Community Forums

workbgone · 10-18-2020, 05:37 PM

The steer axle on my 2020 VTDP 4369 can be overweight if I have full fuel, front seats occupied, typical loading and 55 Gallons of fresh water. The steer axle is rated at 14700 and my steer weight with this loading is 14740. My total weight is 39960. They checked the ride-height while I was at the Service Center a few weeks ago and made a minor adjustment to try to shift weight from the tag axle to perhaps lighten the steer axle. They didn't have weighing capability, so I weighed on a CAT Scale after leaving Newmar and obtained the above mentioned weight. I sometimes travel with 100 gallons fresh water and two teens on the couch sofa seat. This would no doubt, push the steer axle weight up quite a bit.
The 2020 Ventana was a redesign adding the roof mounted Girard awnings and new front and rear caps. Perhaps this may have added additional weight to the steer axle? The 2021 Ventana 43' coaches have increased the steer axle to 15600 and added larger 315/80 tires and wheels, so this shouldn't be a concern on the 2021 models.
The Newmar folks told me they haven't had anyone with this model reporting this issue and asked if I had any knowledge of weights on other 2020, 43' Ventana coaches?
I am interested in hearing axle weights from other 2020 43' VTDP coach owners if you've had them weighed? Any inputs would be appreciated..

Guidol · 10-18-2020, 06:59 PM

Did you ask Newmar what the weight was when they shipped out. They should have this.

sgwyble · 10-19-2020, 06:45 AM

I had the ride height adjusted at Gaffney and the front axle with occupants is 14,320. I do not have loaded weights prior to their adjustments.

workbgone · 10-19-2020, 07:24 AM

Thanks, yes I have the 'as built' or UVW weight specification sheet. No problems there as the coach was empty of people, cargo, and water.

workbgone · 10-19-2020, 07:35 AM

Thanks for your Gaffney steer axle weight. Interested in knowing your fuel, water and cargo bay loading (short or long vacation)?

Mr_D · 10-19-2020, 07:51 AM

Our '02 DSDP was overweight on the front axle if I filled the fuel tank. After some letters back and forth Newmar had me drive to the Spartan factory where they replaced the 12,000# front axle with a new 14,600# unit. Later I went to wider wheels and 305/70 tires on the front.

Guidol · 10-19-2020, 09:20 PM

What was your weight from factory?

Cscape · 10-20-2020, 02:44 AM

While I don't have a 43' with tag, I can tell you that I have about the exact same issue with my 37' VTDP. I weighed my coach with full fuel and water as well as my wife and 2 adult children in the coach. The weight came in a hundred pounds over my 12,500# limit. So I had to ask the kids to sit farther back and moved some heavier items in the bays toward the rear which solved my problem. Since my fuel tank is forward, that seems to be the biggest driver. Once down to 1/2 tank, I didn't have any problems.

sgwyble · 10-20-2020, 05:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sgwyble

I had the ride height adjusted at Gaffney and the front axle with occupants is 14,320. I do not have loaded weights prior to their adjustments.

I should have included this up front. When it was weighed fuel and water were full. We were on the way back from FL so we were heavily packed. This was in early April when COVID shortages were peaking. Lots of canned goods and a large cooler full of meat in the bays.

workbgone · 10-20-2020, 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guidol

What was your weight from factory?

Factory build weights were:
F-13280 D-16200 T-7815
Scale weight 37295
UVW with options 37730

workbgone · 10-20-2020, 06:53 AM

Thanks for the input...what year is your coach?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cscape

While I don't have a 43' with tag, I can tell you that I have about the exact same issue with my 37' VTDP. I weighed my coach with full fuel and water as well as my wife and 2 adult children in the coach. The weight came in a hundred pounds over my 12,500# limit. So I had to ask the kids to sit farther back and moved some heavier items in the bays toward the rear which solved my problem. Since my fuel tank is forward, that seems to be the biggest driver. Once down to 1/2 tank, I didn't have any problems.

Newmarjay · 10-21-2020, 08:04 PM

Here is my weight on my 2020 Ventana 4369. Me inside , loaded with my stuff, full tank of fuel and about 1/3 to 1/2 a tank of fresh water.

workbgone · 10-21-2020, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newmarjay

Here is my weight on my 2020 Ventana 4369. Me inside , loaded with my stuff, full tank of fuel and about 1/3 to 1/2 a tank of fresh water.

Newmarjay: Thanks for your weights..seems as though my total weight is about 1000 lbs more than you. About 36-37% total weight goes to front axle.

GCSuper · 10-22-2020, 06:14 AM

We had our 2020 Ventana 4369 serviced and weighed at Gaffney. We were on a trip, so we were loaded. I had a little over half tank of fuel and approx 50% fresh water.
LF 7130 RF 6790 Total Front. 13,920
My total weight was 38,890