what to do with an over weight motorhome

Hey dumboat2,

When I bought my 2007 BT Cruiser Model 5291 (30ft with 3 slides), on E 450 chassis, I experienced the same overweight rear axle problem you have. I took the RV to the Ford service center and they said Gulf Stream overloaded the rear springs (9 leaf pkg) and it was a "Safety Concern". I contacted Gulf Stream and they agreed to upgrade the 9 leaf pkg to an 11 spring pkg at MorRyde and they also moved the generator from the rear passenger corner forward to the storage bin behind the front passenger seat. These additional springs really improved the stability of the ride and solid feel of the rear of the RV.

You need to let Jayco know that they are putting an RV on the road that is not designed for the chassis they put it on and have created a major "Safety Concern".

Pete

235s will clear the front. You'll have to measure the rear. They are about 3" taller than the stock 225s so you'll need at least 1.5" around your back tires.

Is 235 tires an option for this rig? That would definitely solve the problem.

I've been trying to divine why our Jayco Escapade is so heavy, feature-light and slide-free as it is.
My thought is that they used a steel subframe for the house. I don't know if they tried to shed weight by using aluminum subframes in the slide-equipped units.

Put in on an E85 diet? :)

tatest wrote:

The weakest point for the rear end of most C's is tire load capacity, which is predicated on heat generated carrying a particular load at a particular speed and road temperature. Driving slower gives you more margin on load. Driving faster can make a tire "overloaded" even if it is not overloaded according to the numbers on the sidewall.

An alternative would be a wheel and tire upsize, to 17.5 wheels with LR F or G tires. However, those higher load ratings, in that wheel size, usually come with much lower speed ratings than those of the 16" tires used OEM by Ford.

^^^THIS

The axle won't fall apart because its a few pounds heavy. Even grossly overloaded, it would probably only accelerate wear, but it won't fail catastrophically. Springs probably won't break either, its mostly a ride-height and suspension travel issue.

Tire though.... they will fail catastrophically. I'm over 10k on my rear axle when towing heavy and every seat it full. I run 235 tires in the rear (265s front) which gives my 2780 pounds per tire.

365,000 miles so far, so good. I did break the differential carrier once, but that was because I hit a new water bar across a forest road, going about 50 MPH. Jumped the van high enough it would have been a top-hit youtube video, had there been a camera running:o Still made it home though. Didn't even find the problem for about 3-weeks, when my "worn bearing" noise didn't go away after replacing them all.

super_camper wrote:

Dakzuki wrote:
What really is a shame is Jayco would build an RV with those limitations.

Wouldn't every RV with a similar chassis and size have the same issue regardless of manufacturer? Most out there have something competitive

RV manufacturers can choose the materials they use to build the house. Aluminum is lighter than steel and ply or built up hollow core structures are lighter than particle board.

Check to make sure your gray and black tanks are empty.
Carry only enough fresh water for your destination.
We wait for major grocery purchases until we are at or very near our destination.
Eliminate nonessential items.

To the OP, you can weigh yourself at any of the Washington weigh stations along the highway. Just drive into one when it's closed and you won't bother anyone.

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I would travel with minimum fresh water and fill the tank close to the boonedocking site . Also run fuel at a half tank and stop more often for fuel . Additional groceries can be purchased closer to destination and stored in the front cab area for the last hour .

Upgrade front and rear sway bars , add the best air bags front and rear , and upgrade shocks and tires as they wear out . If you do not tow a car , think about a small trailer .

Have fun - Be safe !

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