Forum Discussion

drillagent's avatar
drillagent
Explorer
Aug 10, 2014

Different Kind of Weight Question

Here's one I don't think I've seen before. Can I overload the tires while I'm sitting still? Here's why I ask.

I currently have GY Marathon E rated tires on my 5th Wheel. Yes, I know. I plan on changing to G rated tires. But until my money tree matures, that's what I have. Max combined capacity is 13,680lbs.

I weighed the truck and empty trailer yesterday. I say empty, but it came with two full propane tanks and a Splendide washer/dryer.

Yesterday's pin weight came out to 2,340lbs and trailer axle weight 10,680lbs, for a total weight of 13,020lbs. That leaves 660lbs available to stuff.

I really didn't expect the pin weight to take away from the trailer axle weight. So, can I add 1,000lbs of stuff to the trailer, knowing that while it's sitting, it's going to be over the capacity of the tires, but while towing, it will be well within the tire's capacity, or will it cause damage to the tires? While typing this, I just thought of something. As soon as my wife and I step foot into the trailer, my available stuff weight will drop down to 210lbs. That doesn't seem right. If the king pin takes weight off the axles, do the front legs take weight off the axles? Now I think I'm doing too much thinking. My head hurts all of a sudden.
  • drillagent's avatar
    drillagent
    Explorer
    Aug 10, 2014
    rjxj wrote:
    If the rear stabilizers were down it would help reduce the load. I wouldn't worry about it while stored. If you are rolling and temps go up and the tires are over loaded then you have a problem. My worries while stored are more about not rolling the tires. A guy I have bought tires from said that he sees the best life from tires that are used more vs tires on RV's that sit for 11 months and then hit the road. I like to take the rig out for a roll every so many weeks. I think that ideally in storage it would be best to get the load off the tire so it stays round instead of 6 months or more with a flat spot. So, no you wont blow the tire in storage if you are over loaded but you will make the flat area larger with more weight. Splitting hairs?


    Wow, thanks. It never dawned on me to exercise the trailer every so often to keep the tires in shape. Thanks. I would have let it sit for over six months during the winter. I love this forum.
  • ol_Bombero-JC's avatar
    ol_Bombero-JC
    Explorer
    Aug 10, 2014
    kennethwooster wrote:

    I agree with all the others, your weight is fine.

    I also agree get rid of the Marathons.

    Some good tires of course Michelin, BF Goodrich, Maxxis. My favorites.

    I'm sure there are other good tires.

    I really try to avoid Goodyear.


    .

    Well said, and - "try to avoid" is way too polite..;)

    BTW - the "adding air" is a Motor Home 'thing'..:W

    *Some* do, some don't. Some will, some won't.

    ~
  • kennethwooster's avatar
    kennethwooster
    Explorer
    Aug 10, 2014
    Hopefully you can get covered storage. will do a lot for tires and overall finish. Our polish on a regular basis. It will stay like new. I agree with all the others, your weight is fine. I also agree get rid of the Marathons. Some good tires of course Michelin, BF Goodrich, Maxxis. My favorites. I'm sure there are other good tires. I really try to avoid Goodyear.
  • azrving's avatar
    azrving
    Explorer
    Aug 10, 2014
    If the rear stabilizers were down it would help reduce the load. I wouldn't worry about it while stored. If you are rolling and temps go up and the tires are over loaded then you have a problem. My worries while stored are more about not rolling the tires. A guy I have bought tires from said that he sees the best life from tires that are used more vs tires on RV's that sit for 11 months and then hit the road. I like to take the rig out for a roll every so many weeks. I think that ideally in storage it would be best to get the load off the tire so it stays round instead of 6 months or more with a flat spot. So, no you wont blow the tire in storage if you are over loaded but you will make the flat area larger with more weight. Splitting hairs?
  • Cummins12V98's avatar
    Cummins12V98
    Explorer III
    Aug 10, 2014
    For now your tires are fine but as soon as you load the RV you will be maxed out and possibly overloaded.

    Get the G's now before you say I wish I did! Sell your Marathons on CL.
  • 12thgenusa's avatar
    12thgenusa
    Explorer
    Aug 10, 2014
    There is actually more weight on the jacks than there is on the pin since they are between the axles and pin. Your tires have less load when unhitched.

    A static overload generates no heat and would not be near as detrimental as a dynamic overload.
  • fj12ryder's avatar
    fj12ryder
    Explorer III
    Aug 10, 2014
    If the trailer is off the truck, the weight that was on the truck is now on the front stabilizers.

    If you have a tire capacity of 13,000 lbs. and your trailer weighs 10,000 lbs. you're good to go. The pin weight will either be on the truck or on the front legs. Not enough of it will transfer to the axles to be an issue.
  • avvidclif1's avatar
    avvidclif1
    Explorer
    Aug 10, 2014
    The front legs carry the pin weight when parked and more. Think of a lever, hooked up the truck is at one end of the arm and the trailer tires at the other. When on the legs a pivot point is added toward the wheels and the weight forward of the legs is actually counterbalancing and taking weight off the trailer tires. You're overthinking. Load it up for the first trip and weigh it again on the way out. Compare the FA, RA, and trailer weight against the ratings.

    Try to park it headed north or south to minimize wind load, or whichever way is the predominate wind direction. If you're worried about it. And put down the rear stabilizers.
  • mdamerell's avatar
    mdamerell
    Explorer
    Aug 10, 2014
    The pin weight is on the landing gear when not hooked to the truck. So 13,680# (which I take to be the capacity of your tires) -10,680# (actual) leaves you about 3,000# for stuff.

    If you look on a 14,000# GVWR 5th wheel, it will normally have two 6,000# axles since the other 2,000 plus pounds is on the pin/landing gear.

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