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ptbtx's avatar
ptbtx
Explorer
Sep 18, 2018

Class Cs with high rear axle capacity

I recently bought a 32' 2010 Winnebago Access (Ford E450 chassis). Prior to leaving for a 4 week trip and prior to loading it up for the trip I took it to a scale and the rear weighed in at about 9400 and the front at about 4000. So the MH itself is taking up so much of the rear GAWR (9500 max) that there isn't much left over for bedding, clothes, food, etc. I had to cut back on what I planned to bring and now have to store everything in the front. I also removed the rear TV and the rear queen mattress and replaced it with a smaller and lighter mattress. This particular MH has plenty of room for storage in the bedroom but it's very disappointing that it can't be used and it's also very inconvenient to have to move everything from front to back at the end of the day's drive and then from back to front at the start of the day's drive.

By the way, when the MH was weighed the fresh water tank light showed 1/3 full, the gas tank had about 45 gallons (out of 55 when full), the propane tank was full, the gray and black tanks were empty, and I was the only passenger. I had two hoses and a few extension cords in the back passenger side hatch. I had some tools, etc. in the left and right front hatches, but nothing out of the ordinary with respect to their weight.

So even though the OCCC at 1866 seemed reasonable prior to purchase I see that most of that CC is available in the front, not the back where it would have been much more convenient.

So am now looking for advice regarding which models to look at with better OCCC especially CC on the back axle.

26 Replies

  • I suspect I'd go in the direction of shorter rather than super C. Unless there is something used and reasonably priced in an E550 (though I don't know the GAWRs on that chassis).
  • Based on my looking and reading, any e450 based class c that is over 30 feet and has slides is at or very near the rear axle limit from the factory. You'd need to go to a super c to get a beefier rating.
  • I only ended up with a 32 footer because that's what we found on the lots and it was a decent price, good shape and only 11K miles. Wouldn't mind looking for another used C but was curious to know if there are high OCCC models I could be looking for.
  • carringb wrote:
    If you otherwise like the coach, why not just upgrade the wheels and tires?

    https://ricksontruckwheels.com/wheels-ford-e350450.php

    As far as other models... besides overall length, the biggest factor in rear axle loading is the wheelbase. 32' Class C's should have anything less than 220". Basically, the better the wheelbase to length ratio, the better the rear axle loading scenario will tend to be.


    And increase spring rates, and or add air bags!
  • If you otherwise like the coach, why not just upgrade the wheels and tires?

    https://ricksontruckwheels.com/wheels-ford-e350450.php

    As far as other models... besides overall length, the biggest factor in rear axle loading is the wheelbase. 32' Class C's should have anything less than 220". Basically, the better the wheelbase to length ratio, the better the rear axle loading scenario will tend to be.
  • Do you need a Class C that long?

    The obvious way to help with this is to go smaller ... while staying with the Ford E450 or Chevy 4500 chassis under it.