Yahoo Message Number: 10299 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10299)
Hi all, I'm sorry that this is not tied to the posts refering to coach wt., but darn, this form formate or setup, what ever, is so hard for me to nav I gave up, another subject I guess.
With ref to the posting by someone about the max axle wt. of 20,000 lbs. does this not concern you? I exceed that wt in the rear at a storage wt, not loaded to go, and would be close to 22,000 loaded to go.
I don't have a tag but I'll bet there are many on this forum that don't, and may not be aware of the restrictiion.
I guess I was very surprised that this subject received very little discussion here. Over on another forum this subject is still active.
Just odd, or maybe it's that this forum is more potpourri than it is thread orientated.
I would like to hear from others how you handle this restriction.
Thanks, Larry
'99 Affinity
Yahoo Message Number: 10300 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10300)
Larry, I guess I missed the earlier reference you mention re the " 20,000 lbs. axle weight." what was the source and what is the problem?
Walt Rothermel
03Allure30811
Yahoo Message Number: 10302 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10302)
Hi all, I'm sorry that this is not tied to the posts refering to coach wt., but darn, this form formate or setup, what ever, is so hard for me to nav I gave up, another subject I guess.
With ref to the posting by someone about the max axle wt. of 20,000 lbs. does this not concern you? I exceed that wt in the rear at a storage wt, not loaded to go, and would be close to 22,000 loaded to go.
I don't have a tag but I'll bet there are many on this forum that don't, and may not be aware of the restrictiion.
I guess I was very surprised that this subject received very little discussion here. Over on another forum this subject is still active.
Just odd, or maybe it's that this forum is more potpourri than it is thread orientated.
I would like to hear from others how you handle this restriction.
Thanks, Larry
'99 Affinity
Yahoo Message Number: 10306 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10306)
Walt, I can't remember who, but someone posted that 20,000 lbs. is a federal max for axle wt. I have a rear axle wt of 22500 lbs. and this concerned me. I have since discovered that this is not 'enforced' on RV , this from another web site. I am still looking into the legal interpretation but I seem to be hindered in that quest by bureaucrats.
Larry
'99 Affinity
Yahoo Message Number: 10308 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10308)
Ray, I asked the DOT state of Washington today and they tell me that the 20,000 lbs.. limit is for ALL vehicles but that it is not 'checked' on RVs.
I have read many post on this subject on another forum and it seems split as to commercial vehicles or RV so I really would like a 'for sure answer' which is probably not going to happen. As you correctly stated one can be kicked off toll roads and others with restrictions, I guess I really didn't want that to happen to me, the old 'better dead than look bad' thing.
I was concerned that I was going to be restricted from using as much weight as my coach is rated for. My coach is placarded at 22500 lbs. for the rear although I don't plan to load it to the gills, I was already over the 20,000 lbs. at storage loading.
Thanks, Larry
'99 Affinity
I
Yahoo Message Number: 10309 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10309)
Larry, I guess I knew about the 20,000 # limit. It seems CC and others have gone to tag axles because of this law, which is odd if rv's are exempt. ???
Walt Rothermel
03Allure30811
Yahoo Message Number: 10310 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10310)
they are not exempt.only garbage trucks, farm crops from field to first delivery point, and equipment that builds roads.
Yahoo Message Number: 10312 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10312)
Larry,
There is no way to handle the problem but reduce the load. Axle weights were revised to 21,000 pounds several years ago but nothing changed. The manufacturer
did not change the axle just raised the rating. There are no axles made above 21,000. In the trucking industry when they need more weight carring load they add an axle and that's what the RV industry did but in some cases to late. So you need to carry less or live with the restriction which know body does and then they blame the coach manufacturer when they have a problem.
Bill G. 2001 Magna #5998
Yahoo Message Number: 10313 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10313)
The manufacturer also rates the axle at 21000 pounds, who cares about the law, that is what the axle is rated to carry. It was upped from 20,000 a few years ago. If the law were 30,000 pounds that would not change the load the axle would carry. The
law is what the government will allow you to carry on the road, the weight restriction is what the axle will carry. Now we all know the axle will not fall apart at 22,000 poiunds because the manufacturer builds in a safety factor but if he told us the rating was 23,000 pounds we would put on 25,000 pounds.
Just like our tires will not come apart when we drive 70mph but most of our front tires are only rated at 65mph.
Bill G. 2001 Magna #5998
Yahoo Message Number: 10315 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10315)
Here are the facts:
1. The federal bridge law limits EVERY vehicle made to a limit not to exceed 20,000 on any axle.
2. RVs are NOT exempt
3. Federal funding provided when new toll roads are built requires that "rolling" scales measure each axle weight as they approach a toll booth
4. If you are over 20,000 pounds on any axle, you will be caught and may be denied access
5. If you exceed the manufacturers weight rating for any axle, you
may be fined and stopped from proceeding any further
I have a friend who has an older non-tag Affinity. His rear axle is rated by Country Coach at 23,000 pounds, but the federal law limits this to 20,000 pounds for access to interstate and toll roads. He got stopped last year when trying to enter the Ohio turnpike. Ohio now has the new rolling scales built with federal funds. His rear axle weighed 22,900 - within the manufacturers safety limit, but exceeding the federal bridge law limitation. He was denied access and had to drive on all back roads across the state of Ohio until he got to a state where they had older toll booths that didn't have rolling scales. According to the federal law, no vehicle (including trucks, RVs, etc.) can have any axle that exceeds 20,000 pounds.
That's why you see some newer trucks that will have 3, 4, 5, or even 6 rear axles now-a-days. Highway specifications for determining how thick to pour the concrete and how to build bridges are all based on the 20,000 pound specification. Vehicles that exceed that specification damage the highway system. The federal government is now enforcing the 20,000 pound limit by forcing states to do so with federally funding.
Moral of the story - you may get away with it for a while, but as more and more rolling scales are being built with federal funds, more people are getting caught. The federal government is enforcing the law more tightly than ever.
A word to the wise is sufficient.
20,000
to
little
active.
is
Yahoo Message Number: 10316 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10316)
You wouldn't care to share the reference where you got the "facts", would you? There is so much disinformation on this subject I would like to read it for myself. Perhaps you could be kind enough to explain why several brand new morothomes are rolling off the assembly lines with axles rated at 23k? Does Monaco as an example not have a legal department that is aware of this? Why would they knowingly violate federal law?
Per
95 Affinity with a 22.5k rear axle!
Yahoo Message Number: 10317 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10317)
No axles made above 21,000? Blatantly not true--my axle is 22,500, and 23,000 are common on many new motorhomes!!
Per
95 Affinity
gablerwh@... wrote:
Yahoo Message Number: 10319 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10319)
in reguards to axles, just because the axle is rated to 23,000lbs doesn't meen you need to load it to that point.
it can mean that the chassis is not pushed to it's limit, you should actually like the fact that they put an axle that can carry more than you place on it....this is a good thing.
this is better on the tires, the suspension and the overall ride.
i myself would feel much better knowing that the chassis under me is not being pushed to the limits.
example: your rear axle could only weigh 19,500lbs, meaning you have an axle that is capable of carring 3500lbs more.....i like that.
so many motor coaches are leaving factories right now that have vertually no carring capacity...let face it we are all going to put 1000-2000lbs of junk in out coaches, with some leaving the factories with 1800lbs CC.......i'll take the extra safety factor anyday.
billb
Yahoo Message Number: 10321 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10321)
Gee whiz Per!!! I started researching the weight limitation laws back about 6 or 7 years ago when we first started looking at diesel pusher coaches. I think it was an instructor at Life on Wheels who first gave me the hard core facts about the federal bridge laws back in July 2000. Since then, I've done lots of digging on the web and reading government publications.
I recall seeing a Monaco Dynasty in 1999 (non-tag) with a CCC of 3480 pounds. Then I looked at the rear axle rating and saw it was 23,000 pounds (3000 over the federal laws). When I subtracted the 3000 pounds from the posted CCC, I realized that I could only carry 480 pounds legally - and that assumes that everything was balanced perfectly between the axles. That's when I started looking seriously at tag axle coaches.
Gerry gave you an exact quote from the California code in posting 10318. You can search on the web and find the same law in most states Department of Transportation web sites. Carol gave you a great answer why some coach manufacturers build coaches with 23,000 ratings on the drive axle - "there is no law that says they can't build it".
Country Coach even covers themselves legally by putting a disclaimer in their brochures that says:
"Country Coach does not represent or warrant that its motorcoaches can lawfully be operated on all roads or in all states. Laws restricting the length, width, and/or weight of vehicles may vary from state to state. ... ... It is the responsibility of each prospective purchaser of a motorcoach to determine any limitations or restrictions on the use of a motorcoach in the states in which the purchaser intends to use it. "
The fact is that most folks don't really want to know the truth about this issue, so they stick their heads in the sand and try to ignore it. As my father taught me many years ago, "Ignorance of the law is no excuse".
The same ignorance applies to driver licensing laws. Most people try to tell you that you don't need a special drivers license to drive a motorhome. Fact is that's wrong in many states! Rather than mix topics, I'll cover what I've learned about licensing laws in a separate posting called DRIVERS LICENSE.
Regards,
Bob Kumza
the "facts", would you? There is so much disinformation on this subject I would like to read it for myself. Perhaps you could be kind enough to explain why several brand new morothomes are rolling off the assembly lines with axles rated at 23k? Does Monaco as an example not have a legal department that is aware of this? Why would they knowingly violate federal law?
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(including
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it
Yahoo Message Number: 10337 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10337)
Just recently got back on line and have been reading this thread with interest. Just my opinion......I think what many refer to as a Federal mandate of a 20,000 lb axle weight limit has nothing to do with the capability of the vehicle, but the limits set for highway loads to the pavement. Granted, the axles are physically limited to carry weight and is limited by the limits of the systems weakest link. Whether it be tires, suspension/chassis components or the actual axle. On a large coach I would assume a design engineer would build to the federal highway limits or higher.
Jim
2000 Allure #30511
a federal max for axle wt. I have a rear axle wt of 22500 lbs. and this concerned me. I have since discovered that this is not 'enforced' on RV , this from another web site. I am still looking into the legal interpretation but I seem to be hindered in that quest by bureaucrats.
Yahoo Message Number: 10340 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10340)
Jim, I think you agree with what has been posted to date. The question remains, why would a coach be designed to weight more than can be legally driven on the nation's highways ? If one of the coach axle weight is over 20,000 lbs. empty sitting in the showroom, what good is it? That coach is 'out of limits' if you will, before loaded to travel, of course it maybe well within the structural limits of the design but not legal to be on the road.
Larry '99 Affinity
Yahoo Message Number: 10346 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10346)
wrote:
question remains, why would a coach be designed to weight more than can be legally driven on the nation's highways ?
As one of the neighborhood cynics, I can tell you why they corporations build coaches that are designed to be over the legal weight...because they want us to buy them and as said in another post in this thread, the only way they can get us to do so is to give us the Cargo Carrying Capacity that we want. So they do that, KNOWING that the coach will be over the legal weight, but caring not at all. Nothing will happen to the corporation if you or I were to be stopped at a weigh station or at one of the moving weigh spots before the toll roads. We will be inconvenienced or given a ticket for being overweight. Think CC will pay the ticket? LOL This is just another good example of "buyer beware" and now that we know, we can't do anything about it because we have thousands invested in the coach built on a lie....no you cannot carry 3000 pounds of stuff in it if you want to be withing the bounds of the law.
Carol
'04 Inspire Genoa
'03 Explorer
Fulltimer
Yahoo Message Number: 10348 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10348)
Carol, down by my left foot on the side wall, next to the placard for tire size and axle weight is another small placard. It has the coach ID number, the VIN number and a statement that is something like ' this coach is built in compliance of Federal regulations in effect at the time of manufacture' .
What do you think that means? I sure don't know, but if the coach is at say for example, 21,000 lbs. on the rear axle rolling out the door, it sure can't be in compliance of federal regulations, can it?
I'm confused, makes me wonder if this 20,000 lbs. was not originally intended for RVs and things have changed, who knows.
Larry '99 Affinity
Yahoo Message Number: 10369 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10369)
And somewhere else, it says that you may not be able to drive your coach on all highways and byways. LOL
Carol
'04 Inspire Genoa
'03 Explorer
Fulltimer
Yahoo Message Number: 10372 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10372)
Carol, I sure don't doubt that, but I have never read it. Where did you see it ? Larry
'99 AFFINITY
Yahoo Message Number: 10388 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10388)
From: "Larry and Teddy Beer" beerlt@...> Carol wrote ...
see it ?
I'm not Carol (not that that's bad ), but she's probably referring to the prohibition based on motorhome width, which is commonly stated in advertising and owner's literature.
Dick (& Geri) Campagna
'98 36' Intrigue #10571
Mfd: 11/97
Yahoo Message Number: 10393 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10393)
Dear Per; The FMCA table that I just posted to the Country Coach Owners Yahoo web site shows at least 15 states (or more) that have "special" drivers license requirements to drive motorhomes over 26,000 lbs. It is difficult to tell from the table exactly how many more do, but I had heard that the number was approaching 50% of states.
Bob
the "facts", would you? There is so much disinformation on this subject I would like to read it for myself. Perhaps you could be kind enough to explain why several brand new morothomes are rolling off the assembly lines with axles rated at 23k? Does Monaco as an example not have a legal department that is aware of this? Why would they knowingly violate federal law?
is
limits
he
(including
even
how
on
with
enforcing
so
a
loaded
that
it
Yahoo Message Number: 10415 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10415)
Why don't we all stop bitching about weight and just admit that we don't do much research when we buy the coach. No one ever told me I could carry a motor cycle, and tow a Hummer with my CC. I checked everything before I purchased the coach and knew what I could carry. That's why I go to rallies and have purchased a 2005 Magna 40 foot. Most people don't check things out before they buy but thats not CCIs fault, it's in the specs. and most of this is our fault. We demand everything from the biggist engine to the kitchen sink and then we bitch that the coach is to heavy.
Several years ago a commuter plane went down because it was over loaded and above the weight limits. Was that the plane manufacturers fault or the airlines fault? We need to take some responsibility for what we do in life and not always blame the other guy.
Back in the mid ninties a company called Safari built a very nice MH that was simple, with hydrulic brakes and a spring system. It was light and simple and had aluminum and stainless steel on the outside. But people wanted more so they sold out to Monoco and now they have all the goodies and are the same weight we are. They also now look like a Monoco. The point is that we are the problem as much as the manufacturer.
Bill G. 2001 Magna #5998
Yahoo Message Number: 10425 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10425)
Bill G. I for one have been trying to glean a little insight from this group as to how it is that there is a 20000 lbs. single axle limit on a lot of the nations highways then how is it that coaches are rolling off the line empty with axle weights greater that 20000 lbs. not just at CC but other manufactures as well, check out the Prevost. You or no one else has answered this question. Now if that is Bitching, then I am surprised you feel that way
Larry
'99 Affinity
Yahoo Message Number: 10427 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10427)
did you see it ?
Oh, Geez, Larry, I don't remember! LOL I guess I need to leave a little more of the post generating my response so I can remember if someone questions me. 8-) I think I was quoting one of the previous posters.
Carol
Yahoo Message Number: 10464 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10464)
Larry,
Do we know there are coaches coming off the line over 20,000 pounds on one axle? Or is that what we hear on this site. My 2001 double slide Magna carries 19,500 on the drive axle, 5500 on the tag. That is fully loaded with a 6 point weigh, give or take a few pounds. My new 2005 Magna will be in the same range. Thats why I only ordered a 40 foot with 3 slides. I also know that CC has moved more of the weight on the tag by putting the washer in the very rear, plus we have a 525 engine which will put more weight on the tag. CCI is just keeping up with competition. There is no law against building a coach that is at the weight limits, but we need to know what we are buying before we buy it. I laugh when I read about all the coaches that are weighed at state scales or truck stops. A big coach like ours needs a 6 point weigh with full fuel, water, some sewage, and all people plus that 10,000 pound trailer, then we will know what the coach weighs. How many people have done that? From what I read on this site about tire pressure, not to many.
Yahoo Message Number: 10466 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10466)
Bill,I have a 01 Magna, single slide & axle and it weighs over 20000#,full of fuel, propane, and fresh water. This is off of CC weigh sheet from the factory.I don't have my coach in the driveway right now, to give the exact figure.
Ray G
01 magna 5940
Yahoo Message Number: 10468 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10468)
Well, yesterday, I unloaded my coach of everything except nearly full fuel, 2/3 propane and kitchen dishes and cookware. The rear axle was 20,700 lbs. If this coach has not been built to the limit or over, I'm packing some unknown weight.
The FMCA mag 3/04 article about the "Elegant Lady" shows in the specs. GAWR front- 18,000 lbs. drive axle-22,000 lbs. and tag- 14,000 lbs.
The tested 'wet weight' was front- 16880 lbs., drive- 21060 lbs., tag-12960 lbs. They list a payload of 3600 lbs.
I'm not really sure what 'wet weight' includes but what ever it is put this 'Liberty' Prevost 1060 lbs. over 20,000 lbs. so again, if this coach is not built to, or over the 20000 lbs.---- then what? July 10th I am scheduled for a 4 point weight check with RV Safety at the LOW conference. I guess they should be able to clear up some questions, I sure hope so.
Regards, Larry
'99 Affinity
Yahoo Message Number: 10472 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10472)
Larry,
Libertys are build with whatever you put in them so you could be over. I'm susprised you have never had a 6 point weight but based on what I see on this site that's not unusual. Not trying to beat this horse to death I went out to my 2001 double slide Magna to get the paper work and share my 6 point weights with everyone to show that my CC is well within all regulations and spec. These weights are with full water, propane, full fuel, 2 adults, a Jeep GC in tow and some sewage. Most of our sewage was dumped before the weigh but we left some in because we do not dump everyday when on the road. We went to the FMCA convention with the purpose of getting a full 6 point weigh when our coach was 2 months old and full of all our stuff. We are not full timers which make some weight difference and we do not carry a motorcycle.
Front axle rated at 14,400, weight on pass. side 6275, weight on driver side 6300, Drive axle rated at 20,000, weight on pass side 8700, weight on driver side 10,200 Tag axle rated at 10,000, weight on pass. side 3200, weight on driver side 4375 Total weight 39,050, GVWR 44,400, plenty of safety margin
The drivers side is heavier on the rear because all our weight is on that side. I inflate all the tires on the rear the same based on the heavier side, Our new coach should be more even on the rear because CC moved the washer to the rear pass. side and we have 2 bedroom slides. Based on these weights our 2001 and the new 2005 will be well within the weight limits.
Bill G. 2001 Magna #5998
Yahoo Message Number: 10473 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10473)
One fact everyone seems to over look...GCWR... Gross Combined Weight Rating. This includes the weight of trailer or towed vehicle. I am amazed at the number of motorhomes that carry a heavy motorcycle on the rear, plus the weight of a suitable lift. I am sure that many of these vehicles are a little squirrley going down the highway.
Max
98 Affinity #5487
Yahoo Message Number: 10474 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10474)
Bill G., it is nice that things seem to be just great for you and your coach, and I hope you are very happy in your new coach. As pointed out in a couple of my posts, I am scheduled to have a 4 point [no tag] in just a few days. This is about 3 months after taking delivery of the '99 Affinity . I see you waited 2 months for a weight on your coach, so I guess I'm not too far behind your time frame.
Perhaps if you attend the 'Homecoming' in August or the FMCA rally in OR. we might have a chance to meet and I'll buy you a cup of coffee and take a look at that new coach.
Larry
'99 Affinity
Yahoo Message Number: 10475 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10475)
We own one of those coaches carrying a motorcycle on the rear, in addition to towing a SUV. Our coach does not get "a little squirrley" going down the highway. I believe this is due to the tag axel capacity and stability.
We have a 42' Magna Resort, use a JLift carrying a Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic and tow a Honda CR-V. The JLift is bolted directly to the engine mounting rails (it does not connect to the towing reciever, nor was there any welding on the coach to install) and uses 12 vDC/hydralic power to lift the bike. The JLift incorporates a towing reciever, so the CR-V is, in effect, towed by the bike lift. I represent the JLift and we do not offer the lift for non- tag axel coaches carrying a heavy-weight motorcycle.
Our thought is that single-axel coaches do not have both the capacity and stability to handle the addition of some 1000+ lbs. aft of the towing receiver. A motorcycle carrier/lift is very similar to a trailer with some 1200-1500 lbs. of tongue weight. However, the carrier/lift does not have the trailer wheel to provide stability, hence it is more like adding pure weight aft of the coach bumper. The addition of a toad with a receiver-mounter tow bar does not increase the tongue weight significantly in our experience. In fact, to some degree, towing increases or maintains stability.
Sawbuck
'02 Magna #6159
We
Weight Rating.
at the
plus the weight of
little squirrley
Yahoo Message Number: 10476 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10476)
JLift should be commended for their approach. Not all are so concerned. I am amazed that anyone would weld onto the frame rails. Trucks are specifically labeled NOT TO WELD on frame. Also coach owners must be aware of the maximum total weight. It is not just Country Coaches that I see that are obviously overloaded, many other brands also, maybe even more so. It is easy to tell by looking at the size of tires and wheels that many coaches are not made to carry such loads.
But the GCWR is still a factor. In the bathroom cabinet of our coach is a label clearly explaining the total maximum weight the coach is built for. This is not only important for the chassis but in stopping ability also.
Max 98 Affinity #5487
Yahoo Message Number: 10479 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10479)
Bill, my sheet from CC is front Driver side 6267 pass 6355 total 12622. Rear Driver 11545 pass 9954 total 21499.Rating frontaxle is 13900 rear 23000.This was from the factory full of water, fuel & propane, nothing else in the coach.
Ray G
01 Magna 5940
Yahoo Message Number: 10488 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10488)
Larry,
I will be at FMCA and JC, plus the whatever you call it rally with CCI between the two convention. We will also be at Newport Outdoor Resort for a week before JC to shake down the new coach and read the manuals. We have a factory appointment also to do any warranty work in between all of this. So look us up, we should have the only 40 foot 05 Magna with 3 slides. It is one of the first 40 footers they are building.
Bill G. 01 Magna #5998
Yahoo Message Number: 10303 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10303)
The Maximum Axle Rating is the Rating the Vehicle Manufacturer Puts on the Axle System based on the lowest rated compoment of that system. Possibly the Tire Combination. If you'll notice a single tire is rated higher than when it is in a dual combination. IF you are in a wreck and it can be proved that an over weight axle (based on the manufacturer's rating) contributed to the mishap, i.e. could not stop in time in a rear end collision, then you will be liable for damages and may not be covered by your own insurance company...
Good Luck
Lee in Portland
Raygrr@...> wrote:
Yahoo Message Number: 10307 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10307)
Lee, thanks and I agree. The concern is that someone posted that there is a federal max axle limit of 20000 lbs. and my coach is , as probably is yours, rated higher than that.
Larry
'99 Affinity
Yahoo Message Number: 10318 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10318)
I rarely post anything to this group, but for whatever it may be worth, here is what Section 35550 of the California Vehicle Code says. You all can argue about whether you will get caught and whether other States are the same or different:
Section 35550. Maximum Weight on Single Axle or Wheels
(a) The gross weight imposed upon the highway by the wheels on any one axle of a vehicle shall not exceed 20,000 pounds and the gross weight upon any one wheel, or wheels, supporting one end of an axle, and resting upon the roadway, shall not exceed 10,500 pounds.
(b) The gross weight limit provided for weight bearing upon any one wheel, or wheels, supporting one end of an axle shall not apply to vehicles the loads of which consist of livestock.
(c) The maximum wheel load is the lesser of the following:
(1) The load limit established by the tire manufacturer, as molded on at least one sidewall of the tire.
(2) A load of 620 pounds per lateral inch of tire width, as determined by the manufacturer's rated tire width as molded on at least one sidewall of the tire for all axles except the steering axle, in which case paragraph (1) applies.
Gerry
No motorhome yet
Yahoo Message Number: 10320 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10320)
"Gerry
No motorhome yet"
And after "listening" to those of us who already have one complain, you may decide to never get one! LOL
Thanks for the information, Gerry. I'm betting that most of the states have similar regulations, as does the federal gov't. Someone in this thread asked why Country Coach would build and sell coaches that violate the law...because they can! Because there is no law that says they cannot build it, only that we cannot drive it on the highways and byways and as a corporation, they could care less if we are inconvenienced or fined because we break that law. And if you think that a law would ever be written to preclude corporations from building an illegal rig, I have a bridge to sell you....8-) Buyer beware!
JMO
Carol
'04 Inspire Genoa
'03 Explorer
Fulltimer
Yahoo Message Number: 10325 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10325)
I must admit I'm confused over the furor this subject seems to have generated. If CC or any other mfg builds a coach with a 23,000 rating on the rear axle, that doesn't mean you can load it to 23,000 lbs. if the law limits you to 20,000 lbs. What it does mean is that you have a cushion should you inadvertantly over-load your coach. If the mfg. built strictly to the legal load limits with no tolerance for over-loading, and a coach broke down with 21,000 lbs. on the rear axle, owners would be jumping up and down because of the lack of tolerance.
Just because the speedometer shows 80/100 mph doesn't mean you can drive that fast.
Sometimes it seems the mfgs can't win.
Walt Rothermel
03allure30811
Yahoo Message Number: 10326 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10326)
I agree with you Walt. Building a stronger coach with a 23,000 pound rear axle is a good thing. The furor comes in when manufacturers then use that 23,000 in the calculation of the CCC rating. That's why I didn't buy a Monaco. I felt like Monaco was lying to me telling me that I could carry 3480 lbs, where in fact I could carry only 480 lbs legally in most states. That's the rub.
The extra 3000 pounds overinflates the CCC rating. And I guess that's why the consumer must be educated and make informed decisions if they are to be happy with their purchase.
My coach has a completely legal 11,076 lb CCC rating with a 20,000 pound rated drive axle. I'm only carrying 4,500 pounds. That leaves me with a very nice safety cushion of 6,576 lbs.
Hopefully other consumers will learn by our sharing and make safe and informed buying decisions.
Bob Kumza
2003 40' Intrigue (with tag axle)
Yahoo Message Number: 10327 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10327)
Walt several models(single axle) of CC came from the factory, already over 20000#,so they were already over.
Ray G
01 Magna 5940
Yahoo Message Number: 10329 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10329)
Ray, I was unaware of the fact some coaches came from the factory already over 20,000 lbs. on the rear axle. I take back my defense of the mfg.
Walt Rothermel
03allure30811
Yahoo Message Number: 10330 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10330)
Ray and Walt, I Think I own one of those coaches you are referring to. I weight the bays last night, this is the 'remain aboard stuff' tools, hose, patio stuff, etc. I have a total of 357 lbs.
When I weight my coach the rear axle was 20,700 lbs. When weight I had a 1/4 tank of H2O 233 lbs.. and some canned goods in the kitchen. The only other weight in the coach was dishes and pot and pans and full fuel.
If the scale I used is accurate, then my coach at or very near 20,000 lbs. without the usual equipment we need to travel, If all this is true, I have a rather 'Beefy' week-ender. We thought we were going to tour the country in this coach when we bought it. I guess I am at fault! I wanted a coach with good 'rated' NCC. I have that, 6840 lbs. per the placard . I was so concerned about NCC, as my last coach was very light, that I didn't allow for the 20,000 lbs. 'Road Limit'. The fact that I had no Idea such a law existed didn't help. Again My Fault ! But just a question, why build a coach that is at the limit? Why do I need a C-12 Cat and a 4060 Allison if I can't haul anything it the coach? Maybe a C-7 and a 3000 tranny would have saved some weight.
Well I'm paying big bucks for an education. I guess if the wife and I want to see the USA in a CC we had better shop for one with a tag and some better numbers. I just have a hard time believing that a bunch of 40 foot DP with single rear axles aren't in the same boat. If this is the case, then this is yet another area that the manufactures need more oversight. Of course it is the buyer's responsibility to be educated about a purchase but why build something so poorly designed?
Larry
'99 Affinity
Yahoo Message Number: 10332 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10332)
Larry, my 01 Magna single axle weighed about 21000# and this was from the factory weight sheet(they include with coach-full of fuel, propane, and water.)this was before I put anything in the motorhome. At this point you should not worry about travelinging, unless its toll roads. States are not stopping Mh yet.
Ray G
01 magna 5940
Yahoo Message Number: 10335 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10335)
Hi, I am new to the list. I have noticed that all the messages appear to be about newer coaches. Is this list for coaches from the 80's too or is it mostly for newer homes?
Yahoo Message Number: 10339 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10339)
Hi Doug,
Welcome to the forum. This forum is for any year Country Coach.
Many of todays owners of newer CC coaches may have owned the older CC coaches. My suggestion would be to float your question and see who responds.
Steve
Intrigue #10673
appear to
or is
Yahoo Message Number: 10341 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10341)
Thanks for the reply, We are in the process of buying a country coach that was burned up inside. I will pick it up latter this week. There is no damage outside.
We originally wanted to turn a bus into a motor home and than realized that was to much work. I stopped looking when I saw some of the home built coaches. They all seemed to be narrower than a regular motor home and they didn't seemed designed or decorated very well either.
When we saw this 87 Country Coach we could tell there was allot of quality built into it and decided this was the one. This coach that we bought will have to be stripped of everything and then updated with a brighter finish on the cabinets and walls. It needs updated ceilings, walls, carpets, appliances and furniture. Basically the value of the coach allowed us to purchase it and make it cost effective to do this. When we get done it should show pride of ownership again.
I know this coach has allot of features my old coach doesn't and I will have some questions and maybe you folks will have some good answers.
Doug
Yahoo Message Number: 10324 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10324)
This issue has been around a long time, since 1990 at least. 40' Concept's were over 20,000# on their rear axles. I had a 6V92 version, and the 8V92's were even worse. At the time 1992, I checked with California DOT, and they assured me I was in violation, and if weighed on one of their scales, I would be cited at $1.00 per pound over.
Food for thought: there is and has been a movement afoot to require a special licence to operate larger motorhomes. I have been following that with interest. Some states will require motorhomes to pass through weigh stations to check documentation. The beat goes on.
Avery Sloper
32' 2000 Allure 30487 Under 26,000# by the way
Yahoo Message Number: 10352 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Country-Coach-Owners/conversations/messages/10352)
Interesting Threads that have been generated on this subject... I'm not familiar with the design specifications of all the CC models verses length of coaches. But, if CC uses the same REAR axle from the 32ft Allure to the 43 ft Affinity. Well, maybe this is a bit of a stretch. How about from a 32ft. Allure to a 40 ft. Intrigue. If all of these units have the same Axle under them, then obviously the 32ft. Allure has the least empty weight and can carry the most payload, that is, if the operator can find room to carry the weight. Does anybody know if the same axle is used in the 2nd range I've mentioned?? We have an '01 x 36 ft. Intrigue with a 20,000 lb. Rear axle rating & 13,200 front axle rating for a combined 33,200 total vehicle weight rating. In the 2 years we have own ours the rear axle weight on the FREE Oregon Department of Transportation scales has ranges form 18,700 lb. to 19,350 lbs. and the front of 10,200 to 10,600. So, that tells me I need to load my forward storage compartment as heavy as possible to stay under the Gross Vehicle weight rating. I plan on doing some weight transfer calculations before we start 'Most Timing It" in January to stay legal.. It maybe irresponsible of CC if they use the same rear axle and rate it at different capacities for the same size tires. We have 12Rx22.5 tires. I think the biggest for the configuration Well, Looks like we've beat the Dead Horse to More that Death on this issue.
Happy Trails,
Lee in Portland, Oregun.
Welcome all of you "Out-of-Staters in August.. We are "Out of state friendly here".............. Maybe I'll see you in Redmond for the FMCA event, if you need to use a Limited Mobility Golf Cart to get around........ I'll be the one one with a Bus Driver's cap on.....
Cheers.................