Community Forums

POPPASMURF · 09-02-2012, 08:43 PM

I am negotiating accepting the trade-in of a fifth wheel in the sale of our DP. After reading some horror stories here I am checking out some axle and loading specs. The one unit spec. indicates it has axle capacity of 12,000lbs. GVWR OF 13,100 LBS, NET CARRYING CAPACITY OF 2,195 LBS, HITCH WEIGHT OF 1,970 LBS.
Is my thinking way off base or are these axles overloaded-by design? Do we not subtract the hitch weight from the GVWR to yield the the true carrying capacity up to the limit of the axle capacity??

wingnut60 · 09-02-2012, 08:59 PM

You need to subtract the hitch weight from the gross weight--that weight is NOT on the trailer axles. Sounds like the trailer you are looking at has 2-6000lb axles. The gross weight less the carrying capacity (13100 less 2195 = ) would be the dry weight, if you have that figure available. You would not be able to figure the actual carrying capacity without weighing the trailer as it sits.

But you are mostly correct in that the mfgs will build to minimum safe engineering specs to save money.

Joe

POPPASMURF · 09-02-2012, 11:18 PM

Yes, the manufacturer has listed the dry weight @ 10,905lbs.Would I have to spring for a pair of 7,000lb axles?

caissiel · 09-03-2012, 07:17 PM

I have the 7000 lbs axles on mine and its been a great performer. I see to many 5th wheels with limited 6000 lbs axles. To me its a no brainer, for improved ride and brakes.
But there is a problemn with Load range E tires being used on 7K axles. With my 110 psi tires I get great fuel mileage with less tire drag. Also 80 lbs in 3500Lbs tires will heat up much more. So Get 7K axles with load range F or G tires.

FastEagle · 09-03-2012, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by POPPASMURF

I am negotiating accepting the trade-in of a fifth wheel in the sale of our DP. After reading some horror stories here I am checking out some axle and loading specs. The one unit spec. indicates it has axle capacity of 12,000lbs. GVWR OF 13,100 LBS, NET CARRYING CAPACITY OF 2,195 LBS, HITCH WEIGHT OF 1,970 LBS.

Quote:

Originally Posted by POPPASMURF

Is my thinking way off base or are these axles overloaded-by design? Do we not subtract the hitch weight from the GVWR to yield the the true carrying capacity up to the limit of the axle capacity??

Are you buying a new fiver?

The weights and measures for a new fiver must be correct at the time of first sale. Do not use the axle manufacturers tag on the axel for GAWR. The vehicle manufacturer actually sets the GAWR. The only valid GAWR is what the vehicle manufacturer has depicted on the vehicle’s certification label.

This is a direct quote from DOT regulations: “On RV trailers, the sum of the GAWRs of all axles on the vehicle plus the vehicle manufacturer's recommended tongue weight must not be less than the GVWR. If tongue weight is specified as a range, the minimum value must be used.”

The figures you have provided indicate that regulation has been satisfied.

Now you have to do some work on the cargo capacity label.

FastEagle

POPPASMURF · 09-08-2012, 12:23 AM

Well, I chickened out on marginal one. Took a 2006 Landmark as trade-in. It has been used 4 times since new. PO just spent $2800 on new decals to replace the faded ones. Being in Canada- I don't know if we have similar protection with our DOT. This unit is within the realm of being realistic for weights & measures. Who sells RVs with a single 12 volt battery? That is next project- to populate it with sufficient 6volt storage & solar setup. Thank you for all your input.