Just got back from Elkhart

[Phil57]

When I did the research for my upgrade I talked to the front axle manufacturers and was sent the specs for the different axles. The casting for the 10500 lb and the 120000 lb is the same. The brakes and everything else except he air bags were the same. So in case anyone was wondering this is a true 12000 lb axle.

[jmgllt]

Originally Posted by I-RV

Also, the front axle is certified for GWAR of 12,000lbs. They actually label the axle. When going into Access Freightliner for my VIN, it specifies that it was modified.

Hank

Did also have this upgrade done?

[plewis53]

Hello all, I'm new to the Forum and this is my initial post. I have been following this thread reference weight issues with the Brekshire, I have a 2011 FR Brekshire 390 RB 60, with tire size 255 80'S. My question is has FR issued a recall.

Paul


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[Campin Cajun]

Welcome to the forum Paul, I do not think FR has issued a recall on this issue.

[plewis53]

You would think that if they know there's a problem and apparently has recognized the problem they would issue a recall.


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[accumack]

No recall. Get your unit weighed. front and back full fuel full propane empty water tanks nothing in the coach then email Randy with the weights if you are over on the front axle. It sometimes takes a while. I started the process back in June and just dropped my unit off today to have the upgrade done.

[Phil57]

Originally Posted by plewis53

You would think that if they know there's a problem and apparently has recognized the problem they would issue a recall.


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I don't know the rules about recalls but I'm sure FR does. Don't worry about what it and get you rig weighed. How long have you owned the Moho? Have you never weighed it? The whole process goes very smoothly. Get it weighed and contact Randy. He is out of the office for a week or so.

[baddmann]

Originally Posted by Phil57

I don't know the rules about recalls but I'm sure FR does. Don't worry about what it and get you rig weighed. How long have you owned the Moho? Have you never weighed it? The whole process goes very smoothly. Get it weighed and contact Randy. He is out of the office for a week or so.

You have to get your coach weighed to see if it's affected. (Not all have the issue)

Empty your fresh/black/gray water tanks and fill up your fuel/propane. Once you do that use a CAT scale at any truck stop to get your weight. If you are overweight, (10,410 lbs on front, up to 2013) then email Randy to get the process started. If takes some time and effort (You have to schedule an appt and they prefer you go to Elkhart or Gaffney) but its worth it if you are overweight.

Most of the units that are affected are the 340RBs, but I have a 360BH and I was just a little over.

We are not retired, but we use our coach a lot. (16,000 miles in 18 months of ownership) We have been extremely happy with our purchase and will probably upgrade to the rear bath Berkshire XLT when/if they make it in March.

[I-RV]

Originally Posted by Phil57

When I did the research for my upgrade I talked to the front axle manufacturers and was sent the specs for the different axles. The casting for the 10500 lb and the 120000 lb is the same. The brakes and everything else except he air bags were the same. So in case anyone was wondering this is a true 12000 lb axle.

Phil
Good info. about the front axle. Do you have any good info. about the rear axle? A couple years ago, I did an extensive research at AccessFreightliner, comparing the parts lists between my 340hp Berk and a 360hp Berk. I found no difference in the axle, shocks, air bags, brakes. Yet, FR specs. the 340hp's rear axle at 17,500lbs and that of the 360hp's at 19,000lbs.

I am speculating that FR does this because if one was to load up their 340hp with 19,000 on the rear and 10,400 on the front (the unmodified front axle), there would only be left 3,600 lbs for the toad - since GCWR is 33,000 lbs. With the modified front axle at 12,000lbs; fully loaded there would only be left 2,000 lbs for the toad.

It should be noted to others reading this, that originally both the 340hp and 360hp Berks had a 10,410 lb. front axle rating. Not sure when and if FR changed over to 12,000 lb. front axles and 275 tires on later models.

Over-loading the front axle is critical because it is the steer axle and it has been found that both the 340hp and 360hp need the 12,000 lb capability Especially models with tile floors; bunkhouse and rear bath models. The 12,000 upgrade to the 340 Berks is doubly necessitated, because it doesn't have much cargo carrying capacity in the first place and especially if you believe the rear axle to be 17,500 lbs maximum.

Besides the axles, the tires are another thing. The original Michelin XRV 255 tires have a combined maximum carrying capacity of 29,630 lbs. With the upgraded Michelin XZE2 275 tires, the maximum load is 35,050 lbs. No Berk would ever be that heavy, but it is a great comfort that there is a greater safety margin with the 275 tires. Also, since like I only run around 83 psi in the rear; the ride is much better.

Hank

[baddmann]

Hank: Exactly. I was running 110/95 and now I can run 105/90. The ride is noticeably different. Much better.

FR switched the Berkshire from 10,500 front airbags and 255s to 12,000 front airbags and 275s in 2014. (I have the 2013 brochure and 2014 brochure and it lists the axle ratings and tires for each.)

[plewis53]

Thanks all, will have my coach weighed to see where I'm at. There's a lot of great information on this site, I really enjoy reading all the different post they are very informative. Thanks again.

Paul


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[gasman94]

Welcome to the forum, Paul.


Rich

[I-RV]

Originally Posted by baddmann

Hank: Exactly. I was running 110/95 and now I can run 105/90. The ride is noticeably different. Much better.

FR switched the Berkshire from 10,500 front airbags and 255s to 12,000 front airbags and 275s in 2014. (I have the 2013 brochure and 2014 brochure and it lists the axle ratings and tires for each.)

bbaddmann
If you think your ride is better, it can even be much better. You are running your fronts at 105 psi, but if you have the XZE2 tires, that pressure is good for 11,960 lbs, which I am sure your not carrying that. See the attached tire chart....

I suggest that you get a good idea of your actual axle weights and adjust the tire pressures to the chart for you particular tires with measuring when the tires are cool (in the morning before sun on them).

You might be able to get your front pressure down to 95-100 and rear to 95 psi. You will get the best ride, best safety and tire mileage if you match the pressure to the weigh. The pressure will change with the season temperature,
Hank

[accumack]

Thanks for posting this. I pickup my upgraded Berk Thursday or Friday I can't wait.

[baddmann]

Hank,
They put XZA3+ tires on. I have the tire chart bookmarked so when I get a chance to reweigh I will make adjustments. The cold tire psi sticker above the driver's seat says 105/90, so I set it there.

(I had to take it to Freightliner because of a a/c fan issue.)