Axle Specification for 77 Beachcomber

[The Cac]

My axle is bent toward the rear by about 5/8 inch. I have no idea if it is the original axle. I want to shop for a replacement but i cannot find the specifications for the original axle. Can anyone help me out on this?

[DaveMinBako]

Can't help you with the original specs but, one approach might be to get it unloaded, take it to a scale & get it weighed. Then add 1500 or so lbs to that (cargo or carrying capacity), and then look for a slightly higher rated axle.
It looks like many manufacturers today use axles that are rated near the gross weights of their trailers or even slightly below that. I think if the axle weight rating is too high, you'll bounce over every bump.

[The Cac]

I was able to determine that the bent axle was of a 3500# configuration based on the diameters of the spindles and bearings.
In choosing a new axle, I considered the physical characteristics of my RV. It will weigh approx 1600 lb dry once I finish rebuilding it. I allowed another 300 lb for gear and provisions for a total of 1900 lb and rounded up to 2000 for good measure. The engineering people at Flexiride suggested a 25% factor of safety to allow for occasional impact loading due to road bumps and potholes. Therefore I needed an axle with a 2500# load rating.
New 3500# torsion axles, available from either Flexiride or Dexter can be derated by up to 30% at the time of manufacture by reducing the length of the rubber cartridges before they are pressed into the axle tube. So my new axle will be dimensionally identical to a 3500# axle but will be rated at 2500#.

[thrifty bill]

One thing about original specifications is that assumes the original specs were correct. Some of these older trailers were under built in regards to axle and frame. So copying the original spec could be unwise. Instead, get what is appropriate for your trailer. Advice above is good, weigh your trailer at a certified scale and add a reasonable safety factor.