Community Forums

wayfarer2021 · 09-08-2020, 05:20 PM

Looking at getting a toy hauler. When looking at axle weights on 2-axle trailers I am concerned about the numbers. For example, looking at a Grand Design 351M, the GVWR is 16,800 lbs. Assuming a 20% hitch weight that would be 3360 lbs. 16,800 - 3360 = 13440 lbs on the axles. Two 7000 lb axles equal 14000 lbs. 14,000 - 13,440 = 560 lbs "margin" left on the two axles. What if you load the trailer to max but end up with less than 20% hitch weight. This just seems like the toy hauler is marginal for 7000 lb axles. This is true not just for the Grand Design but for other two axle trailers I have looked at.

This has got me looking at 3-axle tailer though I really don't want a 41 foot hauler. Most 3-axle trailers have a 20,000 GVWR so the 3-axles (7000 lbs each) alone could carry the weight and still have a 1000 lb "margin" not even counting the hitch weight.

Am I over looking something here? I guess you could upgrade to 8K axles but the manufactures seem OK with 7K axles.

rblanch · 09-09-2020, 07:23 AM

I have the Raptor 39.5' 2 axle toy hauler with a 17,000#GVW. Your not missing anything. If you want to actually haul toys your either going to have to upgrade the axles and springs or go for the 44' triple axle. Because of the remote parks we go to ride I did not want the extra 4.5'. After a couple of trips I upgraded the axles and springs to 8000# added hydraulic Disc brakes and shocks. Rides and hauls as smooth as can be now. I think they get away with it assuming most people aren't going to haul any toys or only haul once and a while. I also upgraded to the larger Sailun tires.

wayfarer2021 · 09-09-2020, 07:34 AM

Thanks for the reply. I'm in the same boat as far as length. Adding 8K axles and disc brakes is nice but also adds probably $6-7K to the cost. I don't think adding 8K axles vs 7K from the factory would be that much of a price increase. Seems too simple of a solution to me.

I have never seen an RV on the lot with upgraded axles and brakes. I would have to order one. Given the current situation no telling how long that would take.

Looking more and more like a 3-axle trailer.

rblanch · 09-09-2020, 07:51 AM

I did the work myself and it cost around $4,500.00. I'm not sure you could even order them with 8,000# axles. A lot of the state and federal parks we stay at say max trailer length is 35' and we squeeze the 40' in I know most places we go wouldn't fit the 44'. That's why I just decided to upgrade the suspension myself. The worst part of the original suspension was the brakes they were just not big enough. Disc brakes are night and day difference especially in the mountains.

wayfarer2021 · 09-09-2020, 08:00 AM

Manufacturers do offer upgrades. Grand Design charges $7K for axles and disk brakes.

My current RV setup , 2014 Columbus and truck 2015 Ram Dually, does not stop good at all. I have my brake controller set on heavy and maxed out at 10 and the rig still does not stop worth a darn. That is one of the reasons I am thinking about a 3-axle trailer. I hear the braking is much better. As you know disc brakes are probably the optimum solution though at a cost.

I also know, by reading many threads, people complain about the Ram brake controller not providing adequate braking. I will be upgrading the truck to a 2021 and am considering a Ford F350 or GMC 3500 this time. I have not heard complaints about the brake controller on Fords or GMC.

rblanch · 09-09-2020, 08:16 AM

I wish they had the option for triple axle on the 40' range trailers.

**hamm2018** · 09-09-2020, 10:14 AM

If you are concerned about the weight get rid of the axles. Talk to Morryde and look at the Independent Suspension system.
When you upgrade with this switch to the 8K suspension and disc brakes.
We have a 2018 Road Warrior 427 and in the end of October we are having it switched to the Independent Suspension.
Last June 2019 we had disc brakes installed by Performance Trailer Braking at the Heartland National Rally in Goshen for $4200. Now since we already have the disc brakes Morryde said they can use our brakes so it will save us around $4500 on the conversion.
So the conversion in October will cost us $6200 for the tri-axle.

dsrace · 09-10-2020, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nineback

Manufacturers do offer upgrades. Grand Design charges $7K for axles and disk brakes.

My current RV setup , 2014 Columbus and truck 2015 Ram Dually, does not stop good at all. I have my brake controller set on heavy and maxed out at 10 and the rig still does not stop worth a darn. That is one of the reasons I am thinking about a 3-axle trailer. I hear the braking is much better. As you know disc brakes are probably the optimum solution though at a cost.

I also know, by reading many threads, people complain about the Ram brake controller not providing adequate braking. I will be upgrading the truck to a 2021 and am considering a Ford F350 or GMC 3500 this time. I have not heard complaints about the brake controller on Fords or GMC.

so that is interesting. do you have a link to that option on there web site? i ask as i was looking at the https://granddesignrv.com/showroom/2...ans/350g#specs but it barely has enough ccc to haul a golf cart let alone a turbo 1000 sxs or my sand rail. i called back when and they told me the frame wasn't strong enough to use stronger axles. the west coast camper manufactureres not only offer axle upgrades but they list it as an option on there web site. not knocking what you said i legitimately would like to see the web page showing this option after having been told no by there rep.

wayfarer2021 · 09-10-2020, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dsrace

so that is interesting. do you have a link to that option on there web site? i ask as i was looking at the https://granddesignrv.com/showroom/2...ans/350g#specs but it barely has enough ccc to haul a golf cart let alone a turbo 1000 sxs or my sand rail. i called back when and they told me the frame wasn't strong enough to use stronger axles. the west coast camper manufactureres not only offer axle upgrades but they list it as an option on there web site. not knocking what you said i legitimately would like to see the web page showing this option after having been told no by there rep.

You have to do a Build and then you can see the options. Here is a link to the 351M build. Look under the options and you will see the 8K axle with disk brakes for $4957. https://www.granddesignrv.com/shoppi...orplan/6/64742

HDGoose · 09-10-2020, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nineback

You have to do a Build and then you can see the options. Here is a link to the 351M build. Look under the options and you will see the 8K axle with disk brakes for $4957. https://www.granddesignrv.com/shoppi...orplan/6/64742

A build from the dealer website or at a dealer?

wayfarer2021 · 09-10-2020, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HDGoose

A build from the dealer website or at a dealer?

The Grand Design Web page where the link points to. I priced out one exactly like the dealer had in stock and the MSRP was the same as the one inside the RV.

dsrace · 09-13-2020, 06:59 AM

nineback, great info!! they do offer the 8k lb axle upgrade on the m class. that is something they need to offer on the home page! so on 8k lb axles you can get oil bathed hubs. i am not sure if gd offers them but far better then standard greased bearings. i went to build and price a 350g.....no axle up grade option so the g class must have a weaker frame. i wanted or need to stay under 40' over all so it fits in my building. also need a 14' garage or a open floor plan. if they would swap to 8k axles on the 350g then that would fit the bill but they don't.