mrdavmik
So Cal
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Joined: 11/09/2009
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I bought a new 2010 Fuzion 302 in September. I recently found it curious that 2 x 3420 (rating for the 235/80R16 E tires) didn't add up to the 7000 lb GAWR. Then this weekend I received a recall notice. The recall notice addresses the problem of the GAWR being less than the sum of the tire ratings. Keystone's solution was to lower the GAWR to 6840 lbs and issue new stickers to post on top of the present labels. The recall notice also stated the GVWR was changed from 16365 lbs to 16045 lbs. Whats really odd in my case is that the present sticker shows a GVWR of 14365 lbs, and not 16365 as the recall notice states. So if I replace the sticker I'll have an increase of 1680 lbs in the GVWR. and a decrease of 160 in the GAWR for each axle. The unloaded vehicle weight(UVW) also has changed, per the new sticker, from 11040 lbs to 11460 lbs. The net result is now I don't have any confidence in the Keystone weight ratings.
I guess now I'll need a non-com Class A license(I just got a RV endorsement for my Class C), a higher capacity hitch(i just got a 16K Husky)and a DRW tow vehicle to replace my a GMC 2500). Just kidding- I know I have the same vehicle - but they're making some pretty extreme changes after I just purchased the RV. And I feel uncomfortable about it all. I'll try to contact Keystone customer service tomorrow. And Technically I will require a higher class Drivers License if the GVWR is above 15000lbs. Maybe I'll just file the new sticker. Anybody else get this recall?
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Golden_HVAC
Fulltime, CA, USA
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Joined: 08/19/2003
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Hi,
I got a recall notice many years ago for my motorhome.
Ford's great idea was to cut the wire to the cruise control so it will not catch fire. Not install a 5 amp fuse, or something easy. So if you took the RV in for that recall, you might have to wait two years for Ford to figure out the solution. I still have no desire to disconnect my cruise control and might take it in for the recall once they figure out the fix.
I would check with your local dealer and see what they are doing. Express your concern about having a much higher GVWR, and tell them why. The Manufacture can print the GVWR sticker to say just about anything that meets the "Giggle factor". They will sometimes write it for a lower weight rating, if they stay compliant. But if the engineers start to laugh at the request that you are asking for, then it might not get approved.
I would take the truck to a scale, note the amount of fuel that you have, and how easy it will be to steer in the truck and trailer. Find out the truck front and rear axle weights. Then tow the trailer to the same scale. Try to tighten the links one link, and loosen one link, and see what happens to the front and rear axle weights. Notice that you are putting more weight on the front axle and less when looser?
Good Luck,
Fred.
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Mmaxed
Montana
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Joined: 02/08/2007
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We have an '09 302. It has a pair of 6k axles and the 14,XXX GVW like yours. At some point in 2010 Fuzion put 7k axles under the 302s. Apparently they forgot to up the tire rating to match the heavier axles, thus the need for the new stickers. You may only have the 6k axles.
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mrdavmik
So Cal
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That's my concern. At this point, I'm not sure that keystone knows what I've got and neither do I. I've now got 2 different set of weight ratings and the new numbers are not consistent with the changes that the recall states. I hope to contact Keystone customer service soon.
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chipworkz
California
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As far as the axle rating, try getting under the unit and look at the axle tubes. My Dexter axles have the rating stamped on the tube.
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928gt
Western North Carolina
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chipworkz wrote:As far as the axle rating, try getting under the unit and look at the axle tubes. My Dexter axles have the rating stamped on the tube.
That is what I would do also, btw some have it stamped on the tube and some have metal tags affixed to or wrapped around the axle tubes.
David
2007 Weekend Warrior LE3505 Billet Edition
2005 F-350 DRW CC LB 4x4 Tow Boss w/Tow Command
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The Juice
Surprise, Az
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I would agree with others, do it yourself. Get the axle rating of all three, and then see what the tires max out at. I'm sure the axle rating will be much higher. Then go to the scales and get some real measurements and it will give you some peace of mind.
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Steve76eb
Folsom, Ca
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Joined: 08/15/2003
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The Juice wrote:I would agree with others, do it yourself. Get the axle rating of all three, and then see what the tires max out at. I'm sure the axle rating will be much higher. Then go to the scales and get some real measurements and it will give you some peace of mind.
I believe the 302 he has and the 322 only have 2 axles and not 3, so I guess the weight ratings are even more important to make sure you are within spec.
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stsmark
Northern CA
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I have a 2010 322, and noticed this right after purchase. It was about August that Keystone started putting 16k tags on the trailers. I actually liked being able to avoid the Non Com class A issue in Cali by having the 14560 sticker, but my hauler has the 7K axles. Mine was built late July. The issue is of course tires, and frankly this affects every 7K axle with load E tires. Every tire I looked at to replace the Chicom specials is 3460 for a E, so if you want the full capacity you need G's does not matter who built the trailer. Agreed? Paper and stickers is just the cheapest way to fix the problem.
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stsmark
Northern CA
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BTW, don't hold me to the numbers I mentioned as exact, it was from feeble memory.
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