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  1. #1
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    Axle ratings and options

    Ok, wasn't sure the best place to post this, so starting here. Can someone help me understand axle ratings and how the compare to trailer UVW and GVW? We currently have an Imagine 2800BH and not too concerned about what is there, but I have started researching for a 5th wheel upgrade down the road when we are looking to go more full time.

    When considering a full time rig, there are some items that seem like really good ideas to have to help with towing, safety, etc: 17.5" tires, disk brakes, independent suspension, etc, and, of course, axles rated to handle the rig.

    So, I am trying to understand this and specifically how Grand Design approaches this as they have some models I would really want to consider, but seem a little short of some of the above options. Would love if those were available upgrades from the factory for sure! But here is what I am trying to figure out. When looking at any travel trailer, 5th wheel, etc, wouldn't you want the combined rating of the axles to be able to handle the rated GVWR of the RV? Is there anything that is subtracted or not used in that calculation?

    For instance, here is a couple using what is on the GD website:

    - Solitude 384GK: UVW: 13,450; GVWR: 16,000; Hitch Weigh: 2,740; Axle Rating: 7,000 x 2 - now, this would make me think GVWR could not exceed 14,000 since 7,000 x 2 (dual axle unit, correct?) = 14,000. And that 14,000 is 2,000 pounds less than the GVWR of 16,000. Do you get to subtract the hitch weight from GVWR to see what your axles need to handle or are the axles under rated for that unit?

    - Momentum 376TH: UVW: 15,900; GVWR: 20,000; Hitch Weight: 3,250; Axle Rating: 7,000 x 3 - so now we are at axle rating of 21,000 total which seems good with GCWR of 20,000 being UNDER the combined axle ratings.


    Some of the other units we have looked at come standard with 8,000 pound axles and 16,000 pound or so GVWR on the trailer. That seems a bit more in line with safety issues.


    Something I am missing here? Please help clarify that for me.

    And would love to see disc brake option, MORRyde suspension upgrade options, etc for full time units that you actually want to pull around. Although, I know there are plenty of you with Momentums and Solitudes putting plenty of miles on what GD provided from the factory. But know there are plenty with axle/bearing failures or leaks, suspension failures, and those that just upgraded to MORryde IS and disc brakes and/or 8,000 pound rated axles. Would sure be nice options to have from the factory...
    Eric & Andrea
    2016 Silverado 1500 LT 4x4
    2017 Imagine 2800BH

    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

  2. #2
    Site Sponsor
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    Kerrville, TX RV parks through April 2020
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    Great you are researching for the future! This is the same error we made 3 years ago, overlooking that 2500-3500 lb. is on the pin hitched to the tow vehicle. So GDRV has selected axles that are adequate to carry the weight when 5er is loaded to the max!
    AKA Steve and Lynne
    Storm the Black Lab
    Reflection 337 RLS vin 573FR3628E3300393
    2008 Dodge Ram 2500 Quad Cab Longbox
    6.7 Cummins, 68 RFE transmission
    B and W Companion, Air Lifts

  3. #3
    Seasoned Camper
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    So, for instance, on the Solitude I listed above, the GVWR is 16,000. Take off a minimum hitch weight of 2740 (probably more if loaded up more?), leaves you with 13,260 on the axles at GVW and thus the dual 7,000 axles covers that 13,260. So you are technically covered there. Axles are good.

    And looks like even more so covered on the Momentum, although the hitch weight can get lighter if you load the garage, still, 20,000 minus 3,250 is 16,750 and you have 21,000 pound worth of axle rating (7,000 x 3 on the 376TH).

    So on a 5th wheel, when researching and checking those weights, the axles will be/should be rated to cover the 5th wheel's GVWR MINUS the hitch weight?

    Now, would be nice to see a blanket upgrade on wheels/tires to 17.5", G-rated or greater so we can all stop worrying about that quite as much!
    Eric & Andrea
    2016 Silverado 1500 LT 4x4
    2017 Imagine 2800BH

    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

  4. #4
    Site Sponsor
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    The other valuable features you want will probably still be added by you after the purchase. They are selling lots of units with the minimum factory equipment, so there is no sense of urgency.
    AKA Steve and Lynne
    Storm the Black Lab
    Reflection 337 RLS vin 573FR3628E3300393
    2008 Dodge Ram 2500 Quad Cab Longbox
    6.7 Cummins, 68 RFE transmission
    B and W Companion, Air Lifts

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