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Topic: 20.000 lb. Axle Wt. Rating (Read 2325 times) previous topic - next topic
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Re: 20.000 lbs axle wt.

Reply #25 –
Yahoo Message Number: 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.

Re: 20.000 lbs axle wt.

Reply #26 –
Yahoo Message Number: 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

Re: 20.000 lbs axle wt.

Reply #27 –
Yahoo Message Number: 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

Re: 20.000 lbs axle wt.

Reply #28 –
Yahoo Message Number: 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

Re: 20.000 lbs axle wt.

Reply #29 –
Yahoo Message Number: 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

Re: 20.000 lbs axle wt.

Reply #30 –
Yahoo Message Number: 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

Re: 20.000 lbs axle wt.

Reply #31 –
Yahoo Message Number: 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

Quote from: maxmlkman@a\.\.\.\[br\
] > One fact everyone seems to over look...GCWR... Gross Combined
Weight Rating.

Quote
This includes the weight of trailer or towed vehicle. I am amazed

at the

Quote
number of motorhomes that carry a heavy motorcycle on the rear,
plus the weight of

Quote
a suitable lift. I am sure that many of these vehicles are a
little squirrley

Re: 20.000 lbs axle wt.

Reply #32 –
Yahoo Message Number: 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

Re: 20.000 lbs axle wt.

Reply #33 –
Yahoo Message Number: 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

Re: 20.000 lbs axle wt.

Reply #34 –
Yahoo Message Number: 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

20.000 lb. Axle Wt. Rating

Reply #35 –
Yahoo Message Number: 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:

Re: 20.000 lb. Axle Wt. Rating

Reply #36 –
Yahoo Message Number: 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

Re: 20.000 lb. Axle Wt. Rating

Reply #37 –
Yahoo Message Number: 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

Re: 20.000 lb. Axle Wt. Rating

Reply #38 –
Yahoo Message Number: 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

Re: 20.000 lb. Axle Wt. Rating

Reply #39 –
Yahoo Message Number: 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

Re: 20.000 lb. Axle Wt. Rating

Reply #40 –
Yahoo Message Number: 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)

Re: 20.000 lb. Axle Wt. Rating

Reply #41 –
Yahoo Message Number: 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

Re: 20.000 lb. Axle Wt. Rating

Reply #42 –
Yahoo Message Number: 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

Re: 20.000 lb. Axle Wt. Rating

Reply #43 –
Yahoo Message Number: 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

Re: 20.000 lb. Axle Wt. Rating

Reply #44 –
Yahoo Message Number: 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

Older coaches

Reply #45 –
Yahoo Message Number: 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?

Re: Older coaches

Reply #46 –
Yahoo Message Number: 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

Quote from: Doug Rose\[br\
]
Hi, I am new to the list. I have noticed that all the messages

appear to

Quote
be about newer coaches. Is this list for coaches from the 80's too

or is

Re: Older coaches

Reply #47 –
Yahoo Message Number: 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

20,000# axles

Reply #48 –
Yahoo Message Number: 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
 

20.000 lb.REAR Axle Wt. Rating

Reply #49 –
Yahoo Message Number: 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.................