Axle rating vs trailer weight

[bailer6334]

This may have been discussed before, but I'm confused! Just checked my axle rating and they are stamped 6000# each, yet the 5er mfg label UVW is 10,556, the cargo limit is 3,615 for a total of 14,171. By my calculation this puts the 5er 2,171lbs over the axle capacity "if" fully loaded. How can FR do this? Might this be a liability problem for FR?

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by bailer6334

This may have been discussed before, but I'm confused! Just checked my axle rating and they are stamped 6000# each, yet the 5er mfg label UVW is 10,556, the cargo limit is 3,615 for a total of 14,171. By my calculation this puts the 5er 2,171lbs over the axle capacity "if" fully loaded. How can FR do this? Might this be a liability problem for FR?

Don't feel bad, it is very confusing.

The way it works is the camper is supported by the axles and the attachment to the tow vehicle (Tongue Weight or Pin Weight).

My camper max gross weight is 9250 pounds. The axles can support 4000 pounds each and the king pin must carry the rest 1250 pounds.

Hard to tell what the limiting load item is. The axles are stamped 4000 pounds each, but somewhere there is a load limit on the Lippert pin box as well. Presumably more than 1250 pounds but that could be "it" (The limiting load limit item on the camper).

So check your pin weight and you will see where the missing 2171 is hiding.

[fonzie]

http://www.forestriverinc.com/nd/def...es=BlueRidgeFW

Look at the hitch dry weight for your unit. 2230 lbs

[Herk7769]

In order to safely tow a 5th wheel, 15-25% of the total camper weight must be on the king pin.

Fifth Wheel Weight Calculator

This site has a terrific calculator to determine that number.

At your max gross weight of 14,171 pounds (using 20% of GVW as a target) would require 2,834 pounds to be on the king pin.

That would leave 11336.8 pounds on the axles or 5668.4 pounds per axle.
That would be well under your 6000 pound maximum.

[donn]

Generally speaking a towable RV will only have between 80 and 90% of their actual weight on the axles. So FR is doing it right.

[bailer6334]

Thanks everyone. This has helped to clear it up.