triple axle toy hauler

I have found fuel economy is more of a function of aerodynamics then weight.

I have a tandem and a triple axle toy hauler and actually get better fuel mileage with the heavier triple axle hauler weighing about #5000 more than the smaller one.

I don't think it's strictly the turning radius, but rather where the tires are going to run. You're more likely to run over curbs and campsite corners with a triple axle than a double axle.

westernrvparkowner wrote:
We have had to adjust our site occupancy guidelines to account for triple axle rigs. Several sites we used to consider appropriate for all rigs are now restricted to "no triple axle fifth wheels". Unfortunately, triple axle rigs require a country mile to make a turn and we have gotten tired of the need for them to drive across the fronts of neighboring sites to make a turn any other rig can easily make staying on the driving surface. The sum total of all that is we only have a very few sites in which we allow triple axle fivers and if they are sold out, we won't accommodate them in any other site. So there is at least a few parks in the world that having a triple axle rig will make it harder to get a site.

As far as turning radius, what is the difference between a 40' 2 axle and a 40' 3 axle?

Cool, my mistake completely. And I've put the Dexter EZ-Flex kit on my triple axle so you'd think I'd know better. :)

Thanks for the correction.

fj12ryder wrote:
Just a clarification: I've seen several references to "HD Shackles", but the shackles are what the springs bolt into and are welded to the frame. Are we talking about removing, cutting/grinding off the welded on shackles, or are we talking about replacing the bolts and equalizers?

Those are "spring hangers". Shackles are the links between the springs and equalizers.

We have had to adjust our site occupancy guidelines to account for triple axle rigs. Several sites we used to consider appropriate for all rigs are now restricted to "no triple axle fifth wheels". Unfortunately, triple axle rigs require a country mile to make a turn and we have gotten tired of the need for them to drive across the fronts of neighboring sites to make a turn any other rig can easily make staying on the driving surface. The sum total of all that is we only have a very few sites in which we allow triple axle fivers and if they are sold out, we won't accommodate them in any other site. So there is at least a few parks in the world that having a triple axle rig will make it harder to get a site.

Just a clarification: I've seen several references to "HD Shackles", but the shackles are what the springs bolt into and are welded to the frame. Are we talking about removing, cutting/grinding off the welded on shackles, or are we talking about replacing the bolts and equalizers?

We just finished a 14,700 mi 10 week trip from Alaska to Florida and back, with many side trips in between. Pulled a 43ft triple axle TH.

As far as 3 axles go, I liked the added weight distribution, the trires do scrub a bit a low speed maneuvering turns. Just DON'T look in the mirror at the tires, it will frighten you how much they deform. But, not one single tire problem over those 14,700 miles. Rear tires seemed to wear a bit more than the rest, but barely noticeable. I carried the Maxxis ST 16" E rated and was very satisfied.

Turns tighter, but just pay attention and it isn't that big of a problem. I only snagged one curb the entire trip and that was from a bad choice of roads with absolutely not enough room to avoid the curb.

My biggest piece of advise is make sure you tow with a fifth wheel hitch and not a goose neck adaptor. We bought the TH used, (our first RV) and the previous owner had used the GN adaptor. Major frame stress problems we had to get fixed halfway through the trip.(Lippert frame by the way, just saying)

Re the shackles - REPLACE them as soon as you can, preferably with the heavy duty 1/2" greasable versions. We had the standard shackles and replaced those about 12,000 miles into the trip. Normal wear and tear, but go with the heavy duty for longer wear and peace of mind. It's cheap insurance.

TV is a 2013 F450, pulled like a dream. Triple axle TH tracked behind it like it wasn't even there. One benefit to the f450 was BRAKING. We had an intermittent wiring problem for a short while that caused the trailer brakes to not work reliably. Very nearly couldn't tell the trailer wasn't braking unless I used just the break controller to see if it would tug back on the truck.

Dexter kit is awesome. Very beefy.
Great upgrade and highly recommended.