overweight -1st Press release

[Pete Masterson]

The 315s have a higher per-tire weight capacity than the 12R22.5s I run. That would account for the difference. If I were to convert to 315, I could probably lower my pressure. (There are some concerns about clearance between the duals when converting from 12Rs to 315s.)

The data plate is "legally binding" so a verbal assurance from Bennie has no real impact. If you were to have an accident due to "overloading" then BB would have no legal responsibility since the manufacturer's plate has a lower weight rating.

I note, however, that the sum of the axle ratings on my coach total (something like) 52,000 lbs -- but the official GVWR is 48,900 lbs. The difference is based on the manufacturer's evaluation of the system as a whole.

In reality, the axle and suspension system has a pretty decent safety factor beyond the rated weights. It's unlikely that a weight related failure would occur to the axles or air bags unless the loading was perhaps 30 or 50% above the rated value. Tires are the one major component that you have to "believe" the manufacturer's limits -- and the one death that occurred in a 2007 (as I recall -- I met the owners a few weeks before his accident at a SWBB rally in Buelton, CA) was due to a front axle tire blowing out, followed by an excursion from the highway ending in contact with a tree. The driver died shortly after the collision, his wife, in the bathroom at the time, was not seriously injured. Her not being in the passenger seat may have saved her life.

From what I've read about the 'recall' coaches -- with suggested 130* psi for the front tires post-recall -- indicates that the tires are very near their maximum load rating and are therefore the 'weak link' in the equation.

*Most heavy duty tires have a 120 psi maximum -- as do the Alcoa wheels on my coach (according to the data stamped into the wheel).

Pete Masterson

'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42 (For Sale)

<http://www.aeonix.biz/BBforsale.html>

El Sobrante CA

"aeonix1@mac.com"

On Mar 18, 2009, at 1:33 PM, p_a_lazar wrote:

Pete, I'm rather surprised at your tire pressure. I run:
Front 100
Drive 105
Tag 105

My tires are Michelin XZA2 315's and the pressure I run is 10 lbs over what Michelin recommends, but I drive fast and I like being mentally secure. I check my tire temps often and they run cool.

Having had my coach weighed, all axles, each tire (not inside dual) and my weight as I usually travel is 52,000 lbs. I travel with full water and start with full fuel. My data plate says GVW is 48,000 but when I called Bennie right after buying mine and having it weighed, he responded "We know about the plate being wrong, disregard the data plate". That was about 70,000 miles ago and no problems in that regard.

Paul
97wb43


--- In "WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com", Pete Masterson wrote:

The overweight front axle infects the LXi (and probably LX) starting

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