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timmac's avatar
timmac
Explorer
Sep 27, 2016

Over Weight Axle, How Much Is To Much

OK I just had my setup weighed today and my total weight was 26,620 lbs by Cat scales at truck stop, {motorhome and stacker trailer loaded, fuel tank full and full fresh water}

Fleetwood listed GCWR/trailer at 25,500 but Ford list it at 26,000 lbs, but I have added air bags, frame extension was strengthen and larger hitch so I could tow more weight.

My only issue I have is the drive axle weight was 14,460 lbs but the axle is listed as a 13,500 lbs, my front axle was 900 lbs under its max weight, my tires have been increased from F rated to G rated so I am very good as to tires but my rear axle has me concerned, could travel with less fresh water and only fill gas tank to 3/4 but don't like that, so I am planning on shifting heavy stuff forward and removing excess heavy stuff to lighten load and moving Jeep on trailer back 2 inches to make tonged lighter and this should bring the weights down some.

But my real question is what is the long term issue with the drive axle being over weight, will this damage my axle or is 960 lbs over its weight for now no concern, planning to bring my axle weight down to 14,000 lbs by shifting things around.

  • Tire max carry weight adds up to 19,000 lbs just the 4 in back, total all six is 28,400 lbs.

    And the trailer tires max carry weight adds up to 10,500 lbs.
  • X2 - what is the tire rating? Exceeding that is not a good thing.
  • Boat weighs about 650 lbs so no on top of Jeep, can remove some stuff on trailer and maybe replace decking with something lighter if need to, Ford list it Gross weight/trailer at 26,000 lbs so I am not to far off from Fords rate, Fleetwood down rated it to 25,500 why I don't know.

    My biggest concern is the weight on drive axle for now.
  • Generally axles can take overload with no problem and you solved the biggest issue what is tires rating.
    Still sounds like you are on right track limiting the water carrying.
    With Jeep movement you might be limited with required tongue weight.
    Can you tow Jeep 4 down and boat on top of it?