Community Forums

flamebuster · 08-22-2019, 01:41 AM

Looking at packing large tool box and parts for 4 wheeling events.. How much can the bay storages carry. I can't find nothing in the brochure or in the bays themselves. Any body have experience or information? Is 2,000 lbs. too much spread between the 2 large pass thru bays? Tried searching and all I found was info for Newmars. and some info Kwiee slide trays with 1,000 lb capacity's.. In case it dosn't show I have 2007 diplomat 40' with 400hp. ISL.

RustyTools · 08-22-2019, 04:29 AM

When I was rep'ing scuba equipment, we'd cram the bays of our '06 Endeavor completely full with tanks, gear bags, weights, tools, etc. It also had a slide-tray which helped distribute the load. I don't know that we got a full ton in there, but it sure felt like it!

The bay floors were a roto-mold plastic, so I was careful to put the heaviest stuff closest to the edges and/or over the rails. I did notice that after several years of use, the plastic floors and the cross-rails were permanently bowed down a bit. That's when I added some 3/4" plywood to the other bay to help spread the load even more.

Be sure to secure the load well. I was always concerned that things might shift and bust out thru one of the bay doors.

Hope this helps.

mdc99 · 08-22-2019, 08:35 AM

I would imagine that carrying 2,000# of extra cargo would put you over GVWR if that matters.

Timaz · 08-22-2019, 10:05 AM

My slide out full trays are rated for 1000 lbs

flamebuster · 08-22-2019, 08:59 PM

thanks for the comments. I did find my slide out tray is a Lippert with a 800 lb. capacity. But out of over precaution I decided to help support the bottom of the bay by running 3/16" cable over the chassis frame rails and down to the iron rectangular tubing under the bay. I drilled holes in the plastic floor on each side of the tubing to loop the cable around the tubing and tightened the cable with a turnbuckle. I plan to weigh most everything and total it up just for a reference and balancing...

RustyTools · 08-23-2019, 05:17 AM

Sounds like a plan. Maybe put some plywood across the plastic floors where there's no actual support?

Not my business for sure but I gotta ask, where are you traveling with all those gold bars?

I'd like to follow behind you.

**Spdracr39** · 08-23-2019, 06:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdc99

I would imagine that carrying 2,000# of extra cargo would put you over GVWR if that matters.

Way over if it is in addition to all your regular stuff.

CountryB · 08-23-2019, 09:18 AM

Why do you say that?
How do you know if an additional 2,000 lbs puts him overweight?

I had my Coach weighed (at each wheel) while fully loaded with fuel, water, and the typical stuff we travel with, plus carrying the motorcycle on back. It came in at 44,200 lbs. My GVWR is 46,300lbs so I have 2,100 lbs of additional carrying capacity.

So it's possible OP can also carry another 2,000 lbs.

mdc99 · 08-23-2019, 01:52 PM

Why do you say that?
How do you know if an additional 2,000 lbs puts him overweight?

CountryB I am sure the info you provided for your tag axle coach is correct. However the OP stated he has a 2007 Diplomat which would not have been available with a tag axle. I believe most owners of similar coaches would tell you that by the time you get the "normal" items loaded you would be fast approaching GVWR. If the OP is gonna load an extra 2000# I don't think there is anyway that he won't be substantially over GVWR. I think that we would have an obligation to anyone that reads this in the future and leads them to think they could do likewise in a similar coach without safety and/or liability concerns to think otherwise.

flamebuster · 08-24-2019, 12:41 AM

Rusty tools I do plan on using wood to evenly distribute the weight between the steel trusses under the bays. Besides the wood helps keep the items from sliding all over place..
Don't worry about my gvw being over. We have certified scales right here on the farm so it is easy for me to weigh all 4 corners and adjust things to stay legal..
I don't know how much my tools weigh or the extra stuff. I do realize the bay floors can bend from the gear bouncing while in transit, that is why I am playing it safe and installing extra support. The cable is an easy non intrusive way of support. To add steel bracing from the frame to the cross members would require a lot of plastic removal to uncover the frame rails to move wires and air lines away from the areas I would need to drill and install bolts. It is not as radical as it may sound..If I don't like the layout I will move the tools to a trailer..But thanks for the heads up and concerns, I appreciate everyone's input,

flamebuster · 08-24-2019, 01:09 AM

Because I am a night owl/workaholic, and the concerns expressed got me to thinking what if...... I decided to go pull my last scale records fully loaded with fuel/fresh water and present gear.
The front axle was 10,900 lbs. and is rated for 13,000. lbs.
The rear axle was 18,900 lbs. and is rated for 20,000 lbs.
Looks like I have room for 3,120 lbs. which is more than enough room to play with..

RustyTools · 08-24-2019, 07:58 AM

Sounds good, plenty of extra 'head-room'. But you know you'll fill it all up quickly.

Always nice to have the equipment and tools to tackle any job. Not many have easy access to scales

, I'm jealous.