Chuck_S wrote: The axle and cargo carrying carrying capacities are not applicable when the trailer is stationary, only while it is on the road.
-- Chuck
Maybe I'm missing something here, the axles' rating applies when driving or stationary. If you put 2,000 lbs of downward force on the spring pack and axles by loading the roof with snow that's ok? You just posted a bit ago not to lower your stabilizer jacks becuase of suspension compression.
As usual, everyone is free to do as they will but the front tongue jack stays put, all compression and loading will occur at the spring pack and axles. I'll remove the snow and play it safe
Michael 2 DD's and my DW 6 Acre's in Southern Maine 2009 Crossroads Cruiser CF31SB 2008 Chevy 2500HD LT 4X4 Camping Pictures
So here's what I'm thinking of doing. The cover goes on and when there is a snowfall I will decide on a case by case basis (upcoming temps and wetness of the snow) if I should remove the snow. I'll be using my push broom. Actually I think I'll have my wife do it because... well, just because.
Frank and Jean
Retired Navy (EM1)
'09 Rockwood Roo 233s
'03 1500 Silverado LS
I didn't say it was your fault, I said I was going to blame you.
The things that come to those that wait will be the scraggly crappy junk left by those that got there first.
Good idea Frank - it's not like you need to dust it every time you get a flurry. I think common sense rules the day here, if your looking at it think "hmmmmmmmmmmmm, I wonder how much snow is too much?" it might just be time to take 10 minutes and safely remove the snow. With a cover it will be even easier.
The weight carrying capacity of the axles, wheels, and tires MOST CERTAINLY is "...applicable..." when one gets anywhere from 1 to 3 or more feet of heavy lake effect or Nor'easter wet snow on the roof! Last December alone, the snowpack here exceeded 62#/sq.ft.....and that's 12,400# if it all stayed on an 8' X 25' TT!!! Now, that doesn't happen every year, but even 1/4 of that is still 1 1/2 tons of snow! TTs are not built for that kinda' load....and don't talk to me about what dealers might say---heard more than enough! I've also seen many TTs with roof damage every spring...
Although it's not a regular occurrence most locations---some will never see it, much less than that kinda' load can easily exceed TT roof build-specs and damage the roof structure, and if left with that kinda load for a few months or more, can easily ruin a set of leaf springs---even tires.
Load on roofs, frame, and axles is load on roofs, frame, and axles---sitting still or rolling!
If you live in a heavy snowbelt area, ditto the advice on stabs....better to block frame fore and aft of the spring shackles, and then front and rear corners....
A couple HD cardboard boxes inverted over front & rear vents with a 2" X 4" between...then a tarp will allow easy removal of snow if it's bad...I use four 10'L X 1" galv. electrical conduit ($8 +/- ea.) below the frame, for tie-down outriggers, and bungies to keep the tarp tight...13 years doin' it that way....very little snow removal effort and NO damage to TT or TH...
The cover is up to you, but sure isn't a necessity...besides, tarp is a whole lot less expensive, and solves the snow/ice/water issue, too...
J
I agree excessive snow amounts need to be removed. I use a snow rake and carefully pull some of the snow off of the cover.
One interesting point though: I have never seen a dealer going around removing snow load from campers on their lots? This may be why some roofs leak shortly after being purchased new?
2004 Ford Explorer - V6 w/Tow package
Equalizer & Prodigy 2005 EZ190 Keystone Zeppelin HTT
DW, DD Circa 2002, DD Circa 2005
I really never gave a dam about what the dealers did or did not do. They have no interest in what happens 3 or more years down the road where you should. Well they do have a interest, the money you will give them to fix something that could have been avoided by simple measures. I cover and remove excess snow, it only takes a couple of minutes and it gives me at the very least, peace of mind.
Cargo Carrying Capacity and Axle Ratings do not apply to static loads, only "rolling loads." Within reason, of course. The tires can't heat up with any overload as they're not rolling. Suspensions may compress, but they'll reach their stops and aren't bouncing up and down. From some posts you'd think there's a danger of damage having several people in the trailer when camping as they might push you over the CCC. Ain't so.
Putting an extra two tons in (or on) the trailer is not good practice.
-- Chuck
'06 Roo 23SS behind '07 Expedition out of Cleveland Our Photo pages
Don't recall seeing any reference to people in the rig...just structural and running gear damage, as well as possible ice and/or water damage---roof vents & skylights cracked, ice expanded into vents.
The rig DOES NOT have to be rolling when you exceed axle ratings by 1,2,3,4,5 tons---every spring when we open our two CGs (in N.NH and N.NY), I've seen axles flexed and bent, rarely---backing plates bent, springs flattened--sometimes permanently---sometimes unevenly---sometimes causing alignment problems & tire failure....cheap wheel welds failed, tire cords snapped, casing cracks....stabilizers bent and broken....seen it all!
Are these worst-case scenarios? In some parts of the planet, yes...in others, it's a regular occurrence. I warn our year-round folks every summer & fall to prepare for the worst---and enjoy the best(the cost & effort isn't much different!)....there's always a few who shrug and say they don't need to worry about it---then comes spring and they're cryin' in their beer!!!!!
But, I've never heard of anyone being injured in any of the above situations!
J
nny12972 wrote: Don't recall seeing any reference to people in the rig...just structural and running gear damage, as well as possible ice and/or water damage---roof vents & skylights cracked, ice expanded into vents.
The rig DOES NOT have to be rolling when you exceed axle ratings by 1,2,3,4,5 tons---every spring when we open our two CGs (in N.NH and N.NY), I've seen axles flexed and bent, rarely---backing plates bent, springs flattened--sometimes permanently---sometimes unevenly---sometimes causing alignment problems & tire failure....cheap wheel welds failed, tire cords snapped, casing cracks....stabilizers bent and broken....seen it all!
Are these worst-case scenarios? In some parts of the planet, yes...in others, it's a regular occurrence. I warn our year-round folks every summer & fall to prepare for the worst---and enjoy the best(the cost & effort isn't much different!)....there's always a few who shrug and say they don't need to worry about it---then comes spring and they're cryin' in their beer!!!!!
But, I've never heard of anyone being injured in any of the above situations!
J
Seen this first hand - Perhaps it's just a northern New England thing (some posters barely get 6" of snow a month, I can see why you wouldn't bother...) but we had "hundreds" of inches of snow the last two seasons in Maine/NH. Our Dealer cleans the roofs for the same reasons you stated. Also, it is worth mentioning I have seen header's over super slides BENT by snow load. You can clearly see it as a "bow" above the main slide room.
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