Interesting discovery...

[jtelles3993]

I have 3500# axles, my tires are rated at 1760# each (7040# total), my Livinlite factory data plate says my trailer GVWR is 7000#.

Even though I'm still well under 5000# as currently loaded, I have plenty of TV for more if the trailer data is correct?

I sent Don an email with photo of my data plate and tire info to find out if I am reading all of this correctly, I'll report back.

 

[jtelles3993]

Wow, I got a very quick response.

My CL is rated at 7000# GVWR and the data plate is correct. My 2015 unit was built Oct 2014 with the 3500# axles and the tires were matched accordingly. Don said they'll get the "web guy" to update the LL website asap.

[spot1]

Took these photos of a 2015 21BHS @ D&H RV last year. The CampLite hitch is limited to 5,000lbs. The GVWR with both 3500lb axles is 7,000lbs.

What is your hitch capacity? The hitch capacity probably determines the maximum advertised weight.

Currently on the LL website for the 2015 21BHS:

"Box Length 21'-0"     Dry Weight *3,499 lbs.
Overall Length: 24'-0"     Load Capacity: *1,501 lbs.
Overall Width: 7'-0"     Hitch Weight: **440 lbs.
Height w/AC: 9'-8"     Grey Water: 32 gal.  
Tire Size: 14"     Black Water: 28 gal.
GVWR: 5,000 lbs.     Fresh Water: 30 gal. "

[a href="http://s657.photobucket.com/user/vstromklr/media/2013/2014/IMG_5163_zpsfd2d37cb.jpg.html"]
[img style="max-width:100%;" src="http://i657.photobucket.com/albums/uu299/vstromklr/2013/2014/IMG_5163_zpsfd2d37cb.jpg"][/a]

[a href="http://s657.photobucket.com/user/vstromklr/media/2013/2014/IMG_5161_zpsbfc7d99c.jpg.html"]

[shovelhead]

Exploring
Where is the Manufactured By plated located?

[spot1]

[quote source="/post/8139/thread" timestamp="1426788221" author="@shovelhead"]Exploring
Where is the Manufactured By plated located?[/quote]It's close to the hitch on my camper & 21BHS I took photos of.

[jtelles3993]

Yep, same here. So replacing the coupler is the trick to bump up GVWR if ever needed? The folks at LL/CL seem to have a disconnect between design and the finished product?

[jtelles3993]

My plate is in the same location..

[jtelles3993]

So I go back and tell Don about the weak link and asked LL to send me the right coupler. He responded that that's the only coupler they use. So I respond, then don't update your website (tongue in cheek).

They should be paying us.

[charliem]

[font size="3"]Another point for my argument that the coupler is mis-applied. The 5000# rating would only be valid when attached per the coupler manufacturer's design, that is, welded. LL drills the four bolt holes in their factory.

LL has been using the 3500# axles for some time. I noticed when shopping for my 21RBS in Oct 2013 that the GVWR was 7000#. When I took delivery of my "2014" 21RBS in Dec 2013 it had the 3500# axles and carried the 7000# GWVR on the sticker. The build date was 10/2013.

I replaced the original coupler with a heavier 2-5/16" coupler used on LL's toy haulers. Four additional info read my "Bent Coupler" thread.

[attachment id="954" thumbnail="1"]


[/font]


[font size="3"]Although it doesn't show well in the picture the coupler is rated at 14000# with a tongue weight of 2100#. The "1" in the 14,000 is obscured by a scratch. Again, these ratings are valid only if welded as designed, but it's a lot stronger than the OEM coupler as installed by LL.

The GVWR on the trailer label is only valid for the ST tires shown. I ordered the off road package which came with LT195/75R14 BF Goodrich tires. Each tire is rated at 1710# so my GVWR is limited to 6840#.

BTW, surfsup, just because your GVWR is 7000# doesn't mean you have to carry everything you own . Leave something to come home to  .
[/font]

[jtelles3993]

Hahaha, no problem Charlie. Until I replace the coupler it'll stay under 5k# - which is a gracious plenty right now for the two of us.

Seems like most of you guys were already aware of this info, but I was surprised when I found out about it. I did find a few nice 7000#  2" ball couplers online for when I'm ready to upgrade.

[spot1]

Found many weld on a-frame couplers on line and here's some bolt on a-frame couplers at E-Trailer:

http://etrailer.com/dept-pg-Trailer_Coupler-sf-A~Frame_Coupler-pt-Bolt~On.aspx

Our CampLite 11 has a bolt-on straight coupler.

[charliem]

[font size="3"]Yes, Bill, there are plenty of weld on and bolt on couplers available. They are all made of steel, which cannot be welded to aluminum. Welding relies upon both surfaces becoming molten and flowing together. Steel melts at a much higher temperature than aluminum.

The bolt on couplers would work fine if properly installed. Note that the bolt on couplers have holes along the sides, requiring bolts going into the trailer frame. LL tried to use a weld on coupler in a bolt on configuration, but didn't include the side bolts. That's all that's missing. BTW, LL does use the side bolts on the toy haulers, as you conveniently pointed out to me  .
[/font]

[charliem]

[quote source="/post/8158/thread" timestamp="1426802046" author="@surfsup"] I did find a few nice 7000#  2" ball couplers online for when I'm ready to upgrade.[/quote][font size="3"]Yes, there are 2" couplers capable of up to 10000#. Just be aware that the hole for the tongue jack is fixed in position by the lower plate. This will affect how the new coupler fits on the A-frame and how you can bolt it on. [/font]

[spot1]

[quote source="/post/8161/thread" timestamp="1426804330" author="@charliem"][font size="3"]Yes, Bill, there are plenty of weld on and bolt on couplers available. They are all made of steel, which cannot be welded to aluminum. Welding relies upon both surfaces becoming molten and flowing together. Steel melts at a much higher temperature than aluminum.

[/font][/quote]Charlie, I would not consider welding carbon steel to aluminum.

[charliem]

[quote timestamp="1426839042" author="@exploringcarolina" source="/post/8190/thread"]Charlie, I would not consider welding carbon steel to aluminum.

[/quote]Bill,

I was sure you knew that, but I wanted to answer the inevitable question from others: "why not weld it?" More of a general general education thing.