Interesting weights info - 2017 Dutch Star

[fsudelt]

So I was getting something out of one of my kitchen cabinets this morning and looked at the weights sticker Newmar puts in. What I found interesting is they labeled the rear GAWR as 21,000 not the 20,000 that shows in the 2017 brochure. All other axles were just as listed, but with the extra 1,000 that then makes the FL chassis GVWR 50,000. Wonder if this was a typo or they increased the limits on the chassis?? Not that we are anywhere close to limits as when we got weighed we were 7,000 under based on 49,000 but just interesting to see higher axle rating.

[Algoma]

The reason is that you have the manufacturers spec for the actual axle, which is
"Detroit DA-RS-21.0 21,000 lbs. capacity". I have the same issue on my front axle which is listed as 14,000 lbs but actually uses a 14,700 axle. As you say, it doesn't really matter. I guess when marketing write the brochures they like round numbers.

[twojayhawks]

I also have a 21K drive axel and the sum of the axel ratings is more than my GVWR. I was told regardless of axel ratings my chassis was limited to a lower number due to some limiting factor (brakes, suspension, I-beams, etc. ) ?? I never got an answer so I just dropped it.

[Ramjet]

The axle manufacturer can built the axle to any weight they desire. However, federal commercial vehicle maximum standards on the Interstate Highway System are: Single Axle: 20,000 pounds. So, the vehicle manufacturer can't advertise anything above that limit. Just my opinion.

[PDR John]

Originally Posted by Ramjet

The axle manufacturer can built the axle to any weight they desire. However, federal commercial vehicle maximum standards on the Interstate Highway System are: Single Axle: 20,000 pounds. So, the vehicle manufacturer can't advertise anything above that limit. Just my opinion.

RVs got changed to the same as commercial buses a couple years ago. 24,000 lbs on the drive axle now.