3400RL Weight Problems?

[rickfox]

Yesterday I checked out the "star rating" awarded to the 3400RL by rv.org - this is the outfit that rates most of the RV's - and is different from rv.net!!

With 5 Stars being the best, the 3400RL was rated as 0 star's - unsafe for use on the highway. What do you all think of that???

According to rv.org, the "average UVW" is 11,750. With a GVWR of 13,770, this leaves only 2020#'s total carrying capacity. By the time a battery, water, and LP is added - according to rv.org - there is only 11% carrying capacity left. re.org believes a 5th wheel should have at least 15% (of total GVWR) available for NCC, or the unit will most likely be overloaded - thus making it unsafe.

Part of the Montana problem - as I see it - is that the NCC is determined by calculating that the GVWR is equal to the UVW hitch pin weight plus the capacity of the axles - or 13,770# for the 3400RL. However, almost everyone knows that in loading the 5th wheeler to capacity will undoubtedly cause more weight to be added to the hitch pin. For example, if the measured hitch pin on a loaded 3400RL were 2200#, the unit should be able to carry 14,200# total without exceeding the axle capacity. This is considerably more than that assumed by rv.org, or in fact specified by Keystone.

Just take a look at the 3475. It's calculated GVWR is 14,225#, or 455# more, and the construction and the parts are the same as for the 3400RL. What gives?? Are we to assume the 3400RL really is UNSAFE for highway use???