Determining Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of Crossroads Sunset Lite Travel Trailer

Question:

Hi, the trailer we are thinking about getting is a Crossroads Sunset Lite 289QB. On the sticker on the trailer is says the GVWR is 7600 lbs. It says the GAWR is 3500 per axle. I assume the tongue weight would be around 760 lbs. So the capacity of the two axles is 7000 lbs not sure if the tongue weight is separate or what if anything to do with it But is seems the axles are not or just barely adequate for the job. Is this normal in the RV industry? Can you comment on this? Thanks

asked by: Doug W

Expert Reply:

You are exactly right in your thinking when you mentioned the tongue weight of a trailer like the Crossroads Sunset Lite that you are looking at. I did some research on the 289QB model trailer and was able to verify the capacities that you provided.

When the manufacturer determined the 7,600 pound GVWR (which is the most the trailer can weigh when fully loaded), they were definitely taking into account the trailer's tongue weight that will not be supported by its two axles. A trailer's tongue weight should be around 10 to 15 percent of its total weight, which would come out to a loaded tongue weight of between 760 to 1,140 pounds. So it makes sense that the GVWR comes out to be 600 pounds more than the combined capacity of its two 3,500 pound axles.

As long as you stay below the listed GVWR on the trailer, you will have no issues with it safely supporting the weight.

expert reply by: Chris R