vehicle’s placard, in the owner's manual, or via a VIN-based lookup, and it also appears on labels attached to the axle or differential. When towing, also check the trailer’s GAWR and GVWR to stay within safe limits.

Where to Find Your Axle Rating

Most manufacturers publish axle capacity information on a few standard sources. Use these to confirm the rating when loading cargo or hitching a trailer.

• Vehicle door placard or jamb sticker: shows GAWR for the front and rear axles and the GVWR (the vehicle’s total weight limit).


• Owner’s manual: contains weight tables and explanations of GAWR, GVWR, payload, and towing limits.


• VIN-based lookup: manufacturer websites or authorized databases can reveal GAWR values by model year and trim; you may need your exact VIN.


• Axle or differential tag: a tag or stamping on the axle housing or differential cover may list GAWR, axle ratio, and other codes.


• Dealership or manufacturer service department: if labels are missing or illegible, a dealer can verify GAWR from the VIN and build sheet.


• Trailer information: for trailers, check the trailer’s own GAWR per axle and GVWR on its plate or in its documentation.

By checking these sources, you can confirm the axle rating and avoid loading beyond safe per-axle and total vehicle limits, which protects brakes, tires, and suspension.

Interpreting and Applying the Rating

Understanding the numbers helps you plan loads and towing safely. GAWR is per axle; GVWR is the maximum weight for the entire vehicle (including passengers and cargo) and, when towing, should be considered alongside the trailer’s ratings. Use payload and tow ratings together to stay within safe operating limits.

Axle Code and Label Details

• GAWR (per axle) vs. GVWR: GAWR applies to each axle individually; GVWR applies to the vehicle as a whole.


• Payload: the difference between GVWR and the curb weight; reflects how much cargo, passengers, and equipment you can carry before reaching GVWR.


• Towing limits: consider Gross Vehicle Weight Rating for the tow vehicle and the trailer’s GVWR and tongue/tow weight ratings to avoid overloading.


• Weight distribution: keep cargo evenly distributed and, for trailers, ensure tongue weight is within recommended percent of trailer weight to maintain stability.


• Practical checks: weigh your vehicle with typical loads using public scales or specialized facilities to verify real-world compliance with GAWR/GVWR and adjust as needed.

Understanding these details lets you plan cargo, seating, and hitching configurations that stay within official limits and promote safer operation on the road.

Summary

To know your axle rating, start with the door placard and the owner's manual, then verify via VIN lookup or a dealer if needed. Remember: GAWR is the per-axle limit, GVWR is the overall vehicle limit, and correct payload and trailer weight distribution are essential for safe loading and towing. When in doubt, consult the manufacturer or a qualified technician to confirm specific numbers for your vehicle and trailer configuration.

How to identify axle rating?

You can determine an axle's rating by checking for a sticker or stamped metal tag on the axle tube, the trailer's VIN plate, or by measuring the axle's diameter and bolt pattern. The most direct way is to look for "GAWR" (Gross Axle Weight Rating) or the word "capacity" followed by a number in pounds. 
This video demonstrates how to find a Dexter axle label and read its information: 58sDEXTER TVYouTube · Aug 22, 2022
Direct methods (most reliable)
This video shows how to identify a trailer axle with a tag and how to measure it: 59sRenegade GarageYouTube · Jun 9, 2019

• Check for a sticker or metal tag: Look on the axle tube itself, often on the side facing the rear bumper, or on the spring mounting brackets. A tag will often have the axle's serial number, capacity, and dimensions like the hub face and spring center measurements. 
• Find the trailer's VIN plate: Look on the trailer's frame, usually on the driver's side tongue or neck, for a VIN plate or sticker. This plate often lists the axle capacity as well as the overall trailer weight ratings. 

Indirect methods (if direct labels are missing) 
This video explains how to measure the axle diameter and use it to estimate the capacity: 56setrailerYouTube · Jan 27, 2023

• Measure the axle tube's diameter: Use a tape measure or calipers to measure the diameter of the round axle tube. The diameter can indicate the capacity, with common examples being: 
  • 2-3/8 inches for a 3,500-lb axle 
  • 3 inches for a 6,000 or 7,000-lb axle 
• Count the lug nuts (bolt pattern): The number of lugs can be a good indicator: 
  • An 8-lug pattern typically corresponds to a 7,000-lb axle. 
  • A 6-lug pattern is common for 5,200 or 6,000-lb axles. 
  • A 5-lug pattern is often associated with 3,500-lb axles. 
• Contact the manufacturer: If you find a serial number on the axle tag, you can call the manufacturer and have them look up the specifications for you. 

You can watch this video to learn how to measure the hub face and spring centers: 57sThe Trailer Parts OutletYouTube · Dec 4, 2020

How much weight can a trailer with 2 7000 lb axles carry?

A trailer with two 7,000 lb axles can carry a maximum of 14,000 lbs, which is the sum of the two axles' capacity. This figure is the trailer's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), but the actual weight of the empty trailer must be subtracted to find the payload or cargo capacity.
 

• Total axle capacity: 7,000 lbs+7,000 lbs=14,000 lbs7 comma 000 lbs plus 7 comma 000 lbs equals 14 comma 000 lbs7,000 lbs+7,000 lbs=14,000 lbs. 
• Payload calculation: 14,000 lbs14 comma 000 lbs14,000 lbs (GVWR) −negative− (Weight of empty trailer) =equals= (Maximum cargo weight). 
• Example: If the empty trailer weighs 3,000 lbs3 comma 000 lbs3,000 lbs, the maximum payload is 11,000 lbs11 comma 000 lbs11,000 lbs (14,000−3,000=11,00014 comma 000 minus 3 comma 000 equals 11 comma 00014,000−3,000=11,000). 

It is important to note that the trailer's overall GVWR can sometimes be lower than the sum of its axles, so you should always check the trailer's specific GVWR sticker for its true maximum weight capacity.

How do I tell what size axle I have?

To measure an axle, use a tape measure to record its specific dimensions, which vary by type but typically include hub face-to-hub face (overall width for trailers), spring center-to-spring center (trailer spring placement), or length from a mounting point to the end of the shaft (for axle shafts). Bicycle thru-axles are measured by overall length and diameter, with the length being from the head to the tip of the threads. 
For a trailer axle

• Hub Face: The most common measurement for overall width. Place a tape measure on the outside of one hub (where the wheel rests) and measure across to the outside of the other hub. 
• Spring Center: Measure from the center of the leaf spring seat on one side of the axle to the center of the seat on the other side. 
• Diameter: Measure the main body of the axle tube. This can be done with a tape measure or caliper. This is used to determine the axle's weight capacity, as different diameters correspond to different capacities. 
• Brake Flange (if applicable): Measure from the outside face of one brake flange to the outside face of the other. 

This video demonstrates how to measure trailer axle hub face and spring center: 1metrailerYouTube · Jun 12, 2023
For an axle shaft (vehicle)

• Semi-Float/C-Clip Axles: Measure from the end of the shaft to the outside mounting flange. 
• Full-Float Axles: Measure from the front surface of the mounting flange to the end of the spline. 
• Front Axle Shafts (with U-joint): Measure from the center of the U-joint to the end of the shaft. 

For a bicycle thru-axle

• Overall Length: Measure from the base of the head to the tip of the threads. 
• Diameter: Measure the diameter of the axle shaft itself, often with calipers. 
• O.L.D. (Over Locknut Dimension): For the thru-axle, this is the distance from the inside of the fork or frame dropout to the inside of the other dropout. 

This video explains how to measure bicycle axle O.L.D. and length: 56sThe TrailerSmithYouTube · Jun 30, 2022

How much weight is a 5 lug trailer axle rated for?

A 5-lug trailer axle typically has a weight rating of 3,500 lbs. However, to confirm the exact capacity, you should check for a sticker on the axle or the trailer itself for the "GAWR" (Gross Axle Weight Rating) or search for markings on the axle hub and spindle. 
How to confirm the exact weight rating

• Check the VIN plate: Look for the trailer's VIN plate or sticker, which will list the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). 
• Find the axle tag: The axle itself may have a tag or sticker with the capacity listed. 
• Inspect the spindle: The spindle is the shaft where the wheel mounts. A straight spindle typically indicates a 2,000 lb capacity, while a stepped-up spindle, often found on 3,500 lb axles, can be an indicator. 
• Look for other indicators: The tube diameter of the axle can also be a clue; a 2 3/8" tube is common for 3,500 lb axles. 

Why the rating can vary

• The 5-lug configuration is a common indicator for a 3,500 lb axle, but variations exist, such as the 4,500 lb capacity axle with a 5-lug pattern. 
• The axle's weight rating is not the same as the tire's rating. A 3,500 lb axle could be paired with 1,750 lb tires, which would make the total weight capacity lower than the axle's rating. 
• The weight of the trailer itself, including its frame and decking, should be considered to determine its load capacity. 
• In some cases, an axle may be rated for 3,500 lbs, but the trailer manufacturer may derate it for a lower capacity for safety reasons.