Axle Sizes

[Theresau]

How does Heartland determine axle sizes? For example, we recently toured some Big Country's - there are only a couple with 6000 lb. axles; however, one of them the new 3251 TS has two large front slides - one is full length.... Considering that, it appeared that 7000 lb. axles would be needed.

Regards,
Joe

 

[danemayer]

Hi Joe,

If you look at the GVWR, which is max weight the trailer is rated for, that weight is carried in part by the axles and in part by the hitch in the tow vehicle. The BC 3251ts is spec'd at 14,000 GVWR. So the 6000 pound axles would be carrying about 12,000 (2x6000) and the 5th wheel hitch would be carrying the other 2,000 pounds.

The base model empty weight is 10,590. Depending on how it's optioned up and loaded, you might be well under the GVWR, and well under the 6000 pound axle rating.

 

[Theresau]

This is Theresa this time...

Isn't the GVWR also based on the axle size?

By the way I typed the original query for Joe and meant to say rear slides not front...

 

[Theresau]

Theresa again.

Can the axles be ordered differently than standard? In other words, if we order this model, can we ask (pay for) 7000 lb axles?

 

[danemayer]

Isn't the GVWR also based on the axle size?

Hi Theresa,

They're clearly related. I can't tell you exactly how the design engineer does all this, but let me hazard a guess or two.

It probably starts with the length of the trailer. The Big Country 3450ts is about 2 feet longer and the empty weight is about 1360 pounds more than the 3250ts. Most of that extra weight is probably the additional frame, floor, roof, siding and probably extra interior counters and cabinets. The extra 1360 pounds forces the design engineer to go up to 7,000 pound axles.

 

[danemayer]

Theresa again.

Can the axles be ordered differently than standard? In other words, if we order this model, can we ask (pay for) 7000 lb axles?

I believe that can be done on some brands. You might have to call Heartland Customer Service at 877-262-8032. Tell them you're a prospective customer and ask for the Big Country Brand Manager.

If you upgrade the axles, you should also consider upgrading to the 16" wheels with Goodyear G614 tires. They have carrying capacity that's matched to the 7000 pound axles.

 

[MTPockets]

We went thru this... Our 3055RL Big Horn was standard with 6000 lb axles, but they let us order 7000 lb axles and the G rated tires... We have the axles, but They will not increase the official GVWR... IT's till shown as 14,000 lbs after the upgrade, same as w/ 6000 lb axles, but we know they are there which gives us the peace of mind we were after.

 

[jnbhobe]

X2 -- thats what we did when we ordered. Now I'm putting on Mor-ryde IS.

 

[donr827]

We went thru this... Our 3055RL Big Horn was standard with 6000 lb axles, but they let us order 7000 lb axles and the G rated tires... We have the axles, but They will not increase the official GVWR... IT's till shown as 14,000 lbs after the upgrade, same as w/ 6000 lb axles, but we know they are there which gives us the peace of mind we were after.

We did the same thing.
Don

 

[Theresau]

Thank you for the replies - really helps. We'll order with the 7000 lb. axles and get the G rated tires.

 

[Bob&Patty]

Make sure you get the GY-G614's not China bombs.