05 Windsor Weight Questions

[FLgatorgirl]

Hello Monaco Forum. We are trading up from our much loved class C to a diesel Class A so that we can pull a 24-28 foot enclosed trailer with our off-road racer. We LOVE the Monaco Windsor and are very close to putting a deposit on one that is out of state. We previously looked an 04 PST that had CCC of 6062. If the info I find on the web is correct, the 05 40PDQ only has 2943 CCC. Looking at Monaco's product archive, the rear axle is downgraded by 3,000 lbs in 05 from the 04 models. Anyone have any idea why?

I am concerned, because it looks like with all fluids, that leaves around 1562 for "stuff". Tounge weight of the trailer will be close to 1000 lbs, a weight distributing hitch will shift some of that to the front axle. I am just worried about cutting it close on weight. Any thoughts on this?

[FLgatorgirl]

Well, I just spoke to a tech at Monaco. The parts list for this particular coach shows the rear axle is the 23,000 lb not the 20,000 listed in the brochure for 05. The front axle is 14,000. However, numbers still don't match with the GVWR/GCWR listed in the coach at 34600/44600. Where did that extra 3,000 lbs of capacity go?

The assumption from the Monaco tech is that they possibly downgraded it as a safety factor. He said that typically if people are told it will carry a certain weight, many of them will push that limit. He also said that there is already a cushion factor of at least a few thousand pounds built in, but that downgrading the axle would allow a bigger cushion.

I would still appreciate any further knowledge that anyone may have on this subject or on this model/year Windsor. Thanks!

[walt2137]

The reason they down graded the axle is Fed Regs on the toll roads of 20,000# its still the 23,000 axle. The 1000# tounge weight will actually be multiplied by lever action, I posted a formula in one of the Motor Cycle Rear ramp or carrier threads.

[FLgatorgirl]

Thanks Walt. It makes me feel safer to know we have that extra cargo capacity. We don't normally travel with full water and a ton of cargo, but you never know. I looked at your formula on the other post. Taking some educated guesses without having the coach or trailer yet and using a weight distributing hitch, should be around 1400 lbs added to the rear axle. I am hoping to get either a shorter and or lighter trailer and keep the loaded trailer well below 10,000 lbs.

We placed a deposit on the coach late this afternoon with PPL in Houston and have to await their PDI before driving the 1000 miles to inspect in person. Hoping to be a card carrying Monaco member soon!