Rv axle rating decision
I am early on in the buying decision for our first fifth wheel. My question is whether or not to insist on 8000lb rated axles, irrespective of the GVW of the particular rv. Should this be a "must opt...
Forum Discussion
Old-Biscuit wrote:
My 5vr came 'standard' with 6K axles and a GVWR 13,675#
I upgraded to the 7K axles which changed GVWR to 14,375#
Cargo carrying capacity remained the same.
IF 8k axles are an option.....go for it. Always better to have MORE axle and increase load carrying margin (amount axles really support) then be right at/closer to axle ratings....especially the suspension. (spring pack rating)
No reason this shouldn't be here....it is 'tech' in nature. But does it really matter
Interesting how the GVWR got raised. Many (all?) jurisdictions that can't be changed after-market so the axle upgrade was pre-original delivery?
With the cargo capacity remaining the same, and the GVWR going up by 700lbs, that means the trailer itself now weighs 700lbs more empty with the heavier axles. So what has been achieved? No increase in load carrying margin at all. Just more weight for the truck to deal with.
I do agree with upgrading the tire capacity in some cases where they take different weights each side and the total per axle is close to GAWR. This can mean one tire is overloaded at GAWR. However that has nothing to do with the axle ratings.
Mostly the trailer has a certain frame strength, hitch strength, axles, tires etc etc and it is all supposed to be fine the way it is. If you don't like its specs, there are lots (pun!) of others to choose from.
Weight threads are hopeless! :( Nobody ever convinces anybody. Like trying to tell RJ his PD converter isn't the best ever :)
