Looking for Old Hayes Axle Weight Capacity, Model 353 90

[Matt42]

I am trying to track down the load, or weight, capacity of two Hayes trailer axles from 1989 or 1990. The only certain information I have is from a greasy and dirty aluminum tag I found on one of the axles this afternoon. About 3 mm is missing from the right hand side, truncating the last letters in the words 'capacity', 'tires' and so on.

What it says:

353 90 <------ this is upside down in relation to the rest of the stamping.

MAX CAPACITY
LESS WHEEL
RIMS AND TIRES
HAYES AXLE
SEMINOLE OK

This is important. To me, anyway.#ad


There's no number indicating an actual capacity is engraved into the tag. I think, but cannot prove, that each axle is rated at 5,200 pounds. The trailer itself has a GVWR of 10,000 lbs. The remainder is taken up with tongue weight. Any ideas? I really need some help on this. Many thanks.

 

[NIsaacs]

I have an old set of Kelsey-Hayes axles on a '77 Cavco 8' wide park model travel trailer. They are probably a little smaller than yours. The tag says: Capacity 4400 lbs, Kelsey Axle and Brake Division, Chino, CA.
Build date of 02/77, #236, the brake drums have K-H 8545A and are 12"x2", the axle tube is 3" with the standard 6 on 5.5 bolt pattern, the bolts are bolts not studs.

The GVW tag on the trailer says: GAWR 4k each with a GVW of 8500 lbs, so the springs or tires must have de-rated the axles some.

Nick

 

[Matt42]

Thanks, Nick. Your park model axle dates way back, and it's amazing that its tag survived.

Since I put in my question, I learned more about Hayes axles.

There's been a lot of merging and moving in the axle business. I still think of things as Kelsey Hayes, but by 1989, it seems to have become Hayes. They were bought out by Al-Ko, and then Al-Ko was bought out by Dexter in 2013. I think there was another acquisition in there somewhere. So part numbers have changed a lot, some were combined and some were deleted, and others just disappeared.

I did some asking at trailer parts distributors. counter people explained that custom-made utility trailers at the 1989-1991 time frame would build trailers so that the axles would hold 90% to 100% of the trailer's GVW, and put the rest of the weight on the tongue. The better manufacturers would scale the axles for 100% and still rate the tongue weight for 10% of the GVWR.

The series of Hayes axles represented by the tag number in 1989 - 1991 were available with center tubes with standard capacities of 5,200 pounds, 5,500 pounds, 6,000 pounds and 7,000 pounds. The axle stubs all took the same sizes of bearings and hubs. The hubs could be eight lug or six lug. Electric brake capacities in the eight lug type were available in several capacities, including 6,000 and 7,000 pounds per axle. The axle stub measurements turned out to be an industry standard, so Dexter parts could be installed on a Hayes axle.

With all of that discussed, the counter man recalled the local manufacturer--Taylor's. He remembered that they made good equipment, and for a 10,000 GVW twin axle trailer, they would have installed two 5,200 pound axles, as were indicated by the aluminum Hayes tag.

I probably should have updated my post.

 

[ReefGod]

Hello all,
By chance do any of you have pictures of your axles that you can post or PM me? I purchased a trailer that was converted to a deck over flatbed. I have started stripping it down and I can't find any information about the axles. It does have older Warner type brakes. The axles diameter doesn't match standard dimensions used today; my axle diameter is 2 1/8" or 2.125".

If any of you have insight to the actual manufacturer or capacity of these axles, it would be most appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[NIsaacs]

From what I can see, that appears to be a pretty heavy duty trailer and worth fixing up. Those axles are older than me tho If you need/want to spend any money on repairs, I think I would opt for some modern 3500# axles, minimum. Parts on the road will be next to impossible to find, for those. Take a look at these axles.

https://www.southwestwheel.com/p-3036-3500-lb-brake-4-drop-standard-spring-dexter-trailer-axle.aspx

 

[GAmes]

Let me add that if you elect to buy new axles I suggest you go with 6 lug hubs. HD tires are much easier to find in 16 inch. I use LT tires on mine.

 

[dieselshadow]

8 lug hubs are even easier to find wheels for. The price is virtually no different between the two. ETrailer.com can be very helpful finding parts, comparing, and researching.