Are my axels undersized

[Gahafer03]

My 5 er has tandem 5100 lb axels with a dry weight of 10010 lbs and a gvwr of 12000 lbs. Did the factory undersized my axels?

 

[Lunge motorsport]

So if you have tandem 5100# axles and a 12k GVW then the rest of the 1800# weight is carried on the pin.

 

[FL-JOE]

My 5 er has tandem 5100 lb axels with a dry weight of 10010 lbs and a gvwr of 12000 lbs. Did the factory undersized my axels?

They certainly didn't leave you any extra IMHO. My GVWR is 20,000 and they put three 7,000 pound axles under mine.

 

[Gronk]

Mine has the same issue. 12,400 GVW and two 5200 lb axles. If you have Dexter axles the only difference between the 5200 and the 6000 and 7000 pound axles is the tube thickness. The 5200 has 3/16" tube and the 6000 and 7000 tube is 1/4". They both use the same spindles. I am thinking of upgrading the springs on mine.

 

[Gahafer03]

So if you have tandem 5100# axles and a 12k GVW then the rest of the 1800# weight is carried on the pin.

That’s what they are telling me but it’s all so close that it seems like they would just go ahead and put the 6k axels on. They can’t be that much more money.

 

[FL-JOE]

I would be more worried about what rated tire they let it leave the factory with. If your tires are below a G rating you should load everything up and run across the scales. When you have your axle weights pull up the tire manufacturer charts to see what psi they should be at and where you stand.

 

[Gahafer03]

Already put 6k miles on the original tires. Replaced them with Goodyear endurance tires.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

Already put 6k miles on the original tires. Replaced them with Goodyear endurance tires.

What is the load rating of the tires?

I would be just as concerned about the frame. I would add angle to the frame in front and back a good 3ft and mount the springs to that. If they went cheap on the suspension, they went cheap on the frame.

 

[Gahafer03]

I hope all that isn’t necessary. It’s a coachmen Chaparral. Pretty good coach and a Lippert frame same as most out there. I’m sure that’s fine just wish they would have put the 6k axels on. Load rating on the tires is E 10 ply.

 

[Gronk]

I would be more worried about what rated tire they let it leave the factory with. If your tires are below a G rating you should load everything up and run across the scales. When you have your axle weights pull up the tire manufacturer charts to see what psi they should be at and where you stand.

You shouldn't need 'G' rated tires. Goodyear Endurance 235/80r16 'E' are rated for 3420 pounds each @80 psi. https://www.goodyearrvtires.com/pdfs/rv_inflation.pdf

 

[Gahafer03]

I agree the tires are great and I guess I’ll just have to live with the axels they put on. I’m in the process of ordering a couple sets of leaf springs to have if one breaks.

 

[skijlw]

Fifth wheels are designed to carry 25% of the load on the truck. They rate axles and tires accordingly. And yes they don't over build. Save that dime.

 

[Gahafer03]

Here is Coachmen’s response.


Good Morning Dave,

I appreciate your question, your axles on your unit are the correct axles, listed is the specifications and definitions explaining each. Your unit is specked accurately; there's NO safety hazard with your unit.

Axles 5100 x 2 = 10,200
Hitch weight 1935
12135 total

GVWR 12000


Hitch Weight:1935 lb.GVWR:12000 lb.UVW9574 lb.CCC2426 lb.Exterior Length:34' 8"Exterior Height:12' 4"Exterior Width:96"Fresh Water:48.00 gal.Gray Water:90.00 gal.Black Water:45.00 gal.Awning Size:15'

Specifications Definitions
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) - is the maximum permissible weight of the unit when fully loaded. It includes all weights, inclusive of all fluids, cargo, optional equipment and accessories. For safety and product performance do NOT exceed the GVWR.

GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) - is the maximum permissible weight, including cargo, fluids, optional equipment and accessories that can be safely supported by a combination of all axles.

UVW (Unloaded Vehicle Weight)*- is the typical weight of the unit as manufactured at the factory. It includes all weight at the unit's axle(s) and tongue or pin and LP Gas. The UVW does not include cargo, fresh potable water, additional optional equipment or dealer installed accessories.
*Estimated Average based on standard build optional equipment.

CCC (Cargo Carrying Capacity)** - is the amount of weight available for fresh potable water, cargo, additional optional equipment and accessories. CCC is equal to GVWR minus UVW. Available CCC should accommodate fresh potable water (8.3 lbs per gallon). Before filling the fresh water tank, empty the black and gray tanks to provide for more cargo capacity.
**Estimated Average based on standard build optional equipment.

Each Coachmen RV is weighed at the manufacturing facility prior to shipping. A label identifying the unloaded vehicle weight of the actual unit and the cargo carrying capacity is applied to every Coachmen RV prior to leaving our facilities.

So I guess according to this everything is fine.

 

[Joe Hogan]

Specifications Definitions
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) - is the maximum permissible weight of the unit when fully loaded. It includes all weights, inclusive of all fluids, cargo, optional equipment and accessories. For safety and product performance do NOT exceed the GVWR.

Just be sure you never exceed limits and you should be OK. You'd be surprised how heavy "things" get over time.... CAT Scale Apps | CAT Scale

 

[Retired]

Your axles may or may not be undersized.

What about your guns?