Quote:
Originally Posted by xcntrk
My trailer has a GVWR of 17k pounds, but the unit is only equipped with tandem 7k pound axles. The presumption is the other 3k pounds is on the pin and therefore not supported by the axles. BUT that said; you have to be careful not to overload the garage or you can easily exceed the axle maximums putting too much weight in the rear of the rig without the proper distribution on the front.
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The axle manufacturer’s certification label affixed to the individual axle may match the certified GAWR value on the certification label, but, the GAWR may be lower because the vehicle manufacturer must get the numbers on the federal certification label to equal out. They are the official load capacities for the trailer.
It’s all a matter of knowing the FMVSS standards the vehicle manufacturer MUST build to. An example can be found in FMVSS 571.120 paragraph S10.2; “On RV trailers, the sum of the GAWRs of all axles on the vehicle plus the vehicle manufacturer's
recommended tongue weight must not be less than the GVWR. If tongue weight is specified as a range, the minimum value must be used.” Once the trailer manufacturer has used that published tongue weight to balance out the trailer it becomes the responsibility of the trailer owner to manage the tongue weight.
Here is another bit of information I found in a NHTSA Q & A document.
“The FMVSS have requirements for the manufacturer to use proper tires and rims for the gross axle weight rating (GAWR) and the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). The manufacturer may determine the GVWR by adding cargo capacity (if any) to the curb weight of the vehicle as manufactured. The wise consumer, before purchase, will determine if the vehicle has sufficient cargo capacity to carry the weight of water, additional equipment (such as televisions, and microwave ovens), and luggage. The manufacturer’s certification label must show the GVWR. The GVWR must not be exceeded by overloading the vehicle. There is little the government can do to assist a consumer who has purchased a vehicle that has insufficient cargo capacity for its intended use.”