I figure about 7,000lbs is a good safe load any more than that and you will be overtaxing the brakes. Yes the axle is rated at 14,000, the bags are 7500lbs a piece, but you have to factor in the saftey of you and everyone else including the truck frame. Its amazing how this thing rides, and I did just do the simple leveling valves for the bags. So no matter how much weight you put on it will stay the same height. I started with one valve, but after hanging the fuel tank full of fuel the truck tilted a little to that side, so I put another leveling valve on to split the bags up, so it will sit level if you have an uneven load. This should be much safer for dumping operations