Why do White Hawks have such a low GVWR?

[Collinp]

I am looking at a 2019 WH 32 KBS and I noticed, as did one other on the forum, that the GVWR is low for a ~38' trailer. I did some research and the other brands ultra light of similar size all have a GVWR of 10-11k lbs whereas the White Hawk is ~9k lbs. I looked back at past WH model years and found 2017 and 2018 had similar GVWR to the 2019.

Anyone noticed anything with their White Hawks that make you question the strength or integrity of the trailer? I have a smaller 2014 and will say the only thing I've noticed is the flexing of the floor. I am wondering why they rated them with such low GVWR.

[Midnightmoon]

I always like to look at axle rating along with GVWR and cargo carrying capacity. That's a good initial indication of how the trailer is constructed. Is it equipped to be just good enough for it's ratings or somewhat overbuilt for it's manufacturer supplied specs.

For example my Feather has a GVWR of 5500# but has 2 3500# axles under it. On other trailers you may find that they may have a GVWR of 7500# but the same 3500# axles under them. Are the components just meeting the specs or are they somewhat equipped above the minimum requirements.

Again, I'm not implying that axle capacity is the only thing to be concerned with, but it is a good quick way to gauge basic capability of that chassis and overall construction.

[Crabman]

The White Hawk line is considered a "Lite weight" trailer like the Jay Feather so they keep the weights down which includes lightening the cargo carrying capacity.

[Ohiofinlander]

Our 28RL has been great so far with approx. 2000 miles on it. I haven't noticed any weak points anywhere, but having said that, I cannot inspect the underside due to the underbelly being covered up. With 1675 lbs.of carrying capacity, this seems more than sufficient for our needs.

We do not travel with full tanks. I can see it becoming an issue pretty fast if we did with the two gray tanks, black tank, and water tank full.

[SkyBound]

Originally Posted by Midnightmoon

I always like to look at axle rating along with GVWR and cargo carrying capacity. That's a good initial indication of how the trailer is constructed. Is it equipped to be just good enough for it's ratings or somewhat overbuilt for it's manufacturer supplied specs.

For example my Feather has a GVWR of 5500# but has 2 3500# axles under it. On other trailers you may find that they may have a GVWR of 7500# but the same 3500# axles under them. Are the components just meeting the specs or are they somewhat equipped above the minimum requirements.

Again, I'm not implying that axle capacity is the only thing to be concerned with, but it is a good quick way to gauge basic capability of that chassis and overall construction.

This was the exact scenario I was in. My trailer's GVWR is 7500 and I had two 3500lb axles under it. I only ever loaded to 7K or less, but my rear axle bent and scrubbed off a tire. Now I have two 5K axles under it and LR D tires.

My first trailer was a 198RD with a GVWR of 5900lb and it had the same twin 3500lb axles and never had a problem.

[DonaandDon]

Great point Ohiofinlander - "Our needs"

Understanding the construction is a necessary homework. A 38' RV at around 400 sqft of 1" tonged and grove hardwood is plenty of weight. The new sandwich/Marine-board, vacuum sealed flooring may save weight but only time and usage will tell....


We have traveled many miles with family and several family have opted out on travel due to their needs. Be it miles, wear and tear, already committed to, or a financial matter. The "our needs" ring true.

[Crabman]

They switched over to plywood floors in the White Hawks a few years ago.
That's a plus.

[Collinp]

Thanks for the input. You inspired me to do some more research. I have found that the camper has 2 4400 lb axles. So, for example, if I am loaded at 8700 lbs GVW with 1000 lbs of tongue weight I would have 7700 lbs distributed between 2-4400 lb axles. I would be 1100lbs below the max rating for my axles. Am I looking at this correctly?

[Scott_Trailer_Newbe]

WhiteHawks are all advertised as being 1/2 ton “towable”. Because of this claim they trim where they can which is not such a bad thing. Our 2018 WH 28RL has been good. The little secrete is not all WH models are truly 1/2 ton “towable”.

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by Collinp

snip........ if I am loaded at 8700 lbs GVW with 1000 lbs of tongue weight I would have 7700 lbs distributed between 2-4400 lb axles. I would be 1100lbs below the max rating for my axles. Am I looking at this correctly?

Your correct because when hitched TT tongue weight is supported by the TV.

TT weight over the axles will fluctuate at the campground (static mode) once occupant(s) and fluids come into play, but is less of a concern than when "in-tow".

Bob

[mia389]

I know they use small grey tanks, 30.5 compared to 39 gals . Walls are rated at R5 in WH, R8 in Jayflight (non SLX). They do both use same axles. This is comparing WH 29RE to a Jayflight 29RLDS. They are both Rear living with two slides.

They use a foam in the White Hawk walls. In the Jayflight I think its insulation.

[bono]

I am very much interested in such upgrade. What was the total cost?

Originally Posted by SkyBound

This was the exact scenario I was in. My trailer's GVWR is 7500 and I had two 3500lb axles under it. I only ever loaded to 7K or less, but my rear axle bent and scrubbed off a tire. Now I have two 5K axles under it and LR D tires.

My first trailer was a 198RD with a GVWR of 5900lb and it had the same twin 3500lb axles and never had a problem.

[mia389]

When I went to class, Lippert told us never to install different axles to their frames. I forgot the reason why. Maybe call them before doing such an upgrade.

[bono]

Probably one of the reasons is that you still need to respect other restrictions in terms of the max weight, i.e. the fact that you upgrade axles and tires does not mean that the max weight of the trailer will be increased by 1k or 2k lbs. I think this is the reason why they do not want people do do such upgrades, as there would be a lot folks not understanding such things.

[Johnny Lightning]

This doesn't apply to TTs specifically but I was looking at towing a utility trailer behind a MH. What I found out is that a 7,000# trailer has, I believe, a 6" frame while a 10,400# trailer has a 8" frame. The point being that a larger capacity trailer had a beefier frame. That said, if you're having trouble with your axles I don't see any harm in putting on bigger axles but I wouldn't put more weight in the trailer. The weight of the axle and wheels really don't count when you are figuring the weight of the trailer since they are unsupported weight. However the weight in the trailer is supported by both the axles and the frame. Just some food or thought, but you should probably check with someone who's a lot smarter than me.

[bono]

My logic as well. I have one bent axle (I am confirming this - I replaced the worn tire with the spare tire and will be watching the tread). If I confirm that the axle is bent, I will consider changing/upgrading both.

[travelingjw]

We have a 23' 2017 WhiteHawk. The GVWR is 6500; full weight of trailer with full propane is 5305. We have camped with 4 adults, full pantry, etc. and have never experienced any issues with floors flexing, etc. We have towed, when boondocking with full fresh water tank load (31 gallons), at least 5 - 10 gallons in the black tank, and again, have never experienced any issues. Our experience is that Jayco delivered a TT that could be used as designed with no concerns.

[Atlee]

Could be. And certainly a 7500# GVWR trailer that has 2 3500# axles isn't going to magically increase the GVWR with say 4500# axles.

That said, any trailer that depends on the tongue weight removed, in order for the axles to barely qualify as large enough to be put under the trailer, is a prime candidate for axle upgrade, no matter what Liippert may or may not recommend.

Way too many trailer manufacturers put out trailers that meet this description.

My J Flight 23RB has a pair of 3500# axles but the GVWR is only 6500#. Therefore, I have a 500# buffer even before subtracting the tongue weight. I like my trailers to be like this.

Originally Posted by mia389

When I went to class, Lippert told us never to install different axles to their frames. I forgot the reason why. Maybe call them before doing such an upgrade.

[venoran]

Just checked the sticker on our White Hawk, 7750lbs GVWR and 3500lb axles. Sticker says empty weight at factory was 6586lbs, max cargo 1164lbs.

As long as I put 10% tongue weight on the truck I should be able to load up to max. I haven't visited the scales yet, so I can't confirm the exact load distribution with my WDH.

I've watched my axles flex pretty good taking corners and maneuvering into tight spots, but so far no bending...hope it stays that way!

[Scott_Trailer_Newbe]

Just for reference, our 28RL GVW is 8150 max loaded and it comes with 4,400 lb axles. So far so good.