LADP Ride Height/axle weight

[ARD]

Maybe y’all already know this, but I didn’t realize how much ride height can affect the weight on each axle. My suspension was low and my ride height was off. Spartan was guessing that either Newmar or the Dealer messed around with the ride height to make the weight look “better.”

When I did my PDI the dealer had trouble weighing my coach as all the numbers were off; however, they would not share the information. They had it weighed again and sent me on my way. Irregardless who made the changes, the impact had a cascading effect on the proper tire pressures on my coach, the listing to one side, the feeling of slamming in a wall when I hit a hole or bump.

Because ride height affects the weight, I was advised to zero out ride height when going on the scales. To do this you go to manual on the air leveling panel and and adjust each side to zero.

And there you go - the latest tip from my Spartan tech.

 

[redbaron]

Can you post your axle weight's? The percentage would be a good comparison between other k3 coaches.

 

[ARD]

Can you post your axle weight's? The percentage would be a good comparison between other k3 coaches.

Sure. I find them a little unnerving, especially drive axle. This is with an almost full fuel, DEF, and fresh water tanks.

Front 18,520 lb
Drive. 19,200 lb
Tag. 12,820 lb

 

[redbaron]

Mine:

17,060 front. 37%
18,080 drive 39%
11,060 tag. 24%
Total: 46,200

Yours:
Front 18,520 lb 37%
Drive. 19,200 lb 38%
Tag. 12,820 lb 25%
Total: 50,540 (4,560 spare capacity)


Our percentages are spot on.

I need to weigh again now that we have taken on rocks from our travel this summer, but the percentages all look good, and you have plenty of spare capacity.

 

[Neal]

Did you get corner weights? When I did my FPU and asked Newmar to weigh mine they discovered I was out of tolerance left to right, it was greater than 1000lbs difference. Also an important number to watch, I don't know the tolerance though but I'm glad I asked for corner weights at Newmar during FPU.

 

[Neal]

Sure. I find them a little unnerving, especially drive axle. This is with an almost full fuel, DEF, and fresh water tanks.

Front 18,520 lb
Drive. 19,200 lb
Tag. 12,820 lb

What are the axle limits? Would be nice to see actual / limit in each row otherwise the info doesn't mean much to those that don't know.

 

[sheridany]

I had this discussion with Newmar back when I had a Ventana and I had a 500+ lbs variance on the front side to side. I gathered from forums and tire experts that I shouldn’t be more than 500 lb difference side to side. Interestingly, here was Newmar‘s response when I asked them about it. Lots of conflicting information on this topic.

Erica asked me to read through your email and offer any suggestions I might have concerning the weight difference in your front axle. I hope to ease your fears as there is a lot of misinformation on the internet that can drive a person crazy. For starters, Newmar has probably the best balanced RV’s on the market. The numbers you gave are not that concerning to me as, the rule of thumb for front axle difference is 1,500 lbs. between the two, and you’re well within that tolerance. With the numbers you’ve given, there should be no concern for flipping a coach due to a blowout. You would certainly want to up the tire pressure on the side that is heavier but other than that, I wouldn’t be that concerned. I have seen brand new coaches from other manufactures with up to 5,000lbs. heavier on one complete side. If you’re still concerned, I would suggest taking the coach to different Freightliner shop to have them look into the issue.



Thank you and have a Great day!
Jeff

Jeff Johnson
Owner Relations
Newmar Corporation

 

[redbaron]

What are the axle limits? Would be nice to see actual / limit in each row otherwise the info doesn't mean much to those that don't know.

 

[redbaron]

This is some more data that shows how I have setup my pressure on each tire, and the capacity I have.

 

[Neal]

Do you have data that shows corner weights and diffs left/right?

 

[redbaron]

Do you have data that shows corner weights and diffs left/right?

No, but I don't really care about those as there is nothing I could do if it was off. Everyone has a different opinion no how it should be, and what is acceptable. I just bump my pressure up for safety and call it a day.

 

[Rd1]

In general, the L&R are very close, atleast on the LADP and a VT from very many years ago. The LADP LF is about 500# heavier due to the house batts. For a 20k# axle it is not an issue, unless one plans on running a track at speed! I know RB appreciates high performance vehicles, this could make the right hand turns a bit challengine. OTH, one can fully stockup the basement freezer (on RF) with one's preferred beverage to counter balance!

 

[redbaron]

The other thing that comes into play is the active leveling air system that counter balances weight on the turns.

This coach handles very well, better than HWH Active Air. This will help with offset weight issues.

I still have the family move side to side as I drift my turns...because every little bit of advantage helps when trying to be first to the campground.

 

[Rd1]

This coach handles very well, better than HWH Active Air. This will help with offset weight issues.

Unfortunately, the early XCPs (2016-2019 or 20?) are pretty horrible. The initial turn-in exhibits similar characteristics to a gaser in turns. Do not know if you ever had that experince. The roll is so very unsettling. As I understand from other owners FCCC replaced the front shocks for 2019 or 2020 and that supposedly fixed the problem.

my previous units on XC and XCR were pretty solid platforms. This XCP leaves very little to desire.

 

[Ken C]

Maybe y’all already know this, but I didn’t realize how much ride height can affect the weight on each axle. My suspension was low and my ride height was off. Spartan was guessing that either Newmar or the Dealer messed around with the ride height to make the weight look “better.”

When I did my PDI the dealer had trouble weighing my coach as all the numbers were off; however, they would not share the information. They had it weighed again and sent me on my way. Irregardless who made the changes, the impact had a cascading effect on the proper tire pressures on my coach, the listing to one side, the feeling of slamming in a wall when I hit a hole or bump.

Because ride height affects the weight, I was advised to zero out ride height when going on the scales. To do this you go to manual on the air leveling panel and and adjust each side to zero.

And there you go - the latest tip from my Spartan tech.

Do you have the Newmar weights as it left the factory. IF not, Newmar will supply if you ask. I obtained ours upon delivery .Very informative and will give you some insite as to how much your contents added affect your current weight. I was actually amazed that the sided to side difference didn't exceed 150lbs on either of the 3 axles.

 

[ARD]

Did you get corner weights?

Yup. They are as follows:

9080 lb Front 9440 lb
9680 lb Mid 9520 lb
6610 lb. Rear 6210 lb

 

[ARD]

What are the axle limits? Would be nice to see actual / limit in each row otherwise the info doesn't mean much to those that don't know.

Sure I can post, but the gist of this post was just how ride height impacts the weight and so to get a "true weight," you should take ride height out of the equation by zeroing it out from the auto level panel when you get weighed.

Front 20,000 lb
Mid. 20,000 lb
Rear. 14,000 lb

 

[ARD]

With the numbers you’ve given, there should be no concern for flipping a coach due to a blowout. You would certainly want to up the tire pressure on the side that is heavier but other than that, I wouldn’t be that concerned.

Well, that didn't make me feel warm and fuzzy. I didn't even think about that - before.

 

[ARD]

Do you have the Newmar weights as it left the factory. IF not, Newmar will supply if you ask. I obtained ours upon delivery .

Thanks @Ken C. Great idea! I will get them while I'm here at Newmar.