trailer GVWR upgrade?
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New User
Joined: Apr 2008
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trailer GVWR upgrade?
Since you guys have helped so much already, I thought I would throw out another question:
Is it possible to legally change the axles and tires under a trailer to be able to haul more weight? If I have a 7,000 lb trailer with tandem axle and 15" tires, can I change it and put two 5,200 lb axles under it with bigger tires? Or am I held to the 7,000 lb weight because of the rating. Or does it have that rating because of the axles and tires. Or, is this not a good idea to begin with?
Of course, I am sure you are wondering why I didn't just get a bigger trailer to begin with. Well, the one I got was a good price, and it is not necessary that I upgrade, but I thought I would look into it. Thanks again guys.
Is it possible to legally change the axles and tires under a trailer to be able to haul more weight? If I have a 7,000 lb trailer with tandem axle and 15" tires, can I change it and put two 5,200 lb axles under it with bigger tires? Or am I held to the 7,000 lb weight because of the rating. Or does it have that rating because of the axles and tires. Or, is this not a good idea to begin with?
Of course, I am sure you are wondering why I didn't just get a bigger trailer to begin with. Well, the one I got was a good price, and it is not necessary that I upgrade, but I thought I would look into it. Thanks again guys.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,398
Likes: 17
From: Hesperia, CA
I had an old Coachman 31' 5th wheel that I just loved and it was just at the ragged edge of being over the GVWR, so I took out the 3500 and put in the 5200-lb axles. I don't think it legally raised the GVWR, but I felt better when it was a few hundred pounds over.
I have never heard of anyone pulling over a RV and weighing it, so I don't think you would have to worry about it unless you were doing something to the vehicle to physically make it heavier. A lot of people throw a few hundred pounds more trash into their RV's than they should and get it slightly over the GVWR.
You might try to contact the manufacturer of you rig and ask them how they determine the GVWR of their units. If it is solely based of the axle ratings then a letter from them stating that might be the only thing you need to make it legal.
I have never heard of anyone pulling over a RV and weighing it, so I don't think you would have to worry about it unless you were doing something to the vehicle to physically make it heavier. A lot of people throw a few hundred pounds more trash into their RV's than they should and get it slightly over the GVWR.
You might try to contact the manufacturer of you rig and ask them how they determine the GVWR of their units. If it is solely based of the axle ratings then a letter from them stating that might be the only thing you need to make it legal.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,782
Likes: 221
From: Huntington Indiana
I would wonder if you had to go to court for some reason and it was brought out You changed the weight capacity. There might be other things which might come into play on the capacity rating. Tongue capacity, frame and crossmember capacity, etc.
I would have your local DMV give you a decision on this one.
I would have your local DMV give you a decision on this one.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 302
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DOT just cares about the tire ratings.
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Marc
Maybe in YOUR state, in NY fines are state REVENUE!!! If they can find a way, they will. I once had a DOT cop go over a truck 3 times before he looked at the fire extinguisher, the needle was on the line between good & recharge. TICKET, have a nice day. Greg
__________________
Marc
Maybe in YOUR state, in NY fines are state REVENUE!!! If they can find a way, they will. I once had a DOT cop go over a truck 3 times before he looked at the fire extinguisher, the needle was on the line between good & recharge. TICKET, have a nice day. Greg
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 24,724
Likes: 74
From: Blue Hill Township
Good advice. When you replace the axles it generally involves the springs if it is not a torsion axle. Frames sometimes have the weight restrictions/limits stamped into them.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,498
Likes: 3
From: Windsor, Colorado
If you want to modify your trailers gvwr on the tag couldnt you just apply for a new title as a home built trailer. You declare the rating, cop inspects it, issues a new serial number and your good to go. Just a thought.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 466
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Depends on the state. In Washington, all you need for a builders title is some bills of sale (receipts) for the major parts (steel, axles, lighting, decking, etc) and a state patrol inspection. In the case of a trailer being built out of used materials, they usually visually check that the materials are used and there is no VIN of any kind anywhere on the frame or axles.
I've done this many times without needing engineering certification.
During the licensing phase, you pick the class rating (GVWR) that you want for the trailer.
Good luck
I've done this many times without needing engineering certification.
During the licensing phase, you pick the class rating (GVWR) that you want for the trailer.
Good luck
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,498
Likes: 3
From: Windsor, Colorado
My dad and I built a 24' flatbed setup w/ 2- 7k axles. No engineering doc needed. The most they looked at was the hitch setup and stamped or welded vin number that they issued us.
I am sure some states are tougher than others on this, but here in MT it is pretty simple.
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