Tandem Axles 6000 lb

[ljensen]

I don't get it? I have a 3400RL and the axles have stamped om them max 6,000 lbs ea. If the manf. says the trailers GVWR is 13,975 isn't the trailer exceeding the wieght of 12,000 lbs for the two axles. Is this legal? I had the post, on tires wearing on the outside and inside, you all gave me your ideas, which is great people helping people that is what life is all about, thanks ! It seems that the axles look good they are straight and camber checks out, it came down to air presure. The wear pattern indicates low air, which I run at 80 lbs. I am going to run 90 in them. They indicate on the tire you can run 90lbs on them. I am going to give this a try. My trailer on the axles when I wieghted it was 11,555 lbs. also wear do you get breakshoes, does anyone have a part number I need to check them out before I head to Arizona they have about 3
0,000 miles on them, I am wondering what the normal wear is? On my ford with the built in break control I started new at 4.5 and am now at 8.0 . Your input is very much appreciated, Louis

[firetrucker]

Louis, about 20% of the trailer weight is pin weight that is carried by your truck, so the axles won't be overloaded.

I have a 3400, also, and my tires seem to have more wear on the outer edges than the center of the tread, but I'd be cautious about running them at 90 psi (my 235/85s have a max pressure of 80 psi). One of the things I'd recommend is to get the weight on each tire if you can and the truck axles as well, to see just what the total weight is and its distribution.

Bob

[Art-n-Marge]

Yes ljensen. Like firetrucker mentions the trailer never carries ALL its weight on both axles. The remaining weight from 15 to 25% of the total RV weight will be carried "over the pin" which rides on your tow vehicle, or when not towing is carried by the landing gear at the front of the rig. Just make sure to weigh your rig (TV, RV, each axle each side) to confirm the weights are properly distributed.

Regarding the higher number on the brake control, you might need to adjust the RV brake shoes manually. This is assuming you have drum brakes on your RV. As shoes wear the distance to travel to make contact with the drum can increase unless you have automatic adjusting. Adjusting the brake shoes so the gap is lessened should help.

You should check your RV wheels to ensure they can take the increase in pressure. Before you do this, what size and load rating are your tires? 80# should be enough pressure with your 3400 but we'd need to know the tire specs to be sure. The 3400 is a very popular rig amongst MOCers so hopefully they can comment.

[thor]

i agree with art your brakes probably need adjusting. have ever done this? if not you have to jack each wheel up useing the frame near the tie and not jacking up under the axle. on the inside of the wheel there is a plastic cap near the bottam of backing plate.stick a straight screwdriver and turn brake adjuster till the tire cannot be turned by hand.then turn the brake adjuster the oppsite way three clicks back put the cap on and your brakes a set.contiue till all four wheels are done .remenber to jack on the frame and not the axle.good luck randy.