Jump to content

Axle ratings


Lee and Christine

Recommended Posts

Ok. Been reading for a while.

 

Thanks for all the replies so far and I'll keep my questions as few and brief as possible.

 

In buying a new 5th wheel it would appear that there are some come concerns about axle and tore ratings. I understand the tires.

 

How do I know what the true per axle rating is for a trailer?

 

Thanx for any help.

 

Lee

Link to comment
Share on other sites

There is a federal certification label located on the forward LH external section of your trailer. It has the date it was manufactured, its VIN number, its GVWR, each axles GAWR, tire sizes and cold inflation pressure recommendations.

 

Here is a picture I took of certification label at a RV show some time ago.

 

http://www.irv2.com/photopost/showfull.php?photo=29698

 

 

 

38' fiver - Dodge Dually

AKA: FastEagle

USN Retired - DOD Retired - SSA Retired

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Remember that the weights listed on that required data plate are the designed limits and you need to weigh the trailer to know for sure what the actual weight is as most manufactured do not weigh the completed RVs but use theoretical weights based upon the base unit with no optional equipment and often not reflecting any manufacturer changes that may have taken place since the original design.

 

And there is not need to limit the number or frequency of new posts or threads that you start. Questions are what makes an RV forum thrive! Ask away... :D

Good travelin !...............Kirk

Full-time 11+ years...... Now seasonal travelers.
Kirk & Pam's Great RV Adventure

            images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQqFswi_bvvojaMvanTWAI

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Actual axle weight rating is stamped into a metal band (chicken band) around each axle. The axle weight ratings will NOT add up to the trailer Gross Vehicle Weight Rating/GVWR. This is because the mfgr. assumes a certain amount of weight is on the pin box, therefore the truck is carrying that weight.

 

2000 Winnebago Ultimate Freedom USQ40JD, ISC 8.3 Cummins 350, Spartan MM Chassis. USA IN 1SG retired;Good Sam Life member,FMCA ." And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country.  John F. Kennedy 20 Jan 1961

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

There is another difference in actual axle designed weight capacity and manufacturer's axle weight rating. Our rig has 7,000 lb Dexter axles, but was delivered with Goodyear Marathon tires. The tires were rated at 3420 lbs each, so two tires would only handle 6840 lbs, so they de-rated the axles to 6750 lbs. We run 3750 lbs rated g614's now, but the label still says 6750 lbs per axle.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

As 57becky points out. It's not just the axle ratings that count. Look for the weakest link in the chain. Tires. Axles. Brakes or whatever. Then base what counts on that weakest link. Often that weakest link can be upgraded. But not always. (Years ago there were a number of stories going around the campfire of 5th wheels breaking their frames just aft of the hitch. Some there's another weak link).

 

regards

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

RVers Online University

Giraffe G4.

mywaggle.com

campgroundviews.com

RV Destinations

Find out more or sign up for Escapees RV'ers Bootcamp.

Advertise your product or service here.

RVTravel.com Logo



×
×
  • Create New...