Fifth wheel weight capacity

[MasterChief]

I purchased a 2009 Cameo 36FWS prior to the specification being released. When looking at the weight carrying capabilities of other Cameo’s of the same length I was not concurred about not having enough capacity. However after receiving the 36FWS I was surprised to find out I only have the ability to carry 1700 lbs of cargo. It is my understanding that Carriage builds one of the strongest frames in the business, how is it possible to have 7000 lb axles and tires rated at 3500 lbs and a pin weight of 2800 lbs and have a total rating of 14,999 lbs? As a full time RV’er this issue is a major problem for my wife and I.

It seems as though the Cameo frame, axles and tires and pin weight are designed to carry a load of 16,000 lbs.

My prior Heartland fifth wheel had the same axles and tires and was rated for over 16,000 lbs and I know the Cameo is much better built??

What gives?

Mike Stevens

 

[MSchneider]

in my opion it maybe because if the trailer is 15001 lb then here in calif. you now have to have an up graded license. my 34 5er is the same way. but i dont worry about the 15001lbs rule due too i have a CL A license comercial. thats proubly why ther did it that way.



what do you plan on putting in the 5er?

 

[MasterChief]

We only plan on putting in the RV what we will require as full timers. The wife and I have already talked about not loading it down with a bunch of junk. My understanding is that most full timers place about 2000 lbs worth of stuff in their rig.

 

[HBarlow]

You should address your questions to Carriage, the manufacturer. 1700 lbs. is not adequate for a fulltime RVer. I don't know the capacity of your fresh water tank but I'd guess at least 50 gallons. With the fresh water tank and propane tanks full you will have used close to half of that capacity. You won't have much left for clothing, food, and personal items.

 

[MSchneider]

i have a feeling that he has 1700 after water and propane. look on the inside of you curbard doors for a sticker. will tlle the empty/dry weight of your couch. then see how much you have left after water and what not. if you are going to be full timers i wouldnt carry any water between places unless nessary on a long trip between parks. even then id only carry half full of fresh water due to when you arive at the next park you are staying at.

 

[icman95]

To go along with MSchneider, the company may be purposely underrating it to meet some sort of legal requirement while the actual ability may be more. For example, there are plenty of cargo trailers out there people use to pull their motorcycles or other toys that have twin 6k lbs axles. You would expect the gross weight to be at least 12k plus some tongue weight, but quite often they get registered at 9900 or so. This is because anything over 10k except RVs would have to be classified as commercial. Perhaps there is some other requirement this company wants to meet, such as the CA one he is talking about.

 

[jelag]

I have 2 trucks that pull work trailers... . both trailers will go to 22K lbs..... the have gooseneck style hitches because of the load... and the 3500 duallys have air bags to level the load... . The trailers have electric over hydraulic disc brakes.....

This has been tough on the trucks... . but works...

 

[Grizzly]

I have no data for model 09 Cameo 5er in my RV Consumer Group Guide, however other Cameo 5er's in the 36' length have from 3184 to 3579 lbs of payload capacity. Have your RV dealer check his most current RV Consumer Group Guide.

 

[SnoKing]

Until you weigh it, how do you know how much it can carry? SNOKING

 

[ringneck]

my 31 footer cameo it is an o7,rated for more than that. must be some mixup,a very good made 5thwheel,love ours.