2012 Skylark capacity

[cpaharley2008]

I'm looking at the 2012 Skylark with 3500 lb single axle with dry weight of 3000 lbs with options. My concern is the 500 lbs carrying capacity. with propane and 1/2 tank water, it only leaves me with 400 lbs for my "stuff". I'd like to add 2 batteries which would reduce the capacity even more.
I do not know the tire capacity but I am thinking if they are 1900 each will this give me some margin for error? There is so much storage room available in this trailer that I'm surprised the capacity is not greater.
Which is my greatest concern, tire or axle capacity? Thanx

[Terry]

Yeah - that is the tradeoff for the lightweight trailers -- you get more trailer, but less cargo. If you are careful, you can make it work - but it is not easy. I would not recommend going over the rated capacity. If something were to break you could void your warranty or even worse, have a problem with the insurance company in the event of a wreck.

I think these campers are do-able - but the greatest weight is going to food and liquids - like 6 packs of cokes and bottled water. I bet we end up with 200 lbs of food/liquid on a week trip easy. Check you overall vehicle capacity and you may be able to carry some of the heavy stuff in your TV.

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

snip......Which is my greatest concern, tire or axle capacity? Thanx

Neither, not to say they aren't important, but you should really focus on the TT's GVWR weight limit. The GVWR takes into consideration tires, axle(s), frame, etc..

Your correct to be careful about loading a TT with a low CCC.., in these cases it's best to run across a CAT scale just to make sure that you are within the weight limits once loaded.

Bob

[Phar0e]

Does the 500 lbs refer to towing the Skylark or does it include the time it is parked in the campsite? If it is towing weight than some of the heavier things could be carried in the TV and then transferred to the trailer once its set up. Of course it that weight is all it can hold even parked, most of that would be used up just in body weight.

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by Phar0e

Does the 500 lbs refer to towing the Skylark or does it include the time it is parked in the campsite? ....snip

Phar0e,

Interesting question..., but I would tend to believe that the TT GVWR shouldn't be exceeded while in tow. With the TT "parked" and "unhitched" I will stick my neck out and assume that many of us will be over our respective GVWR once we add occupants, fluids, etc., while at the campsite.

I do know that the federal government is behind the new weight labels now being attached to Automobiles and RV's (MH's, TT's, HTT's etc.), thus the prior RVIA CCC weight labels will go away. MH's are the only type of RV that I'm aware of that the new OCCC (Occupant and Cargo Carrying Capacity) labels will show up on which combines people, water and cargo weight into one number.

TT's, HTT's ,etc., it is my understanding that the word "occupant" will not be part of the new "CCC" label/weight.

I'm open to comments on this one....

Bob

[Terry]

Yes - great question - never really thought of that. I have to believe you would be fine as long as you are not just going crazy. When going down the road, hitting bumps, etc - you are putting a lot more stress on the frame and axles than when sitting in the camp site. In addition, your jacks should also be distributing the weight. The specs call for sleeping 6 people - so that would be an avg of about 90 lbs per person which we all know is not realistic.

[Crabman]

This question came up before on a liteweight with a small CCC and IIRC someone emailed Jayco and they said the CCC is for towing, not parked. So occupants do not count against the CCC. If they did, with a 500lb CCC you could never step inside the trailer after your stuff is in there!

[SecretCoveDave]

Good tip Lee.

Amazing how much there is too learn. I just realized I killed 2 deep cycle 12 volts by not knowing about 3 stage trickle chargers thing.

Dave

[Rustic Eagle]

I "believe" I read that with MH's the new OCCC (includes occupant weight) is based on the number of individual seat belts x 154lbs each. I'm sure our MH members are better versed on the OCCC weight than I am.

Bob

[BigSky]

I have owned a Skylark for 2 years. At first I thought that the 3500 weight limit would be an issue. But after using the trailer a few times, we learned what to pack and what to leave at home. The trailer has been great for the family - DW, DS and Goldendoodle.

[Rustic Eagle]

FYI: Skylark WDH recommendation by Jayco......., http://www.jaycoowners.com/showthrea...3842#post53842

Bob

[rog4kneer]

We have learned to pack what we need, keep liquids such as water and soda in the tow vehicle with limited supply in fridg.
Proper planning and it does not present a problem.