Can't wait to share more weight stuff
We have loaded our 2104 Itasca Sunstar 31KE (F53 Chassis) for our ongoing travel. We've culled everything we don't need from the load out, but have what we need for normal travel. The chassis is ra...
Forum Discussion
Are you sure the coach is built on the 16K Lbs chassis and not the 18K Lbs chassis? I have the bargain basement Thor 31D Hurricane that is built on the 18K Lbs chassis. Granted the various coach brochures list it as the 16K version but check the Ford incomplete vehicle chassis stickers. Should be one on the fire wall. The problem isn't what Ford made but what Itasca chose to build on.
It's always best to be under the limits, if reasonably possible, just not sure how that is possible with a 31' coach. Looking at the Ford 2014 F53 chassis specifications for the 16K and 18K chassis the axles are identical with front rated at 8000 and rear at 12,000 pounds, same rear gear ratio, same disk brake size and booster, same transmission, same steering equipment. What is different is the capacity of the leaf springs with lighter springs on the lighter chassis. I guess you could add air bags or something like Sumo Springs to supplement the light spring rating as long as your loading stays with the axle limits of 8 and 12K.
Is your coach a rolling death trap? I don't think so. Your not wildly over loaded. With the only major difference between the 16 and 18K Lbs chassis being the spring capacity you'll probably start bottoming out the suspension on poor roads. Might be a bit noisier and hard on the fillings in your teeth. Another possibility is to shift weight to either a trailor or toad. You do have a full 5000 pounds available there.
It's always best to be under the limits, if reasonably possible, just not sure how that is possible with a 31' coach. Looking at the Ford 2014 F53 chassis specifications for the 16K and 18K chassis the axles are identical with front rated at 8000 and rear at 12,000 pounds, same rear gear ratio, same disk brake size and booster, same transmission, same steering equipment. What is different is the capacity of the leaf springs with lighter springs on the lighter chassis. I guess you could add air bags or something like Sumo Springs to supplement the light spring rating as long as your loading stays with the axle limits of 8 and 12K.
Is your coach a rolling death trap? I don't think so. Your not wildly over loaded. With the only major difference between the 16 and 18K Lbs chassis being the spring capacity you'll probably start bottoming out the suspension on poor roads. Might be a bit noisier and hard on the fillings in your teeth. Another possibility is to shift weight to either a trailor or toad. You do have a full 5000 pounds available there.
