shadows4
Kansas City, Mo
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I have a 2015 Coachmen 324 TSRK, it has a dismal 1284 lbs of payload. It has 5200 lb axles. It was one of only two models produced by Coachmen that year that 7000 lb axles were not an available option. I know I cannot change the rating on the yellow payload sticker. But what would be the harm in changing the axles, springs, brakes with 7000 lb axles, springs and brakes? Would I be safely increasing my payload? What about just changing the bearings to 6000 lb bearings? It it my understanding the only difference between the 5200 and 6000 lb axles is the outer bearing? Thanks in advance.
2003 4X4 F350,CC,SB,Lariat,7.3L diesel, 219,000 miles
2015 Coachmen Chapparal 324 TSRK
B&W Patriot 16K hitch.
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theoldwizard1
SE MI
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Swapping in new axle assemblies (hub to hub including springs and tires) would go a long way towards achieving your goal. I would be concerned that the thickness of the steel in the frame would not be up to the new axle capabilities.
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C Schomer
Pueblo West, Co.
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I would worry about the frame and that would be my guess that they didn’t offer 7000 pound axles. Can you see the frame in one of the units that had 7000 pound axles to see how much difference there is?
I love to modify and make things better but I’ve had entry level RVs that weren’t even sturdy enough to handle the original manufactures ratings … they flexed so much and broke apart without even overloading them. Craig
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MFL
Midwest
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It seems if the 7K axle was not an option, they may have had a reason. They had to know that small CCC, was not good, on a FW that size. I think you could gain some CCC by using the 6K axle bearings (I also think bearings only diff between 5200 & 6). If the 6K springs are different, you could change those, or add a leaf to existing pack. The tires are often just adequate to cover axle rating, so upgrade may be needed??
Jerry
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wanderingaimlessly
Kerr Reservoir
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How much upgrade do you NEED?
If an additional 600-1000 lbs is enough, I would go along with Jerry's comment, Tires, bearings, and maybe an additional leaf, and take that.
To try to get more, I would really worry about the frame.
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jdc1
Rescue, Ca
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What did the Forest River engineers say when you asked them?
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time2roll
Southern California
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Load it up ready to go and put it on a scale. May need more or less than you think.
2001 F150 SuperCrew
2006 Keystone Springdale 249FWBHLS
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JIMNLIN
Oklahoma
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time2roll wrote:Load it up ready to go and put it on a scale. May need more or less than you think.
X2.
Get'r weighed.
This is the only way a vehicles actual payload can be found. Your trailer has 5200 lb axles = 10400 lbs on the axles at a max.
Don't assume the trailers frame can or cannot take higher rated axles. My first 5th wheel rv trailer mfg used the same higher rated axles on three different gvwr trailers.
"good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment" ............ Will Rogers
'03 2500 QC Dodge/Cummins HO 3.73 6 speed manual Jacobs Westach
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StirCrazy
Kamloops, BC, Canada
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can you guys legaly change the payload in the US with no big hassels, here we would need the modifications done and the engineering certifict so big bucks.
2014 F350 6.7 Platinum
2016 Cougar 330RBK
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shadows4
Kansas City, Mo
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I did some more research. According to E-trailer the only difference in the 5200 lb axle and the 6000 lb axle is a bend in the axle. Same bearings, brakes and axle tubes. I have upgraded the tires to E rated Goodyear Endurance tires.
I have put off weighing the trailer, I am afraid of what I will find. But this spring after we dewinterize and get it loaded for the season I will get that done. And look into adding a leaf to the springs. Thanks for all the replies.
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