Weighed the motorhome

[Busnut]

I took the motorhome to the scales yesterday. After looking at the scale they have three sections for weighting. The drive and steer are to close together if you drive up the way trucks do. I thought my best interest would be to go on the scale the opposite way the trucks do. Because I can weigh all 3 axles in one step. This is my results any suggestions are welcome.
Monaco Executive 43 DS2 air bag pressure setting on the gauge is 30 lbs

[pasdad1]

I can drive my tag axle motorhome on the scale in the normal direction and measure all three axles.

There is a point where tag is on one scale, drive axle is on another scale, and the front axle is in the third scale.

The tag reads as a trailer.

[Warhorse6]

Ditto pasdad1

[Busnut]

The scale I was at the steer and drive where to close. The drive and tag would be on the same scale. Trailer axle section for a truck

[wolfe10]

On a tag axle coach with adjustable pressure on the tag, the rule is:


Same percent of each axle's GAWR on each axle.


Post each axle's GAWR as well as actual weight and we can help.

[RobRoy]

" The Federal Certification Label is a guide in knowing the maximum loaded
axle weight rating GAWR, and subsequently the correct tire inflation pressure for that weight.

Every recreational vehicle, even of the same make and model, will vary in actual loaded axle weights because of different options and personal loads.

While the actual loaded axle weight should be below the GAWR, the
motorhome must be weighed in a loaded condition to know its actual weight.

Weigh the front axle, the total unit and the rear axle. This includes the tag axle. It is possible for a motorhome to be within the GVWR yet overloaded on an axle. It is even possible for one wheel position to be overloaded, even though the GAWR has not been exceeded. For this reason it will be necessary to weigh each wheel position of the motorhome to give a clear indication of exactly how the weight of the motorhome is distributed.

Instructions and diagrams are presented on the following pages. When the total weight and the weight on each axle is known, the tire load data chart in this manual will show the correct cold inflation pressure per tire for each axle.

There are two important factors to consider when loading the motorhome: total weight and balance. When loading heavy objects keep them as low as possible, preferably on the floor or below in storage compartments. Load weight must be distributed as evenly as possible."

Hope this Helps

Happy Trails

[Busnut]

[wolfe10]

OK, using the weight sticker in the post immediately above-- guess I will do the math.


Front axle GAWR 14,600. Actual 15,440. Percent 106%= OVERLOADED


Rear axle GAWR 23,000. Actual 14,840. Percent 65%= well underloaded


Tag axle GAWR 10,000. Actual 8,400. Percent 84%




Two things:


Move any weight you can toward the back. If potable water tank in front, carry less water if you can.


Lower tag axle PSI to reduce weight on front axle as well as tag and add weight to drive axle.

[153stars]

EDIT ..I see wolfe10 just chimed it with what proper answers.
To clarify your question.... I'm assuming...is your distribution about right per axle and tag pressure about right can you do better. Not how to get on particular scale better or is it better to get all wheels weighed individually , common knowledge but much easier said than done.Judos for gratin on scale and wanting to get help.

[Fishar]

I think the weight tickets from 2 different users are being confused here.

[wolfe10]

Received a PM asking that I run the numbers using the weight sticker in the first post-- guess I will do the math.


Front axle GAWR 14,600. Actual 14,260. Percent 98%


Rear axle GAWR 23,000. Actual 20,060. Percent 87%


Tag axle GAWR 10,000. Actual 5,120. Percent 51%


Move as much weight toward the back as you can. If water tank on front axle, travel with less if you can.


Not much you can do with the tag axle that will help. If you try to carry more weight (higher bag pressure) on the tag, it will lessen load on the drive axle and add weight to the front axle (which is within 2% of full capacity).

[96 Wideglide]

Originally Posted by pasdad1

I can drive my tag axle motorhome on the scale in the normal direction and measure all three axles.

There is a point where tag is on one scale, drive axle is on another scale, and the front axle is in the third scale.

The tag reads as a trailer.

Attachment 369990

Yeah, you should definitely be removing some tag axle air bag pressure!

Your carrying more weight on a two tire axle, than your 4 tire drive axle.

[Bat Dude]

OK weight is actually mass.. OK a science nerd here.


Total weights or axles weights do not tell the story. Find an Escapees Smart Weigh program near you and have each wheel weighed. So very very often total mass er weights are "allegedly within range" however, one particular wheel may be horribly over the limits that will cause tire and bearing failures.


We no wan dat mi friend as we used to say in Belize. Most RV are reported to grossly over weight and mechanical failures due to over loading a given wheel. Apparently 5th Wheels are the most over weight on the road and have more failures as a result.


My $.02 worth... well if I still lived in Belize that woudl only be U.S. $.01

[vito.a]

Busnut, your axle ratings are identical to our coach: 14,600 front, 23,000 drive axle, and 10,000 tag axle.
Your largest variable is the fuel tank. Monaco installed the 150 gal fuel tank in the front compartment just behind the propane tank. In newer model years Monaco moved the fuel tank to the mid basement compartment and added larger 315 front tires.
Diesel fuel at 70 degrees weights 6.91 pounds per gallon. Most round up to 7 pounds. When full you have 1050 pounds just behind the front axle.

So, the question is how were you loaded? If your tank was full you are probably okay.
Your water tank is so far aft it may not affect your front axle weight.

This is not isolated to Monaco coaches. We have a friend with a 2004 Newmar Essex and his front axle is slightly over weight with the full fuel tank.

This also points out another reason for keeping good quality tires on the front and keeping air pressure according to weight.