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dentmac · 11-16-2008, 02:44 PM

There are two overweight issues to deal with.
1, Safety related-- also legal - NHTSA involved
The loaded coach must be below the rated GAWR as stated and designed into each RV. Consideration must be given for side to side weights and therefore tire/wheel overloading.
Manufacturers routinely purposely confuse the CCC of a coach by not simply presenting the accepted standard of CCC = GVWR -(empty RV + full water+ full Fuel +full propane + 616 lbs for 4 people)

2, Federal and State DOT limits.
No vehicle can have a single axle over 20,000 lbs or a tandem over 34,000lbs.
Some states have a grandfather clause allowing up to 22,000lb.

Excerpts from the conclusions of the defect investigation for the Blue Bird:

Similarily,owners whose vehicle’s rear axle load exceeds the FHWA-specified 20,000 lbs maximum axle load when operated on the interstate highway system……. ,bear the risk of penalties as deemed appropriate by the state authorities responsible for enforcement for this regulation. NHTSA is not directly or indirectly authorizing an exceedance of this loading limit.

FHWA verified that in accordance with 23 U.S.C 127(a)(2) the maximum allowable axle load limits on the interstate system are 20,000 lb for on a single axle and 34,000 lbs on a tandem axle. This statutory provision conditions the receipt of Federal-aid for the National Highway System on the adoption of these limits by the States due to the concern of the potential adverse effect of the higher weights on the highway infrastructure. Enforcement is a State responsibility. Though all vehicles, including personal use vehicles such as motorhomes,are expected to comply, enforcement efforts generally prioritize on commercial vehicles.

Full article is:http://nhthqnwws112.odi.nhtsa.dot.go...8004-31325.pdf

A great,ethical manufacturer builds a strong, safe coach.Doesn't minimize axles or tire /wheel size. NHTSA is satisfied.
Problem: Can't drive it anywhere.

It is only time until the individual cash-strapped States try to reduce the road damage costs and access this cash cow of significant penalties.

11-16-2008, 02:44 PM	#13
dentmac New Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 5	Safe, great CCC, Just can't go on the roads. There are two overweight issues to deal with. 1, Safety related-- also legal - NHTSA involved The loaded coach must be below the rated GAWR as stated and designed into each RV. Consideration must be given for side to side weights and therefore tire/wheel overloading. Manufacturers routinely purposely confuse the CCC of a coach by not simply presenting the accepted standard of CCC = GVWR -(empty RV + full water+ full Fuel +full propane + 616 lbs for 4 people) 2, Federal and State DOT limits. No vehicle can have a single axle over 20,000 lbs or a tandem over 34,000lbs. Some states have a grandfather clause allowing up to 22,000lb. Excerpts from the conclusions of the defect investigation for the Blue Bird: Similarily,owners whose vehicle’s rear axle load exceeds the FHWA-specified 20,000 lbs maximum axle load when operated on the interstate highway system……. ,bear the risk of penalties as deemed appropriate by the state authorities responsible for enforcement for this regulation. NHTSA is not directly or indirectly authorizing an exceedance of this loading limit. FHWA verified that in accordance with 23 U.S.C 127(a)(2) the maximum allowable axle load limits on the interstate system are 20,000 lb for on a single axle and 34,000 lbs on a tandem axle. This statutory provision conditions the receipt of Federal-aid for the National Highway System on the adoption of these limits by the States due to the concern of the potential adverse effect of the higher weights on the highway infrastructure. Enforcement is a State responsibility. Though all vehicles, including personal use vehicles such as motorhomes,are expected to comply, enforcement efforts generally prioritize on commercial vehicles. Full article is:http://nhthqnwws112.odi.nhtsa.dot.go...8004-31325.pdf A great,ethical manufacturer builds a strong, safe coach.Doesn't minimize axles or tire /wheel size. NHTSA is satisfied. Problem: Can't drive it anywhere. It is only time until the individual cash-strapped States try to reduce the road damage costs and access this cash cow of significant penalties.