Axle rating and tongue weight

[abi2001]

We've been looking at so many 5th wheels and calculating hundreds of different figures, but we're confused about one thing...

One rig in particularl that we really like is the Heartland Toy Hauler 5W TQ325. CCC is around 3,030# and GVWR is 16,250#. However, it only has 2 axles, rated at 7,000# per axle, but that comes to 14,000#. How is it this number is more than 2,000# less than GVWR? Is it taking into account tongue/hitch weight, which is 2,370#?

We were getting discouraged, but then we realized the difference between GVWR and axle rating may be made up in the tongue/hitch weight. If so, then this is a good matchup...correct?

TIA!

[Skip426]

You're getting the picture , the pin weight being supported by your truck is part of the 5er's GVWR.
The bad news is if loaded to GVWR the axles are the bare minimum required to support the trailers weight, and tires are probably the same.
A friend has already had to replace the axles, springs and tires on his 3 year old Cougar toy hauler , and he has never been loaded to GVWR, and he has scale weight to prove it. Argument with the manufacturer is on going.

JMHO: Look for a trailer that has more weight wiggle room, or look into factory ordering a unit built to your spec's , heavier axles , springs and better tires.

[abi2001]

Thank you, Skip426!

[SmokeyWren]

The only use of GVWR on a trailer is to match trailer to tow vehicle. After you get the trailer then you'll never use trailer GVWR again. Instead you'll use trailer combined GAWR to determine if the trailer is overloaded, and you'll use GVWR of the tow vehicle to determine if the tow vehicle is overloaded.

The CAT scale will not tell you GVWR of the trailer. And it will not tell you hitch weight on one pass through the scale while on the road 1,000 miles from home.

The Cat scale will give you the weight on the trailer axles, which you compare to combined GAWR of the trailer to see if the trailer is overloaded.

The CAT scale will give you the weights on the front an rear axles of the tow vehicle. Add those together and compare to the GVWR of the tow vehicle to see if you're overloading the tow vehicle.

The CAT scale will give you the combined weight on all the axles of the rig. Compare that weight to the GCWR of the tow vehicle.

Hopefully you did due diligence to assure that you don't exceed the combined GAWR of the trailer, or the GVWR or GCWR of the tow vehicle.

Happy camping!

[wingnut60]

If you really like the trailer you have looked at--TELL them you would be interested more if the axles were 8000 and the tires 17.5"--see if they will supply them.
You will never know the wisdom of 8k/17.5s unless you buy the trailer as it is equipped...
Or, for around $4k, you can have 8k axles/brakes/tires put on, and sell the takeoffs for about $1500...

[abi2001]

Interesting... I will keep that in mind. Thank you!

[Franka548]

I agree with SmokeyWren and wingnut60. My 5er isn't a toyhauler but it has a GVWR of 16,360# and it has 2 7000# axles and a scale weight of 13,500# which is too close to the maximum for my tastes, I went with the 17.5" wheels and tires about 4 years ago and that was the best thing I ever did. I just installed the Dexter EZ-Flex and wetbolt kit last week and the plastic bushings were just about worn out, that is after between 20 and 30,000 miles. Have had no problems with the axles and springs, but I still agree with getting the 8000# springs and axles if you can. I will add to get the disk brake option while you are ordering, you will not regret it
Frank

[wingnut60]

To add another upgrade option: Take a look at the MorRyde IS (Independent Suspension)--this takes the 8k axles out of the equations and uses independently sprung wheels. They can supply any weight rating you want. I don't recall any negative reports from anyone who has this upgrade.
SO, to summarize all the above--on the higher GVWR fivers, you would want the 8K rating on the suspension, disc brakes and 17.5" wheels and tires. All of this should be available from the mfg on a new order; if not, consider a mfg that will provide them.
It can be a retrofit, but more expensive at that point.
Joe

[abi2001]

I like the upgrade ideas. They're definitely on our list now. Thank you!

[Franka548]

Joe,
Good call on the MorRyde IS, I keep forgetting about that because I usually buy a used trailer and the upgrade is not cost effective.
Frank