Classic Axles

[Leaventown91]

Axle question...

A 2022 Classic 30' Airstream has a GVWR of 10,000 pounds, hitch weight of 850 pounds, unit base weight of 8048 pounds, and a cargo capacity of 1952 pounds.
A 2022 Classic 33' Airstream has a GVWR of 10,000, hitch weight of 1000, unit base weight of 8375, cargo capacity of 1625.

Both have a 54-gallon water tank.
Both have (2) #11 Dexter TorFlex Torsion Axles rated at 4,400 pound capacity. This appears (an observation) to be the only model Airstream that the axles do not add up to the GVWR.

Are they actually the 5000-pound axles rated lower due to the Michelin LT tires?

Are the cargo capacities 1,952 pounds and 1,625 pounds?

[Wazbro]

For quite a few years the 25' and 27' Airstreams came with 2 3500lb axles with GVWR of 7300lbs and 7600lbs(not sure when they finally increased them). At least the axle rating plus tongue weight added up to more then the GVWR on those.

[richard5933]

You can't just add the axle ratings to get the GVWR. As mentioned already, the tongue is carrying a chunk of the weight.

But more to your question of the axles being down rated...

My understanding after talking with Colin Hyde when I purchased my replacement axles is that Airstream uses a larger size axle than required (the #11) in order to get the larger brakes on them, but to keep the ride from being unduly harsh the rubber inside the axles is down rated to provide the desired ride. When these torsion axles are manufactured it is possible to adjust the amount of weight they are rated for by how the rubber inside them is configured. So larger brakes while still maintaining the classic Airstream ride & controllability.

I don't have the specs on the Michelin LT tires, but I suspect that they have nothing to do with the rating.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by Wazbro

For quite a few years the 25' and 27' Airstreams came with 2 3500lb axles with GVWR of 7300lbs and 7600lbs(not sure when they finally increased them). At least the axle rating plus tongue weight added up to more then the GVWR on those.

^^^^^^^^
YEP

With a GREAT CCC also...
My Honey Brown weighs half of that.

Bob
🇺🇸

[Action]

Originally Posted by richard5933

I don't have the specs on the Michelin LT tires, but I suspect that they have nothing to do with the rating.

I would agree with this.

The axle rating is created base on how the axle is made.
Not what kind of tires are bolted to the axle hubs.

Action