[fcatwo]

To add variety to the discussion, I will offer my opinion and say there is no way I want a 5000lb axle under our 3200lb 2619 TM. I can see the benefit of a stronger axle for those who will exceed the 3500lb axle's weight limits but a firmer suspension just makes for a harsher ride if weight is not added to justify it.

Also, there have been no reports of axle failures -- just tires. I am considering a change to the larger 15" tires along with readily-available 15" wheels/rims that will fit the 3500lb axle. Two of the 15" Goodyear Marathon tires have 560lbs higher rated capacity at 50psi than the 14" tires (4300 vs 3740) and should provide enough extra margin to prevent many of the tire failures. The 15" tires could of course be pumped to their 65lb max to add even more capacity but I personally see no need for that -- we've had no problems with the 14" tires in 5yrs and 20,000mi of towing so I wouldn't be doing this at all if we weren't ready for new tires. YMMV. As reported before, a lift kit is necessary for the larger tires to fit on the smaller trailers. I should mention that TM has not tested 15" tires on the 3500lb axle and does not recommend it. One member here has already switched to the larger tires on the 3500lb axle without mishap however.