Quote:
Originally Posted by bsmith0404
Yep, the Alpine actually uses a 7,000 lb axle, so you're correct with the 6,600 minimum calculation. Since they have a 7k axle, they must use at least an LRE tire with a 3520 lb rating.
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RV trailers manufactured with 7000# axles using ST235/80R16E tires are complicated. That particular tire size is manufactured with three different load capacities, 3420#, 3500# and 3520#, all at 80 PSI. Two of the well known ST tire manufacturers, Goodyear & Maxxis build that tire with the 3420# load capacity. Without specific documentation all of those tires - by DOT regulation - default to the lowest load capacity. The trailer manufacturer is authorized to set axles to a GAWR value to fit the needs of the trailer. Therefore the certified GAWR values found on the trailer's certification label are the official load capacity values for the installed axles.
Normally when the ST235/80R16E tire is used on 7000# manufactured axles the GAWR for those axles will be set at 6750#. But if the trailer manufacturer wants to bump up the cargo capacity they can go as high as 6840#. The highest I've personally seen is 6800#.
RV trailer manufacturer's are notorious for making mistakes documenting axles for the above situation and numerous recalls have been issued to correct such mistakes.