I've noticed in my research that most RV's have approximately 3K for cargo space and are on 6K axles. Once you're fully loaded, you'd be pretty much at the stops for capacity.
My question is, when ordering your RV, is it possible to get 7K axles? Would this give you a little more fudge room in packing and stacking?
Thanks in advance.
GENECOP said
10:37 AM Apr 20, 2010
Gary, i know a few people upgrade there axles after the fact, so there should be no reason you cant upgrade directly from the factory, G
Luvglass said
11:59 AM Apr 20, 2010
Gary,
Different brands and models come with varying axles, tires and carrying capacity. I don''t think you can make any assumptions. Quite frankly 3K CCC is generous and not too many models have it.
Generally speaking, if you upgrade the axles you have to upgrade the tire size and rating to enjoy any benefit.
As a guide, you can think of 6K axles with E tires, 7K with G and 8K with H
Some manufacturers will allow upgrades and others no.
Mallo said
12:54 PM Apr 20, 2010
Nu Wa will upgrade your Axles and your tires right from the factory if you order the unit or I think will retrofit if you bring it in for service.
Mallo
Gary said
01:01 PM Apr 20, 2010
Didn't even think about the wheels and tires! Thanks Fred.
Yep, realized that 3K was a pretty good amount but if you have the extra weight rating on the axles, wheels and tires (along with the truck to handle it), it does give that extra safety factor.
That's what I was thinking on this.
The Bear II said
01:28 PM Apr 20, 2010
Also keep in mind some of the total weight is carried on the hitch, not all weight rides on the axles. So your axles may only be carrying part of the 3000 cargo capacity depending on where the cargo is placed.
I always thought it was strange that the manufacturer wouldn't have put in 7k axles for safety, just to have an extra cushion. Then I saw an article in trailer life showing the breakdown of the weight carried by the 5th wheel hitch and axles....simplified explanation, on our 5th wheel 3000 lbs is carried by the hitch in our truck, 5,000 lbs by each axle so our 13,000 lb total is spread out. Our 6k axles still have an extra 1000 lbs capacity. So in reality the manufacturer didn't need to upgrade to 7k axles for added safety (although the 7k axles do have bigger brake shoes).
Even a travel trailer has weight carried by the hitch.
Factories will upgrade axles or after market installers. In our area there is a boat trailer manufacturer that carries Dexter axles and he will change axles on travel trailers, horse trailers or 5th wheels.
Gary said
09:54 AM May 17, 2010
Thanks for all the answers on this.
I'm not close to buying as of yet but I am taking some serious notes on what to ask for when I do get ready to plunk down the cash on the rig.
What is key to me is safety. Getting the Rig/Truck combo right is paramount. Don't want to be towing with something that isn't going to do the job safely. And I want to make sure that the rig has all the safety in the foundation as I can. Wheels, Tires, Axles and Brakes are the where I tend to concern myself.
My question is, when ordering your RV, is it possible to get 7K axles? Would this give you a little more fudge room in packing and stacking?
Thanks in advance.
Mallo
Yep, realized that 3K was a pretty good amount but if you have the extra weight rating on the axles, wheels and tires (along with the truck to handle it), it does give that extra safety factor.
That's what I was thinking on this.