Community Forums

DSL417 · 02-10-2013, 12:38 PM

Sorry, but So I know this has been discussed recently, but want to make sure thise new guy understands correctly, based upon the Michelin RV Tire Inflation chart and my weights:

From the CAT Scales:
Front
Actual Weight 15,800
Entegra Max Weight 16,600
Tire 315/80R22.5
Rec Entegra Tire Pressure at max 110 (at max)
Michelin Recommendation at current weight 110

Rear Dual
Actual Weight 25,420
Entegra Max Weight 20,000
Tire 295/80R22.5
Rec Entegra Tire Pressure at max 85
Michelin Recommendation at current weight 90-95

Tag
Actual Weight 7,060
Entegra Max Weight 12,000
Tire 295/80R22.5
Rec Entegra Tire Pressure at max 95
Michelin Recommendation at current weight 85

Tires are Energy XZA1 for front and XZA2 for all rears.

The Michelin Chart rec is what I interpret for what my weight was measured.

I have a feeling that the CAT equation used for distributing the rear weights is for trucks, even though I told them it was an RV.

I'd be interested in those of you that have experience in what is right and what, if anything I'm doing wrong. Certainly, I don't know how you'd redistribute 5000 lbs off the driver duals (if the CAT scale equations are right). Thoughts?

lp5151 · 02-11-2013, 08:50 PM

you definitely need to re-weigh to confirm the first set of weights are accurate. if they are, you should probally have a spartan tech reset your tag to a heavier setting to reduce the overage on the duals. of course, by adding weight to the tag, it will increase weight on the front axle to some degree...noting you don't have a lot to work with on the front axle.

Mr_D · 02-11-2013, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lp5151

you definitely need to re-weigh to confirm the first set of weights are accurate. if they are, you should probally have a spartan tech reset your tag to a heavier setting to reduce the overage on the duals. of course, by adding weight to the tag, it will increase weight on the front axle to some degree...noting you don't have a lot to work with on the front axle.

Yep, need less weight on the drive axle and more on the tag.

DSL417 · 02-11-2013, 09:25 PM

So the question in my mind is:

1) Should I trust the CAT scales and their equations as all three axles were on the same scales. When I watch the video on the CAT website (speaking to trucks, though), the video suggests that there are two or more scales and it is a process.

2) Given the above did I get a bad weight. I don't see us carrying that much more than most. We certainly have space left underneath and in the cabinets above.

3) Given what is a typical load, did the coach leave the factory poorly balanced to begin with? What's the norm? I see a lot of folks talking about getting their rig weighed, but I don't see a lot of discussion of rigs this new out of the factory being this out of balance.

Thanks for your inputs.

loisjop · 02-12-2013, 06:50 AM

Dave, I had my 44dlq weighed at lazydays and at Spartan. They weighed each axle seperately. My drive axle weighed 18,900 with the same tag weight as you have. So if you're not carrying gold bullion over the drive axle there is no way it weighs 25,000 lbs. I carry 115 in the front and 95 in all the other tires. Noel

lp5151 · 02-12-2013, 09:13 AM

Definitely need to weigh each axle by its self. Then you can see for sure what your weights are. Out here in Oregon, ODOT leaves the scales on even when they are closed....that's when we use the scales to check out our axle weights.

tnrzryd · 02-12-2013, 01:17 PM

Ideally you should try for a four corner weigh. If you are an Escapee member, try their SmartWeigh program. Closest to you would be in Livingston TX. SmartWeigh_Default

I have one in AZ about 60 miles from my house. Will be heading there soon after returning home.

DSL417 · 02-12-2013, 02:32 PM

I talked with the CAT people this AM...I am convinced I didn't weigh the vehicle properly...We redo it once we hit the road out of New Orleans next week. Thanks to all for the input.

Think first opportunity, I'll do as Tom suggests, but for now want to make sure I have the proper inflation on the tires, particularly the front.

MRUSA14 · 02-12-2013, 02:53 PM

If it doubt, it is better to err on the high side in terms of pressure, but do not exceed the maximum pressures stamped on the wheel and molded onto the tire sidewall.

DSL417 · 02-25-2013, 08:37 PM

So, reweighed today with a full tank and full water, empty grey and black. little more reasonable:

Steering: 15,800
Drive: 15,400
Tag: 10,160

That looks a little better; makes the air pressures look a little better as well.

Marcosdad · 02-26-2013, 03:20 PM

Dave:

Although we have an Aspire, I found the same difference with individual weights vs CAT scales. My drive axle was 14,050 with individual weights and zero on the CAT scale with the trailer weight 23,280. My opinion is all you can get off the truck scales is the total weight which one can compare to the GVWR.

DSL417 · 02-26-2013, 05:08 PM

Actually, I don't think these weights look too bad. All are within the specs from Entegra and consistent with the air pressures suggested by RVOne (though I don't trust that very far at this point). If you go back to the first post, you'll see out of whack I was with my screwed up approach (my fault on the scales). The fact that I'm 7000 below gross max (as I understand it) is a little more comforting. By the way, not all CAT operators will let you weigh one side only (so you can do the math for individual axles and sides). I got the impression that guidance had come out from CAT.

I'm a little concerned that the front is within a thousand of max, so I'll discuss that with Entegra after we work through some larger issues.

I'd certainly welcome any other thoughts.

tnrzryd · 02-26-2013, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DSL417

Actually, I don't think these weights look too bad. All are within the specs from Entegra and consistent with the air pressures suggested by RVOne (though I don't trust that very far at this point). If you go back to the first post, you'll see out of whack I was with my screwed up approach (my fault on the scales). The fact that I'm 7000 below gross max (as I understand it) is a little more comforting. By the way, not all CAT operators will let you weigh one side only (so you can do the math for individual axles and sides). I got the impression that guidance had come out from CAT.

I'm a little concerned that the front is within a thousand of max, so I'll discuss that with Entegra after we work through some larger issues.

I'd certainly welcome any other thoughts.

Dave, you really should be looking at tire charts for appropriate air pressures rather than what RVOne recommends.

DSL417 · 02-26-2013, 08:03 PM

Tom,

Doing that tomorrow. Have the charts. Just weighed yesterday...before fighting the wind...just to pooped last night. Back in a camp tonight for a week and I'll take care of it. I was just curious if the balance is consistent with you more experienced travelers see. That's what I meant by looks good. I'm actually running 110 in the front, 85 on the drive and 90 on the tag...I think that is probably within 5 or so of what I looked at on the charts before, but I'll confirm tomorrow.

And your right on the mark with the trust the folks out in FL. That has slowly gone by the wayside.