Wild Cargo optional 7000 lb axles

[2old2fly]

While ordering our WC we did not spec this option as we understood they come standard with 7000 lb axles. We don't want or need the disc brakes or optional wheels and tires that come in the package for over $4000. Now we find out they only come with 6000 lb axles. We are not to happy with 6000 lb axles.

I would like to hear opinions on either option. We do fulltime so weight is a factor.

[Mr_D]

How do you know you don't need the disk brakes or optional wheels and tires? They may in fact be a Federal requirement to get the higher rating.

[2old2fly]

The trailer is still rated at 21000 lbs with the 7000 lb axles.

All I am saying is I don't want to pay over $4000 for disc brakes or heavier wheels and tires. I only want heavier axles.

[Mr_D]

You have a combined axle rating of 18,000#'s (three 6,000# axles)
The GVWR is 21,000#'s
That means that the pin weight would need to be 3,000#'s with the 6,000# axles.

With three 7,000# axles you could have a pin weight of 0.

But the way the web site is layed out I can see where you (or anyone else) could get confused about the axles and windows (see below)

Also, what you want isn't an option. You get what the manufacturer specs and they don't offer the 7,000# axles without the disk brakes, heavier wheels and tires. As to whether you're happy about it------well, pay for the upgrade or live with what you ordered. I suppose you could buy the heavier axles from Dexter and have them changed, but I'll bet you still need the heavier wheels and tires to fit the new axles and the axles would probably come with disc brakes. I'm sure it'd be more expensive that way too.

I see several "inconsistencies" in their web site. The talk about "thermopane windows" as though they're standard, then say their -10 guarantee is only good if you order the optional thermopane windows. Also Thermopane windows used to be a registered trademark of a stick house window manufacturer. Maybe that's changed though.

[Still Working "NOT"]

2old2fly,

While I understand your concern, if I was to have your rig I would want the disc brakes and heavier axles. The concern is being able to safely stop everything in a panic stop. The disc brakes are a big help in that event. I don't have them on my 2010 Wild Cargo but I also am pulling with a tractor that has large air brakes on it. Had I order it instead of buying it already built I would have had the 7000# axles with disc brakes.

Sorry I can't help you on the overall weight as I have never weighed my rig. I know that I am not near the carrying limits and I do carry a lot of stuff, but the back end is light. I doubt if I have 500 lbs. back there. With bikes or four wheelers you are adding weight and that helps on the pin weight.

[Perry White]

I wouldn't care about the disc brakes over drum on the trailer, but a 41 ft trailer does have trailer brakes as standard equiptment doesn't it? Standard is 16' tires where the 7000# is 17" Michelns and disc brakes. Am I missing something?

[Still Working "NOT"]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Perry White I wouldn't care about the disc brakes over drum on the trailer, but a 41 ft trailer does have trailer brakes as standard equiptment doesn't it? Standard is 16' tires where the 7000# is 17" Michelns and disc brakes. Am I missing something?

Your not missing anything Perry. Each state has different requirements for "need to have brakes" depending on the weight. Disc are better brakes than drum and they do cost more upfront. A lot of cost in the $4000.00 is in the cost of the wheels and tires.

[RickS]

Well, I believe that the 8 bolt axles on my 2012 WC are 7000lb rated. IMHO, knowing what I know now, and using this unit since spring is that I would never order another trailer that weighs this much without disk brakes.....Even with a MDT/HDT. If it came down to price on the options I would have dropped some of the luxury items for the 17.5" tires and disk brakes.

[2old2fly]

I am not concerned so much about the brakes as I am about the axle rating. I am sure the disc brakes are good but I seldom use the brakes unless, like has been said, I need to stop very quickly.

I want the piece of mind having the extra strength of heavier axles.

[Endeavor2BnC]

OK, I'm confused. It was my understanding that an Excel comes standard with 7000# axles and 16" Goodyear tires. The option of disk brakes with 17.5" tires comes with 8000# axles. I sure hope that's the case, because if not, I'm over weight.

[2old2fly]

I should clarify. This is on a Wild Cargo.

[Still Working "NOT"]

Here is the 2012 catalog.

http://www.excelrvs.com/assets/files...12-catalog.pdf

All Wild Cargo's come with 6000# axles. You can put on 17.5 tires and wheels on which I did.The bolt pattern is the same. My concern here was not being near the max weight per tire.

[RickS]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2old2fly I am not concerned so much about the brakes as I am about the axle rating. I am sure the disc brakes are good but I seldom use the brakes unless, like has been said, I need to stop very quickly. I want the piece of mind having the extra strength of heavier axles.

Karl,
I'm just wondering what you mean by the above statement?

"I seldom use the brakes unless, like has been said, I need to stop very quickly. "

It seems to me that we are always using our trailer brakes on any type of towing. I had my brake controller not work for me on the last trip and I was surprised how much I had to lean on the Freightliners brakes to stop the truck and trailer......it pushed me pretty hard and took a fair distance to get it stopped. If, it would have been an emergency stop it would have been scary as hell. It ended up being just a pin connection on the back of the controller. The WC 41GKE is the heaviest trailer PI makes and with options and loaded with water/ fuel is probably in the 19K range without toys in the back. The better brakes give me peace of mind even though the Freightliner does a pretty good job of stopping the freight train!! (64ft long) I will give Curtis a call and clarify the axle ratings.

[RickS]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Still Working "NOT" Here is the 2012 catalog. http://www.excelrvs.com/assets/files...12-catalog.pdf All Wild Cargo's come with 6000# axles. You can put on 17.5 tires and wheels on which I did.The bolt pattern is the same. My concern here was not being near the max weight per tire.

Here is the spec sheet.....looks like 6K axles. My last fifth wheel had 6k axles with a 6-bolt wheel pattern. The WC has 8 bolt pattern. Hmmm?




I looked up the disk brake 6k / 6 bolt wheel pattern axles and found this.

http://dexteraxle.com/i/u/6149609/f/...rake_12-10.pdf

The 7K and 8K axle setup have 8 bolt wheel patterns. Hmmm?

http://dexteraxle.com/i/u/6149609/f/...rake_12-10.pdf

Couldn't see PI spec out a 6k axle with a 8 bolt wheel pattern. Maybe the new 2012 spec is wrong.....nice WC in the 2012 book.