Forum Discussion

_DJ_1's avatar
_DJ_1
Explorer II
Jul 19, 2013

Does ANY trailer manufacturer use adequate tires/axles?

I was looking at trading my TT for a TH. Brand new 24' Sandstorm by Forest River. It was loaded. Had everything I wanted. 40 gallon gas station, 4000 genny, 155 watt solar, big shower, front bedroom and HUGE tanks.

No more lugging gas cans, generators and have a free pickup bed for more junk!!!

But when I look at the "nuts and bolts" of the thing:

GVWR = 7758
GAWR = 7000
C rated China Bombs = 7280

I know, I know. They get away with it by saying the truck (hitch) carries 10%. But that is under IDEAL conditions with the trailer sitting perfectly level and loaded so both axles are carrying the same amount of weight.

But I thought Toy Haulers would be different. Load 1200# of quads in the back end and I'll bet the rear axle is overloaded!!!

I am still considering the TH but I WILL swap out the tires/axles for 4400# axles, 16" wheels and LT's.!!! :M

26 Replies

  • Dexter Torflex Axles
    Maxxis Tires

    Yeah, I'm happy. It seems the lower end lines use the leaf suspensions, etc.

    WoodGlue
  • 17.5 H raters and I think 8000# axles, Newmar does not fool with the razor edge.

    Go big /overkill or go home
  • JaxDad's avatar
    JaxDad
    Explorer III
    I think your math is a little of friend..

    According to the Forest River website, that unit (never mind tongue weight) has a payload of 2,508 pounds. Considering the engineering that goes into it almost anything these days, I bet 1,200 pounds of cargo will have that safely under both the GVWR and axle weights.

    Don't forget, a tandem axle setup has an equalizer in between the axles, and as the name suggests, it spreads the load between the axles, whether the trailer is level or not.
  • Our fifth wheel.(see sig)
    GVWR 14,900
    GAWR 14,000
    "G"rated tires 3750# per tire 15,000# total
    US made GY
    More than adaquate
  • All manufactures by law install adequate axles. Adequate is generally defined as GVWR minus tongue/pin weight. Same for tires. If you insist on loading more weight than a trailer is designed for buy a higher capacity trailer the first time.
  • ktmrfs's avatar
    ktmrfs
    Explorer III
    Our trailer

    GVWR 8600
    GAWR 8800
    tires 225/75-15 D (2400/tire??)

    tongue weight loaded 1000lbs, so yes, ours came in the "adequate" category. Definitely not overbuilt, but at least some margin. Fully loaded, we are near the 8600lbs and GAW is under 8000lbs with wD hooked up.

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