Axel weights

[Scott Hinote]

Hello everyone , I’m getting 6 new tires for my 2000 Beaver Patriot Ticonderoga, and I’ve been told to either get my coach Weighted so I can calculate how much air  pressure to run in my tires . My new tires are Continentals 275/70 22.5 HSR2 . I really don’t have a way to weigh my axels separately , so I was hoping that I could get that information here ? Of course I know that I have to take into account of how the coach is loaded, but if I could get a fiqure that’s close that would really help me a lot . Thanks everyone I haven’t been on here for a while so we hope everyone is doing well .
Carlton S Hinote

[David T. Richelderfer]

You can weigh multiple axles on one long scale in various combinations, then do a little arithmetic to work the weights out for individual axles.  You can do the same for each side of the coach to get individual wheel position weights for each axle.  No, it's not easy and it does take some time... meaning more than a few minutes.


"How do you weigh each axle?

"First, stop with only your steer axle on the platform to get your steer axle weight [1]. Continue until both the steer axle and the drive tandems are on the platform. This gives you the RV's weight [2]. Subtract the steer axle weight from the RV's weight (so 2 minus 1), and you have the weight for your drives."

[Joel Ashley]

If you can find an event near you on this list, it’s probably the best way, and they are very thorough:

https://www.rvsafety.com/schedule

There are also people that can come to you with portable scales.

Otherwise you can get a rough idea at a State scale along a highway, but research ahead of time if they’ll allow it.  In Oregon we often find smaller State scales along highways that aren’t US freeways, and often they’re unoccupied with the scales left on;  just drive on the scale one axle side at a time or front axle then back, and read the numbers on the digital display on a post in front of your coach.  It’s not super accurate but is adequate to get your pressures in the ballpark for the time being.  Weigh fully loaded.  Some truck stops have scales in the back lot that they’ll let you use, free or at some cost.

Be sure to inflate tires equally across an axle, using the recommended pressure for the heaviest side of that axle.  Continental may have, like other manufacturers, an available inflation chart for that model tire.  Check online.

Joel

[Carl Boger]

Scott,

If you just want to have a guess at where to start my coach called for 100 psi for the fronts and 90 psi for the rear tires.  It you go to a cat scale or most any other one and tell them they will usually let you weigh the front, then the whole coach, and then the rear.  They will probably charge you a bit more but they will do it.  It is harder to get a 4 corner weight since it is often difficult to get just on corner on the scales as they are usually fairly closed on to keep unauthorized vehicles off of the scales.

Hope this helps you some

[Steve Huber]

Scott,
Short cuts can be very dangerous here. An overloaded tire is an accident waiting to happen. Take the coach, fully loaded with fuel and water and weigh it. Be sure to get corner weights. Many truck stops have CAT scales and if not busy (usually mid-day) will let you get multiple weighings. They also normally have a bit of space on the sides so you can get a single tire (axle end) weight. You didn't mention the load range of the tires you purchased. Also you can look at the weight plate on the coach, usually mounted left of the drivers' seat at floor level. It will give you max  loaded vehicle weight but won't specify corner weights which normally are not at all equal from side to side. There is a very helpful article on weight and tire selection in Common Problems (Technical tab on BAC web site).
Steve

[Scott Hinote]

I’m not sure how to respond to a certain person . Like Facebook, but all of you gave me good advice. Steve Co admin
You really got my attention . I’m leaving the house here shortly to have the tires installed . While I’m there I’ll ask them if they know of a place where I can get it weighed and then I’ll check what the tire manufacturer recommends . Thanks everyone for replying. I just want to add the I’m getting these tire through FMCA club . They were able to help me get the tires I wanted, and saved a lot of money . Stay safe everyone

[Carl Boger]

Scott,

You are installing Load range J tires on your coach, I am running the same tires and love them.  You have moved up a load range from what was originally installed and can carry more weight safely on those tires.  Max load for singles is 6940 lbs at 130 psi, for doubles it is 6395 lbs at 130 psi.  If you need to run anywhere near that pressure you are already overloaded and over your axle ratings.  These tires are rated for  39,460 lbs without a tag axle.  Your coach is likely rated to carry around 31000 lbs, but verify this first.
Hopefully this is helpful. 

[Scott Hinote]

Yes sir Carl that’s very helpful . I’ve not been able to weigh my front and rear axels yet . But I was talking with the gentleman at the tire shop, that sold me the tires and balanced and installed all 6 . And he told me to just maintain 100 psi in each tire .  I’m glad I found someone else that thinks I bought good tires , those tires are 18 ply . I was hoping to find something about the weight of my axels, in a manual or something from the Beaver people, but eventually I’ll get those axels weighed . Thanks again Carl

[Joel Ashley]

Scott, your placard(s) should be in the standard location, low on the streetside wall just behind the driver’s seat and any left side console.  There’s likely a placard for the chassis (Magnum) build and another for the coach entirety.  The pressure numbers there may not necessarily mesh with what your tire dealer or the manufacturer says, however, especially if you’ve changed tire load ratings. 

That’s another good reason to get an RVSEF weighing before too long so they can give their best recommendation.  100psi all around is a safe enough guess, but hardly very specific to your particular current configuration, and not the ultimate solution.

Joel

[Carl Boger]

Scott,

Here is a picture of my placard which is behind/beside the drivers seat.  I believe the weights are the same for both of our coaches, but you would need to verify the information.