Axle weight limit is less than the GVW

[Whistler]

I was under my TT (2013 308RETS) and noticed the Dexter axles were rated at 4400 lbs (8800 lbs for tandem axles set-up). The manufacturer Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is 9975 lbs, that's more than what the axles are rated for! I do understand the unsprung weight, wouldn't that be the weight of tires only? The numbers are not jiving.
I'm not sure if I should be concerned, so I thought I would put it out there to get the forums opinion.

[Rustic Eagle]

What your finding out is something that many RV manufactures do when sizing their TT, and/or FW axles. The one thing that the axles don't support is the loaded "tongue weight", the TV supports this weight. IMO some cases the axle ratings are cutting the weight game pretty close.

Bob

[Whistler]

That would make the numbers work, with 1000 lb tongue weight!

[s1njin]

This is one of the things that I absolutely LOVE about the 2014 X213s. GVW of 5500 pounds, but the tandem axles on the rig are each rated for 2960 pounds. Thats 5920 pounds !!! 420 pounds over the GVW of the rig, and over 1000 pounds of spare capacity once you take into account the tongue weight.

I like to be comfortably under capacity. That goes for my tow vehicle too.

[edatlanta]

It is so typical of manufacturers of anything to make it cheaper. I worked for one of the largest corporations in the U.S. a few years back and in one particular year the company made more money from cost reductions (translation: making it cheaper) than they did from that year's sales. The problem is that at some point it gets so cheap that the consumer has become the guinea pig and we absorb the reduced quality.

[cekkk]

I made a similar post some time ago and learned that TW is deducted and was told that when the TV is removed, it's okay to have TW transferred to the axles because it's sitting still. Anything to save a buck. Let's hope the product liability lawyers have scared the axle manufacturers to over engineer their products a bit.

[clubhouse]

Originally Posted by edatlanta

It is so typical of manufacturers of anything to make it cheaper. I worked for one of the largest corporations in the U.S. a few years back and in one particular year the company made more money from cost reductions (translation: making it cheaper) than they did from that year's sales. The problem is that at some point it gets so cheap that the consumer has become the guinea pig and we absorb the reduced quality.

General Electric?

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by cekkk

snip..... when the TV is removed, it's okay to have TW transferred to the axles .....snip

.... and a good part of the tongue weight is supported by the tongue jack as well.

Bob

[mcfarmall]

How many trailer disasters are linked to axle failures? I've never heard of any. Seems that the tires are the weakest link.