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granaudio · 07-15-2008, 10:27 AM

hi all,
just thought of a couple of questions I`m curious about on the Argosy`s...
I notice that on the 1977 Argosy`s 22`/24`Twin/24`double bed Models that the hitchweight is 560lbs but on the Rear-door Model hitch weight is 475lbs.,
why the difference in hitch weight on the rear-door Model? since there all about the same size?
& am also curious to know what`s between the interior walls & outter exterior-shell?
is there an open void w/some type of insulation in between?
Thanks for any input!

biggoofball · 07-15-2008, 10:40 AM

Between the inner and outer shell is supposed to be some insulation. How much depends on how much mouse infestation you've had.

The rear door Argy has the bed in front right? Appliances in the middle? I would guess the difference is that the total weight is now more centered over the axles. This is just a guess though.

overlander63 · 07-15-2008, 10:57 AM

The axles are further forward on the rear door model, so there is room for the door behind the axles. This moves some of the tongue weight. Appliance placement is in almost the same location, if anything the right gaucho is further forward on the rear-door models.

Gkiesel · 07-15-2008, 11:00 AM

Is that an "empty" toungue weight? I always thought the toungue weight was closer to 800lbs with an air conditioner, full water tank and full propane tanks. At least on the 24's george.

granaudio · 07-15-2008, 03:09 PM

Gkeisel,
that info I got was off one of those Argosy trailer brochures someone else has here & after looking at it again I noticed these differences...
I believe & assume the weight stated would be empty weight.
It makes sense that the axles would be moved foward to allow the extra space for the rear door which in turn would change the tongue weight,

I assume that the rivets running across the interior walls & ceiling is the shell-framework & in order to fasten something securely to the walls one would have to hit the framework..correct?(in between the framework would be empty/insulation space for the most part?).

overlander63 · 07-15-2008, 04:48 PM

It depends on what you are trying to hang on the walls. The walls are aluminum, much like the exterior, so they will support more weight than you would think by themselves.

Gkiesel · 07-16-2008, 06:53 AM

Terry is right. The walls are fairly strong. it depends on the direction of the load. The wall is strong in a vertical kind of way, but anything that will pull outward on them will tear out of the aluminum.

Silverhobby · 07-16-2008, 07:12 AM

NOTE: There has been discussion about the low tongue weight of the rear door Argosy trailers. This can lead to improper handling and cause problems.

granaudio · 07-16-2008, 09:33 AM

Silverhobby-
I was impressed when towing the trailer from So. Cal to Cental coast the trailer seemed to tow very well & at times seemed like I was`nt towing hardly anything behind me(& without an EQ hitch...am in process of obtaining one) plus I`m sure the axles are not in the best of shape but it did seem to tow easily with my 94` Silverado/1500 4x2.
What kind problems & signs of damage do you think this could cause on the rear-door Argosy`s by the toungue weight being the lightest of the other Models?

Gkiesel · 07-16-2008, 09:42 AM

Problems of low hitch weight generally have to do with trailer sway, or fish tailing if it is extreme. You'll know if it doesn't feel comfortable. Every tow vehicle combination is a bit different. In our Argosy the water tank is in front under the window. You will increase your toungue weight substantially with a full water tank if that is where yours is located. If you do have sway issues first check all the basics, Sway bar setup, hitch ball height, tire pressures etc. If that doesn't help try it with a full tank of water.