rshidler
Bellevue, NE
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Joined: 04/05/2006
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There have been several posts discussing the dangers of exceeding the manufacturer's weight ratings lately. I've maintained that most of these dangers are simply internet myths perpetuated via these forums. But then I started wondering if they were, in fact, myths or are there some truths buried within. I'd like to root out the truths and clear away the speculation. A few questions:
1) Has anybody ever had their rig weighed after an accident?
2) Has anybody ever been found "at fault" in an accident simply because they have exceeded their manufacturer's weight ratings (regardless of the real cause)?
3) Has anybody ever had an insurance claim denied based on exceeding their manufacturer's weight ratings?
4) Has anybody ever been sued/financially ruined based on exceeding their manufacturer's weight ratings?
I'd like to hear about first-hand experiences and leave the "I heard" responses out. Maybe those of us that think these are just urban legends have a few things to learn.
Bob & Jamie
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- Don't sweat petty things ... and don't pet sweaty things!
- I can't be troubled with your business ... I'm far too busy tending to my own!
- Remember, just because you saw it on the internet doesn't make it so!
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Moderator
Bowling Green, KY
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Joined: 01/19/2004
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Moved from ATC
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HarryWM
Wherever we are parked this time.
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Joined: 08/23/2004
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I bet this one doesn't stay around long!!
Harry
With wife Carole 10 yrs fulltiming
Retired U.S. Army
2002 Carriage LS 37' 5er; 2006 Lance 1181
2008 F-450 King Ranch 4x4 fully loaded
2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee toad
SKP # 54751
Geocacher "DosTortugas"
Harry's BLOG
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msmith1199
Central, CA
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Joined: 10/07/2001
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I once saw a guy in a pickup at Home Depot exceed the load limits in his truck with sacks of concrete. He got all the way to the driveway ramp out of the parking lot before his axle snapped.
But the answer to your questions is no. I think common sense would tell us that if you exceed the limits by 2 pounds the axle on your motorhome is not going to snap. There has to be a built in safety margin. The question is how big is that margin? 500 pounds? 1000 pounds? 5000 pounds? I doubt you'll ever get a manufacturer to tell you what the margin is.
I can tell you I was a loadmaster in the Air Force on a cargo plane. We had maximum takeoff weights for the plane. However, we all knew that the plane would actually get off the runway many tons over the max weight. But at some point there is a weight where the plane will never leave the ground. As the loadmaster, it was my job to make sure the plane never even got close to that weight. And to make sure I did my job right, they made me fly on the plane that I just loaded so I made sure I did it right.
2004 National Tropi-Cal T-350, Class A, Triple slide, 330 HP Cat DP.
2006 Dodge Dakota 4x4 or
2002 Harley FLSTF Fat Boy on a Trailer or
2004 Polaris Quad on the Trailer
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pnichols
Santa Cruz Mountains
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Joined: 04/26/2005
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"..or are there some truths buried within"
Follow the money to arrive at truth. If there's ever a criminal or civil legal action involving damages possibly resulting from the "over-loading" of a vehicle (RV or otherwise) ..... do you think the person or other entity found responsible for the over-loading will in any way benefit monetarily in the end? Probably not. But we, and manufacturers, all can and will take chances in this life.
Phil, 2005 E450 Itasca 324V Spirit
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mockturtle
Northwest
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Joined: 05/31/2005
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Might the braking capacity be a factor in determining maximum load?
Husband: Derek
Dog: Bucky
RV: 2000 Aerolite 19RB TT
TV: 1996 Chevrolet Blazer 6 cyl. 4WD
This car used to be our toad, now is our TV!
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Gale Hawkins
Murray, KY
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Joined: 07/22/2007
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Weight issues really only carry much weight in commercial activity it seems to me.
I do not think #3 is legal if a carrier has underwritten the risk but may not renew your coverage or even cancel it after the fact became known.
Ratings of most things carry a fudge factor.
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emaav
Hillsboro, Oregon
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Joined: 01/20/2007
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I have towed in the past well over my weight,limit was 2000 lbs, I towed 3500 lbs for about 3 yrs or so, nothing ever happened to that tv and never felt out of control (was younger and dumber). Would I do that now? NO!
Me (Eli) 1972
DW (Monique) 1974
DS (Alex) 1996
DD (Amanda) 2002
1997 GMC Safari
2003 Jayco Kiwi 21C
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Rick From Sequim
Sequim, WA
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Joined: 08/19/2004
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...talk about an accident waiting to happen! Funny how people don't pick up the pieces and weigh them.
Rick 
& wife Loie & Kodi Dog (blk male std poodle)
1995 F-250 460 Banks (wow!) & 2005 25' Bigfoot RQ
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country1nphx
Phoenix
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Joined: 08/27/2006
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Gale Hawkins wrote:
I do not think #3 is legal if a carrier has underwritten the risk but may not renew your coverage or even cancel it after the fact became known.
Ratings of most things carry a fudge factor.
Can you say contributor negligence? Let your insurance company find out that you were overweight, and the cause of the accident (which WILL be outlined in the police report), and they will deny ANY coverage and your claim. You're left holding the bag and paying the estate of that family of 5 that you just killed. Is it worth it??
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