GVWR on trailer sticker

[MVA]

So it is winter and I am looking at the sticker on the side of the trailer. Too much time....

The GVWR is listed as 2272 kg; i.e., 5000 lbs. Since each axle has a maximum capacity of 3500 lbs (Dexter rating), why is the GVWR not 7000 lbs? Does the frame or shell derate the maximum capacity per the axle rating?

thanks

 

[John in Santa Cruz]

based purely on axles, you'd also subtract out the tongue weight, which is part of the GWR of a trailer.

but yeah, the frame is designed around a 5000 lb GWR. your curb dry weight on a 21 is probably around 3300 or so lbs, so that leaves you 1700 lbs of total payload including all mods you've made.

 

[Mudhiker]

The over-provisioning on weight capacity on the axles gives a safety margin. I can imagine that if running 7000 pounds... there would be no flex. The trailer would shake itself apart. A hauling system going over the road is a bit like a stereo system, you don't want to run peak RMS at 100% duty cycle.



It's one of the main reasons I decided I must have a lightweight dual axle trailer rather than a loaded single. I want to be able to bring tools and cold weather gear and ice chests full of whatever, without compromising the tow.

 

[rubicon327]

The GVWR is listed as 2272 kg; i.e., 5000 lbs. Since each axle has a maximum capacity of 3500 lbs (Dexter rating), why is the GVWR not 7000 lbs? Does the frame or shell derate the maximum capacity per the axle rating?

That sticker also should have the axle ratings. Are you sure your axles are 3500# each? 3500# is just the maximum the Torflex #10 could be rated. Many on the tandem axle models used to be derated (less rubber) to achieve a better ride quality for the anticipated maximum load (GVWR). Too stiff is not good. See this thread:
https://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f8/axle-upgrade-17230.html

 

[John in Santa Cruz]

That sticker also should have the axle ratings. Are you sure your axles are 3500# each? 3500# is just the maximum the Torflex #10 could be rated. Many on the tandem axle models used to be derated (less rubber) to achieve a better ride quality for the anticipated maximum load (GVWR). Too stiff is not good. See this thread:
https://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f8/axle-upgrade-17230.html

I don't think I have seen gawr ratings on any trailers.

 

[MVA]

based purely on axles, you'd also subtract out the tongue weight, which is part of the GWR of a trailer.

but yeah, the frame is designed around a 5000 lb GWR. your curb dry weight on a 21 is probably around 3300 or so lbs, so that leaves you 1700 lbs of total payload including all mods you've made.

Thanks John - that is what I was figuring. Just odd to me that the trailer frame is significantly derated.

 

[MVA]

That sticker also should have the axle ratings. Are you sure your axles are 3500# each? 3500# is just the maximum the Torflex #10 could be rated. Many on the tandem axle models used to be derated (less rubber) to achieve a better ride quality for the anticipated maximum load (GVWR). Too stiff is not good. See this thread:
https://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f8/axle-upgrade-17230.html

The Dexter sticker on the axles indicate 3500# rating each (2017 E19). From the string you referenced (thanks - I had not seen that one) it seems that ETI was considering increasing the rating from 2500# to 3500# axles (?). Post #7 on the older sting indicates that ETI went with the 3500# axles in 2017: https://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f8/axle-upgrade-17230-2.html#post325442

thanks again

 

[rubicon327]

I don't think I have seen gawr ratings on any trailers.

John take a look at the silver placards in the thread I linked. GVWR and GAWR is on each one.

 

[rubicon327]

The Dexter sticker on the axles indicate 3500# rating each (2017 E19). From the string you referenced (thanks - I had not seen that one) it seems that ETI was considering increasing the rating from 2500# to 3500# axles (?). Post #7 on the older sting indicates that ETI went with the 3500# axles in 2017: https://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f8/axle-upgrade-17230-2.html#post325442

thanks again

What does your silver placard on the side say? The thread I linked indicates a 2019 21 has 2500# rated axles and a 2019 5.0 with rated 3000# axles. I would double check.

 

[MVA]

What does your silver placard on the side say? The thread I linked indicates a 2019 21 has 2500# rated axles and a 2019 5.0 with rated 3000# axles. I would double check.

That was the crux of my confusion. The VIN sticker indicates 2500# x2, but the axle sticker indicates 3500# each.

 

[rubicon327]

That was the crux of my confusion. The VIN sticker indicates 2500# x2, but the axle sticker indicates 3500# each.

Looks like you have 2500# axles then which makes sense with a 5000# GVWR. I bet if you gave Dexter the full axle serial number they will confirm this for you.

 

[John in Santa Cruz]

ah, I guess I should have looked before posting at 7am before coffee. hah.

so my 2014 is 1960 lbs per axle, or 3900 lbs combined axle weights. which means at 4500 lbs GVWR they expect 600 lbs on the tongue, which is not what I've seen when I've weighed it.

is anyone aware of any structural changes to the frame since 2014 that could justify increasing the GWR from 4500 to 5000 lbs ?

 

[rubicon327]

ah, I guess I should have looked before posting at 7am before coffee. hah.

so my 2014 is 1960 lbs per axle, or 3900 lbs combined axle weights. which means at 4500 lbs GVWR they expect 600 lbs on the tongue, which is not what I've seen when I've weighed it.

is anyone aware of any structural changes to the frame since 2014 that could justify increasing the GWR from 4500 to 5000 lbs ?

Seems odd. We have 2300# rating per axle on an older 19 with 4000# GVWR. I would think a 21 would be higher than 1960# per axle.

 

[oreo]

I think each the axle is 3500 lbs. Hubs and bearing rating and the rubber torsion suspension is rated at the 2500 lbs. per axle for ride quality .

 

[John in Santa Cruz]

pretty sure the hubs don't change, just the torsion rubber for the 2500 vs 3500 numbers.

 

[MVA]

Looks like you have 2500# axles then which makes sense with a 5000# GVWR. I bet if you gave Dexter the full axle serial number they will confirm this for you.

Dave,

See pic of rear axle sticker. So, my only speculation is ETI used to use 2500# capacity axles prior to my trailer build, i.e., per the prior string you referenced in an earlier post. The VIN sticker indicates 2500# axles, but it appears ETI started using 3500# axles and did not update the VIN sticker. Interestingly, ETI still states on their current website that the E19 has a 5000# GVWR. From an engineering POV, it appears they added structural margin to the axles but were not concerned revising the trailer to a higher GVWR. This would have required significant cost without realizing much value.

 

[Mudhiker]

Dave,

See pic of rear axle sticker. So, my only speculation is ETI used to use 2500# capacity axles prior to my trailer build, i.e., per the prior string you referenced in an earlier post. The VIN sticker indicates 2500# axles, but it appears ETI started using 3500# axles and did not update the VIN sticker. Interestingly, ETI still states on their current website that the E19 has a 5000# GVWR. From an engineering POV, it appears they added structural margin to the axles but were not concerned revising the trailer to a higher GVWR. This would have required significant cost without realizing much value.

Yeah, and the whole point is these are light, easy-to-tow trailers. If it were a 7000 GVWR, I'd need a full size pickup. The current design hits the sweet spot of price, weight, and capability.

 

[Mark B1]

Dave,

See pic of rear axle sticker. So, my only speculation is ETI used to use 2500# capacity axles prior to my trailer build, i.e., per the prior string you referenced in an earlier post. The VIN sticker indicates 2500# axles, but it appears ETI started using 3500# axles and did not update the VIN sticker. Interestingly, ETI still states on their current website that the E19 has a 5000# GVWR. From an engineering POV, it appears they added structural margin to the axles but were not concerned revising the trailer to a higher GVWR. This would have required significant cost without realizing much value.

My 2019 E19 is the same. I wonder if it could be a supply chain thing, where it is simpler and cheaper to order and store one axle type that works that works for all the double axle trailers. In my experience in design engineering those things can be factors in component selection.

I do know that the axles are plenty stiff for the load and I don't overinflate my tires above the ETI placarded specification or things will just shake more.

 

[oreo]

I believe the 3500 lbs. axle is just a derated to manufacture request for ride quality , very common .

 

[Mark B1]

Could be, but it would have been done by the axle manufacturer so I am surprised they would not change the placard if they did this as it is just a sticker. Without changing the sticker a derated axle could be put on a heavier trailer by accident so there is a liability issue there.