Forum Discussion
Your not overloaded from an Axle or Gross Vehicle standpoint. That said, I know that Ford wants at least a third (why they say 32% and not just 33% or a "third" kinda beats me) of the unit's loaded weight on the front axle. I calculated just under 30% from the numbers you provided.
"One-Third" is one rule of thumb. The other one I've heard is "75% of GAWR-Front" and you're above that at nearly 84%.
So, although I'd like to see you shift 200-300 pounds from aft of the rear axle to forward of the rear axle, I'm not convinced that weight distribution is the problem. On our Jayco, the fresh water tank is under the coach body, pretty much centered over the axle. So full or empty, it's a rear axle weight, but doesn't unload the front axle when full. But!!! Both the Black and Gray waste tanks are behind the rear axle, so we always try to run with those empty.
Since I think the issue is something else...
Did you adjust Tire Pressure according to the CAT scale axle weights? If you have Load Range E tires and they're inflated to the max of 80 PSI shown on the sidewall, I can PROMISE you that the handling is going to be squirrely. Read Michelin's Load/Pressure Chart and scroll to your tire size. If you match your size, the Brand doesn't have to be Michelin. The numbers still work. You should have NO MORE than 50 PSI front. Look up the rear, too, but overinflated rears just ride harder, don't do much to affect tracking.
Is there a damaged part in your steering, or even in your rear spring shackles and bushings? I think I mentioned front Idler Arm and its mounting bracket.
Then have its alignment checked/corrected by a truck shop. Fords benefit from the CASTER setting toward the upper end of the range, so we try to avoid having it set to midpoint. I don't know about Chevy, but Caster contributes to tracking.
Your coach should do better...
"One-Third" is one rule of thumb. The other one I've heard is "75% of GAWR-Front" and you're above that at nearly 84%.
So, although I'd like to see you shift 200-300 pounds from aft of the rear axle to forward of the rear axle, I'm not convinced that weight distribution is the problem. On our Jayco, the fresh water tank is under the coach body, pretty much centered over the axle. So full or empty, it's a rear axle weight, but doesn't unload the front axle when full. But!!! Both the Black and Gray waste tanks are behind the rear axle, so we always try to run with those empty.
Since I think the issue is something else...
Did you adjust Tire Pressure according to the CAT scale axle weights? If you have Load Range E tires and they're inflated to the max of 80 PSI shown on the sidewall, I can PROMISE you that the handling is going to be squirrely. Read Michelin's Load/Pressure Chart and scroll to your tire size. If you match your size, the Brand doesn't have to be Michelin. The numbers still work. You should have NO MORE than 50 PSI front. Look up the rear, too, but overinflated rears just ride harder, don't do much to affect tracking.
Is there a damaged part in your steering, or even in your rear spring shackles and bushings? I think I mentioned front Idler Arm and its mounting bracket.
Then have its alignment checked/corrected by a truck shop. Fords benefit from the CASTER setting toward the upper end of the range, so we try to avoid having it set to midpoint. I don't know about Chevy, but Caster contributes to tracking.
Your coach should do better...
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