Close to rear GAWR - Normal?

[Kathy_MD]

You all seem much more adroit than I in these matters, so I ask for your advice and opinions.

In researching tire pressure for my MH I discovered the rear axle weight is close to the GAWR. I was curious so I looked under the MH and noticed two things:

1. The top of the rear axle it is about 5 inches from the bumper on the fame.
2. The springs are flat from one end to the other - no discernible arch.

Questions:

1. Is this condition something to cause concern?
2. Should I install after-market supplemental lifts (i.e. air bags)?

Note 1: The coach is in ready-to-go condition. Meaning, full fuel, 1/4 water, empty holding tanks, loaded with food and clothing. I have moved as much off the axle as I could to the front compartments. Although the front axle could handle more, I can't/won't redistribute any more weight.

Note 2: GAWR is 13,500 Actual weight is 12,940. This is a F-53 228" chassis.


Thanks for your expertise.
Katherine

[Clifftall]

On note # 2. That's one of the minor setbacks with a gas coach, however you are well within your weight limits. IMHO, carrying any more than needed is a waste of fuel. Keep up the good work. Hopefully, someone will address your other questions..

[sd1209]

This is not a direct response to your issue, just sharing my similar issue....

I bought a used 2006 30' Class A, Gulfstream, about a year ago.....F53 chassis.....After purchase, totally empty on the way home to Calif from Idaho, I had it weighed at a CAT scale......

The GAWR front is 7000 lbs, it weighed exactly that in the front, 7000 lbs...The rear was about 2000 under GAWR .....Totally empty, no tool, food, etc except about half tank of gas.....

Anything I put in front of the rear axle puts it over in the front.....There are 2 small storage compartments behind the rear axle which I load the heavy things....But it is impossible to keep the front under GAWR...All the fluids are in front of the rear axle.....

I never thoght about getting it weighed before purchase, I just assumed that the mfg would adhere to standards..An auto mfg would never be allowed to get away with this (or the many other issues with MH's I am finding out about).....They do not, at least not in this case....In the end, my fault....but I learned an important lesson in the motorhome field......

Really to bad because I like the MH .....

Steve and Liz
Fallbrook, Ca

[Luv2go]

We have a similar weight distribution issue in our coach. As long as the weight is under GAWR, you're good to go. If you are experiencing ride problems you can install AirLift, Ride Rite, MorRide or other supplemental products, but I would not install them unless you are having a problem.

Stewart

[pkunk1]

Very similar coach & weight distribution to what I have. The Firestone Ride Rite in the rear will help transfer some apparent weight forward and does improve handling.

[Bob King]

Kathy_MD:
I have 2005 Hurricane with the F-53 chassis, 208" WB. The rear springs, like yours are nearly flat, no arch at all. I'm about 1500 lbs below Gawr (13,500). so I think there is no problem with the springs. I'm no engineer, so take my opinion for what it's worth.
Bob

[Kathy_MD]

Based on the replies here, and a phone conversation with a suspension company, my observations are "normal". Bob King's observation on his coach (previous post) confirmed this normalcy.

Thanks for your replies.
Katherine