Atlee wrote:
I guess I'm too dense to understand about tires, etc. This is what I know. The little certification tag placed on the trailer by the manufacturer gives the following numbers. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating = 5500#. The Gross Axle Weight Rating = 3500# (each) for a total of 7000#. The tires are ST205/75R15 LRC, with 15x5 J rims.
I guess I'm still confused why the GAWR is the number I need to use in figuring margins, when the GVWR is 5500#, or 1500# less than the combined axle total.
If I loaded my TT up to the 7000# GAWR total, I would have overloaded the TT by 1500# according to the manufacturer. I realize there may be some folks who view the GVWR figure given by the manufacturer as a "suggested" number. I, however, consider it an absolute number.
I have also seen some manufacturer who in the dream world of brochure nunbers have a GVWR equal to or a little more than the Axle rating. The manufacturer explains it away by saying some of the GVWR is carried by the tongue and not the axles. Technically this is true, however I view that as a case where the manufacturer is providing zero margin of error to the TT purchaser.
As a last note, the sidewalls of the tires that are currently on the TT say they can carry up to 1820# each @ 50# PSI.
You've pointed out part of the problem. Trailer manufacturers aren't consistent - and the manufacturer of your trailer seems to be taking the issue of not over-loading the tires to heart. But the only way to be sure is to weigh the trailer. Do that and we'll try to give you a better answer.
