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Coach Weight Distribution Question

I finally weighed the coach today on the way back home from our trip. Just filled up the fuel tank, full tank of water, all occupants with clothing and gear. Had a hitch basket loaded with a couple pop up tents, folding table, and chairs. I estimate a total of 200lbs including basket. Also had 6 cases of bottle water in the bath. Long story on the water, please don't ask.

Per the attached ticket and coach name plate.
Front axle GAWR 13,000 lbs
Actual weight 11,220 lbs
Rear axle GAWR 20,000 lbs
Actual weight 19,600 lbs

Questions:
1. How does this compare to your weight ratio and load distribution?
2. 400lbs of leftover "capacity" on the rear axle is not comforting. What are your thoughts?
3. Is it safe to assume any that any tongue weight at the hitch hairs against the rear axle GAWR?
4. We often pull a 21' runabout boat behind the coach. I assume given the same load setup we would be at or just slightly above the 20,000lbs rating. I would not have the basket so I pick up that weight capacity.  I really need to weigh the boat tongue weight, but what are your thoughts?

I really don't have any more rocks in my collection that I can move forward under the coach.

Thanks for your thoughts and time.
-Eric

Re: Coach Weight Distribution Question

Reply #1 –
Yes that basket is adding more than its weight on the rear axle and subtracting some from the front axle.  Your tongue weight of the boat and trailer should be 12% of its total weight, so it should be equivalent to the basket(unless you load all that camping gear into the boat).  Since you're marginal, you need the actual boat trailer tongue weight.

Re: Coach Weight Distribution Question

Reply #2 –
How confident are you in the accuracy of the scales?  The absolute Gold Standard is to get your coach "4-Corner" weighed with certified scales by a qualified tech.  The SmartWeigh program run by Escapees is one example of this type of service.

SmartWeigh ยท Escapees RV Club

Our coach is totally different than yours (model, year, length), so not a great comparison.  But, FWIW, here is what we found out 2 years ago when we got weighed (excerpt from a old post):

"Several days ago we had our coach 4-corner weighed at Escapees in Livingston, and we got a unexpected surprise.  We are a little too heavy...  I mean the coach - not the crew (although Bella the Malchi could afford to drop a few pounds).  Here's our corner weights:

Our front Axel GAWR is 10,000 - our left front weighed 5000, and our right front weighed 5,100.  100 pounds over GAWR.

Our rear axel GAWR is 19,000 - our left rear weighed 9,700, and our right rear weighed 9,150.  150 pounds under GAWR.

Our placard GVWR is 28,000 (??) - our coach weighed in at 28,950, putting us 950 pounds over GVWR.

Weighing was done with full fuel and fresh water tanks, half full propane tank, empty black and gray tanks.  The SmartWeigh tech suggested we might travel with less fresh water.  We could drop about 625 pounds by only carrying 1/4 tank of fresh water.  We plan to institute this change."

IMO, we don't carry a lot of excess junk with us when we travel, so there's not much I can do to change our "fixed" weight.  We installed tires that have a generous safety margin as far as weight carrying capacity.  I watch tire pressure like a hawk.  That's about all I know to do.  Haven't had any noticeable problem in 7+ years and counting...knock wood.

Re: Coach Weight Distribution Question

Reply #3 –
That is a good idea to carry less water to save some weight. My default is usually to go with full extra everything to be prepared for anything.

Like you, I watch the tire pressure very closely to make sure the tires stay in top shape.

I am glad to hear your experience with the overweight situation has been without incident!  Thank you for sharing.

Re: Coach Weight Distribution Question

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Eric & Alena + 3 –
3. Is it safe to assume that any tongue weight at the hitch hairs against the rear axle GAWR?

As Brett said, your added axle weight will be higher than the hitch tongue weight. Here is a weight calculator for extended hitches. You can make it work without an extender - just have the hitch and extender length total your actual hitch length i.e. 80 inches + 10 inches = 90 inches hitch to axle length.

I played around with it and without knowing your coach measurements - for example 400 lb hitch tongue weight is approx 600 lb added to the axle with my estimates.

Extended Hitch Calc
 

Re: Coach Weight Distribution Question

Reply #5 –
Be aware that many of the 20,000 rear axle GAWR were based on government maximums at that time.  It is my understanding that they have since been amended to 22,000 pounds.  Check with Foretravel or MOT to verify the ratings of your components.

Said another way, you could have 22k components with a GAWR of 20k because of government requirements at that time.

Re: Coach Weight Distribution Question

Reply #6 –
Peter- Thanks for the calculator. I will play around and see what I come up with regarding the weight.

Brett - I did not know this was a possibility. I will have to call FOT and see what I can learn.  When I initially read tour post, I was concerned that o was way over the limit. If I understand correctly, I might have an additional 2K capacity.

I really value the experience and knowledge of this forum. I wish I had spent some time here before I bought my coach. I do not regret my purchase, I think I could have negotiated a little better price for it as some of the repairs both expected and unexpected cost more money than thought. You live and learn.

Re: Coach Weight Distribution Question

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Eric & Alena + 3 –
Peter- Thanks for the calculator. I will play around and see what I come up with regarding the weight.

Brett - I did not know this was a possibility. I will have to call FOT and see what I can learn.  When I initially read tour post, I was concerned that o was way over the limit. If I understand correctly, I might have an additional 2K capacity.

I really value the experience and knowledge of this forum. I wish I had spent some time here before I bought my coach. I do not regret my purchase, I think I could have negotiated a little better price for it as some of the repairs both expected and unexpected cost more money than thought. You live and learn.

Please keep in mind that the weight limits on your data plate are design limits.  Our previous home for 9 years was rated for 14,000 pounds.  All up with the trailer our scale weight was 19,600 pounds.  We got by with limited top speed, tires inflated to the maximum air pressure and an ear out for the rear axle bearings.

The design limits for bearings are not hard limits, but the more you exceed them the more often you'll be replacing wheel bearings.

The 200 pounds on the trailer hitch I'd do away with or convert that weight into a moment arm in foot pounds and figure out how much extra weight is pushed down on the rear axle.

Re: Coach Weight Distribution Question

Reply #9 –
When running medium trucks at near max ratings for towing or load, many manufacturers recommend changing the diff oil to synthetic. 
 

Re: Coach Weight Distribution Question

Reply #10 –
Quote from: Protech Racing –
When running medium trucks at near max ratings for towing or load, many manufacturers recommend changing the diff oil to synthetic. 

I do that anyway, even if well below GAWR/GCWR.