Troubleshooting 2018 Pacific Coachworks SeaBreeze 16BB Trailer Wheel Clearance

Question

Question:

Axle sticker says 3,500 lbs, that's why I'm concerned. I think they are assuming the excess will be on the tongue, but my weight distributing hitch puts some of that back on the axle. Pacific website says this exact model and year: GVRW 4,200 Axle 2,340 Hitch 458 UVW 2,798 Payload 1,402 Axle tag says 3,500 Yellow door sticker says dry weight 3,092 Max payload 538 So none of it makes sense, counting battery, propane, a little water in tank and my food and luggage I know I'm under the 538, but don't like running at the max. I would like some room. What about an axle-less system? Do they really handle the weight over time? I might consider that option too. But in my case 3500 lbs would wear out prematurely I think, I would need a step up.

asked by: Elwood H

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Expert Reply:

In order for them to give it a 4,200 lb capacity rating, the weakest component on the trailer has to be able to withstand that capacity so you most likely have a 4,200 lb axle. We do have the Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit # K71-385-00 which will allow you to raise your trailer by the axle diameter plus the leaf spring stack. That will gain you the wheel well clearance.

If you want to replace your axles and springs, I need to know some information on the measurements. For an axle, I need to know the hub face to hub face distance and also the center of the spring seat to center of spring seat measurement. For the springs, I need to know the center to center measurement from eye to eye (bolt hole to bolt hole center).

It is normal for the leaf springs to stretch a little and reduce your overall height after a little use. Tilting 3/4 inches to the kitchen side is not good so you will want to distribute your cargo as best you can to even the load.

expert reply by: Jason S

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Elwood

6/19/2018

Axle sticker says 3,500 lbs, that's why I'm concerned. I think they are assuming the excess will be on the tongue, but my weight distributing hitch puts some of that back on the axle. Pacific website says this exact model and year: GVRW 4,200 Axle 2,340 Hitch 458 UVW 2,798 Payload 1,402 Axle tag says 3,500 Yellow door sticker says dry weight 3,092 Max payload 538 So none of it makes sense, counting battery, propane, a little water in tank and my food and luggage I know I'm under the 538, but don't like running at the max. I would like some room. What about an axle-less system? Do they really handle the weight over time? I might consider that option too. But in my case 3500 lbs would wear out prematurely I think, I would need a step up.

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Jason S.

6/19/2018

Thanks for the information. The numbers are really odd and don't make a lot of sense to me either. I think your idea to upgrade your axle is wise to give you some breathing room and the axle-less system will also account for your trailer suspension needs ensuring they aren't limiting your capacity. I recommend the Timbren Axle-Less Suspension - Spindle Only - Regular Tires - 5200 lbs # ASR5200S01 would be the next largest option from Timbren and they are an excellent system. They hold up well over time and utilize the 2 inch square bar (not included) into the integrated holes. The Aeon rubber suspension is extremely durable. The issue here is you'd need to upgrade brake assemblies, hubs, and wheels as the bolt pattern for that size axle would change so much. The bolt pattern would change to 6 on 5-1/2 inches using # 8-201-5UC3-EZ and brake assemblies # AKEBRK-7-SA. This will unfortunately also be the case with a through axle if you can find the right fit from us because we don't carry the 4,400 lb axles that would be ideal for your situation. I've linked the page to all the 5,200 lb axles we carry to assist. I've also given you a photo of the hub to hub and spring seat to spring seat locations I'd need measured to confirm a fit for a through axle if you wanted to go that route. You may want to reach out to the manufacturer to see if they can give clarity to their numbers. This is easily changing the trailer capacity, but the cost also is frustrating on a new trailer and I don't want to tell you to get something you may not need if they simply have their numbers wrong on their stickers.

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