Contradicting GVWR ratings

[spencer2004]

My parents bought a 2020 Epro 19QB and i was researching that unit to get a feel of realistic weights and ratings. I did find that most resources say the GVWR is 4,100 lbs and of course dry weights are different according to options..

However when i finally got to see their trailer i was checking the weight stickers on side and noticed the GVWR rating was actually at 3,800 and some change and dry weight was at 3220 lbs leaving them around 600 lbs of CC. To my knowledge (which i will gladly be corrected on) the GVWR of models does not change with options, it stays the same and the dry weight goes up with options from manufacturer. Am I wrong in thinking that? I told them Im taking their truck and trailer to the CAT Scales near my house and going to get accurate weights, but i own a different brand travel trailer and am not familiar with forest river. Has anyone seen a 19QB with a GVWR under what model specs say (which is 4,100lbs). Thanks for any help, just want to make sure they dont overload their trailer because they think they have about 1000 lbs of carrying capacity.

[Oaklevel]

I will agree with you up to going with published numbers that are in published or on line literature. They are no always correct or the most up to date.

The numbers on the trailers yellow sticker are what you need to go by. And of course taking the set up to a CAT scale is a very good idea.

I am not familar with the model and others may be of more help.

[bikendan]

This site, which has a reputable reputation, says the E-Pro twin version has a GVWR of 4413lbs.
https://www.rvusa.com/rv-guide/2020-...-e19qb-tr45358

The official Flagstaff brochure says the same thing:
https://www.forestriverinc.com/broch...robrochure.pdf

Not sure who your other resources are.

Dry numbers are fictional numbers.

[ependydad]

Originally Posted by spencer2004

However when i finally got to see their trailer i was checking the weight stickers on side and noticed the GVWR rating was actually at 3,800

The sticker is the gospel. You might call Rockwood with the VIN and ask if it's correct. There have been typos in the past (and some that have caused recalls to get sent).

[Bob K4TAX]

I agree that the placard on the trailer is the legal weight. The empty weight is the number leaving the factory and in the real world of towing a trailer, this number has absolutely no value. It is the maximum weight that one should use when planning on towing.

My view on empty weight, this tells me the quality of the build. For example; a 25 ft trailer at 2500 lbs empty is likely lightly constructed as compared to a 25 ft trailer at 3500 lbs. It certainly uses heavier materials and stronger construction.

Of course, the question comes up as to the length of a trailer. One definition is inside length, rear wall to front wall. This is where all the creature comforts and features exist. And then another is the ball to bumper length. This is important for towing and parking. So ours is 25' 3" inside, or 30' 6" B to B outside as laser measured.

[mmartin_tdc]

My first thoughts were, did they put in a lighter duty axle or springs vs what was originally spec'd in the design. 2020 was a year of lots of shortages of normal equipment.

[lbrjet]

A 2020 model year was probably built in 2019. The date should be on the yellow sticker. The sticker GVWR is usually the sum of the axle weight plus the dry tongue weight. See if your axle rating is stamped on it.

[Camp20144]

X2 on the possibility of lighter axles or springs. If it was a late in the year build it could have been supply chain. Or, it seems to me that manufacturers have that catch all statement that “specs may be different at any time without further notice” type lawyer language. Could have made use of that “get out of jail” statement on this trailer.