GAWR Question
My Fifth Wheel has 6,000 pound rated axles, and the Gross Axle Weight Rating on the decal says GAWR 6,000#. I've always assumed that this means that the maximum load is divided in 1/2 to give 3000# m...
Forum Discussion
TucsonJim wrote:
My Fifth Wheel has 6,000 pound rated axles, and the Gross Axle Weight Rating on the decal says GAWR 6,000#. I've always assumed that this means that the maximum load is divided in 1/2 to give 3000# maximum load per wheel position. Is this a correct assumption?
Let me give an example:
GAWR = 6,000
Max Wheel Load = 3,200
Max Tire Load = 3,520
If I had the rig loaded at 3,100 on one side, and 2,900 on the other side, I would not be overloaded on the tire and wheel. The axle would still have 6,000 pounds between the two wheels. Is this an overload or not?
I've done some research and can't seem to find any decent information on this topic other than peoples opinion on RV/trucking forums. Can anyone point me to some official documentation that explains how this works?
Thanks much.
Jim
Read FMVSS 571.120. Just type that into your search engine.
The RMA says to balance the loads on your axles. Tires with enough reserve load capacity would not be over loaded but the wheel end carrying an extra 1000# IS overloaded.
