Mountianeer Wheels

[jkpruitt]

Why does my 2006 344RET have (6) lug wheels, while most others Montana's I see in this size range have (8) lug wheels?

[8.1al]

You have 6,000lb axles.Evidently the maximum weight rating (GVWR)is low enough that they didn't feel heavier ones were needed

[SlickWillie]

I'm gonna speculate you have a 2005 built Mountaineer titled in 2006. 2005 had 5200 lb rated axles with 6 lug wheels. Look at the label on the left front of the fifth wheel and see if the info is there.

[Art-n-Marge]

My 6,000 lb axles have 8 lugs and don't think it has to do with Montana or Mountaineer. The number of lugs usually reflects the axle rating so I think SlickWillie is onto something, that the trailer and axle ratings do not require 8 lug wheels. Your unit is old enough, and that could be the case. The RVIA sticker should state it.

However, checking the www.keystonerv.com site the model trailer you mention it should have 6,000lb axles. But know that what is on the website might not be what your rig has since the RVIA sticker takes precedence. I guess it's possible that there might be a 6 lug wheel that supports the axle rating.

If you are not the original owner, I hope the prior owner did not swap out the brake drums to six bolt thinking this would support the weight. I have heard of folks who discovered others doing this to save cost but sacrificing safety (It's a trailer with no passengers, yes?).

You are right to be curious or suspect and to verify the wheels and spokes are correct to support the weight. I'm guessing all will be good.

[8.1al]

Our trailer has 6,000 lb. axles and 6 lug wheels rated for 80 psi.(I know,I've looked) I have always assumed that the 8 lug wheels were for heavier loads but my assuptions have gotten me in trouble more than once

[1retired06]

six lug wheels reflect an axle that does not have the same weight capacity as a eight lug wheel.

[Art-n-Marge]

Apparently not 1retired06... I have 6,000 lb axles and 8 lug wheels and 8.1al has 6,000 lb axles and 6 lug wheels. I guess this means that I could have used 6 lug wheels if I changed out the brake drums that contain the bolt pattern.

I'm guessing that I probably have 110# rated wheels with 8 lugs that were put on 6,000lb wheels with 8 bolt brake drums.

I think what we have here is a little overlap and I guess I could put heavier tires like G614s like many have done since I have 8 lug wheels. When I checked the web site on the OP's 2006 Mountaineer rig, its GTWR was just about 14,000 lbs just like my '06 Montana.

Many things are possible and it's good to check on what combinations work because it sure appears there's a bunch and no real hard and fast rule.

The good news is that the OP is making us check and be more aware.

[jkpruitt]

Well, we're setting on the American River in Coloma California right now. I'll figure it how when we decide to go home...

[1retired06]

Art, my mistake for repeating what I was told by a RV salesman! I should know better. To know the rating for sure, one safe method is to check the metal ID tag on the axle and then cross reference.

[scductman]

My 06 built in 05 had 6K axels with 8 lugs. when I went to 7K still used the same hub with 8 lugs. I lean towards it having 5200# axels don't know just sayin! I believe I would ck the tag on the axel I don't always believe whats on the tag on the side.
Bobby

[winter texan]

I have a 2007 344RET built in Nov 2006, my friend has a 2006 344RET built in Nov 2005. I have 6000# axles and he has 5000# axles

[jkpruitt]

I believe that answers it. Ours was built in 2005.