Only way to really know is to weigh your rig!

[BlueThunder4]

Had an eye opening experience with respect to how quickly payload adds up. Heading south for a 9 day Disney trip with our new rig and I wanted to know what our coach weights were fully loaded for our trip with the Wife, myself, 3 kids. Being as I thought there was no way we could possibly load all 2,000lbs of available payload, we loaded without regard as well as filled fresh water tank to full and full propane. Nothing over the top was loaded just the usuals, and we are not heavy people at all either so wasn’t too concerned with passenger weights. Pulled into the first fuel stop at Pilot Center and filled fuel up to full again and then hit the CAT Scale. I went inside and walking back to the coach took a look at the weights and was shocked to see that my total gross weight was 18,260lbs, 260lbs over my 18,000lbs rating. Steer axle was 6,420lbs with a 7,000lbs max rating and drive axle was at 11,840lbs with a 12,000lbs max rating so I guess at least my axle ratings individually were within limits. Of course I can easily reduce the 260lbs over gross weight but it was enlightening to see how reality can differ from ones perspective of a guesstimate. Thought I would share this as we have all read many posts with people saying “we don’t take that much stuff”. I wonder how many of us ride around with no idea that we are over weight.

[Mr_D]

Probably a lot more over weight than realize it.
My rig weighs 46,700 empty and gvwr is 54,000. Guess I should weigh it to be sure but the front axle was 2,000#'s under last time I checked it. Didn't have time to unhook and check the back end.

[WeatherTodd]

well if you dont weigh your coach... how do you know what pressures to set your tires at? Weight makes a HUGE difference in required air pressure!

This is probably especially true in 5th wheel rigs. 2 of my friends have been "okie doked" when they purchased 5th wheels with a 3/4 ton truck...lol.
These are not stupid people either...

[FIRE UP]

Originally Posted by BlueThunder4

Had an eye opening experience with respect to how quickly payload adds up. Heading south for a 9 day Disney trip with our new rig and I wanted to know what our coach weights were fully loaded for our trip with the Wife, myself, 3 kids. Being as I thought there was no way we could possibly load all 2,000lbs of available payload, we loaded without regard as well as filled fresh water tank to full and full propane. Nothing over the top was loaded just the usuals, and we are not heavy people at all either so wasn’t too concerned with passenger weights. Pulled into the first fuel stop at Pilot Center and filled fuel up to full again and then hit the CAT Scale. I went inside and walking back to the coach took a look at the weights and was shocked to see that my total gross weight was 18,260lbs, 260lbs over my 18,000lbs rating. Steer axle was 6,420lbs with a 7,000lbs max rating and drive axle was at 11,840lbs with a 12,000lbs max rating so I guess at least my axle ratings individually were within limits. Of course I can easily reduce the 260lbs over gross weight but it was enlightening to see how reality can differ from ones perspective of a guesstimate. Thought I would share this as we have all read many posts with people saying “we don’t take that much stuff”. I wonder how many of us ride around with no idea that we are over weight.

Bluethunder4,
I wouldn't get your dander up over it. If you were 5 times the amount you'r over, that coach would handle it just fine. Yes, they give limits so we "should" abide by them. If they (the chassis, frame/suspension and all related components) were that critical to be at the EXACT weight, the coach/chassis builders would have installed a device that, as soon as you went a POUND over weight, the coach would not start and, all kinds of alarms would go off.

We have an '04 Itasca Horizon 36GD with CAT C-7 330HP and, it has a 17,500 lb rear axle and a 10,410 lb front axle. I used to haul our '08 Honda GL 1800 Goldwing on the rear of it, with a Hydralift. When that bike and lift was on the back of the coach, it was 2,100 lbs OVER the rear axle GAWR. We did it that way for over 8,000 miles and, two years. No one died, the sun still rose and set, we still have a moon, and I didn't have to kill my first born.

With all sarcasm aside, these coaches are more stout than you think and, there's safety factors built in. 260 lbs is nothing. One person can step in your coach and put that much in it. It will survive.
Scott

[Winemaker2]

If you want really good info have 4 corner weights done.
You also need to know how that wt is distributed side to side.
I'm in the middle of that exercise.
If you are in FL there is an Escapee RV park near Bushnell right off I75 that can do corner wts.
I had mine weighed and learned opposite corners were heavy and us an indicator of air suspension adjustment off. Appt Mon th adjust and then plan to verify w reweigh.

They recommend weighing w FW propane & fuel full so you get a worst case. We don't normally travel that way but might given certain situations.

[MisterT]

also, you'll be back within specs in just 260 miles!