Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 

Go Back   Thor Forums > Thor Motorcoach & Motorhome > Class A Motor Coach
Click Here to Login
Register FAQ Community Calendar Today's Posts Search Log in
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 03-12-2015, 04:04 AM   #1
Junior Member
 
Brand: Still Looking
State: Idaho
Posts: 2
THOR #1662
Miramar 34.2 weight

So I'm getting close to pulling the trigger on a Miramar 34.2. I was wondering if anybody out there who has one would know what their loaded weight is. I'm trying to I figure out how much weight I'll have available for a dinghy. Thanks in advance!

__________________
Erikandmaggie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-12-2015, 07:40 AM   #2
Moderator Emeritus
 
FW28z's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2011 Four Winds 28Z
State: Michigan
Posts: 1,273
THOR #531
This is often a complicated issue. Loaded weight (actual weight) is going to differ from vehicle to vehicle as it includes people, cargo, fluids, and any accessories or gadgets you install.

The easiest thing to do is compare the vehicle's Combined Gross Weight Rating (CGWR) minus it's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). This will get you close, at least close enough when comparing various models when determining which rig to purchase.

The CGWR is the weight that everything going down the road can be, including the vehicle, people, cargo, trailer, etc. Basically, if it moves when the vehicle moves, it is part of the CGWR limitation.

The vehicle's GVWR is the maximum weight the vehicle itself can be, including any people, cargo, and tongue weight from a trailer - but not the trailer itself. So it is basically everything but the trailer.

Therefore, subtracting the GVWR from the CGWR, you get the nominal trailer towing capacity.

For the 34.2, it appears it is built on a 22,000lb chassis (the GVWR), and has a CGWR of 26,000lbs. At first glance then, the allowable trailer weight maximum will be 4,000lbs.

However, some people "borrow" unused cargo capacity to add to the trailer weight. If the total vehicle weight + people + cargo + fluids is appreciably less than the GVWR limit, they take that "excess" capacity, and add it to the trailer capacity.

This is the complicated part. Mathematically it keeps you under the CGWR, but there may be other factors to be considered that may or may not make this a good idea. It all depends on the manufacturer's recommendation.

Of course, at minimum, to borrow any excess capacity, you have to to determine the vehicle's true loaded weight with people, fluids, and cargo by weighing it.

For example, between the holding tanks and fresh water tanks, you can haul 180 gallons of water in the 34.2. This can add a significant amount of weight to what your vehicle is hauling, almost 1,500lbs. By emptying these tanks before hitting the road, you can reduce the hauled weight signifcantly.

If you intend on staying mostly at improved parks with full hookup (sewer and water) you don't need to carry much water - perhaps 20 gallons for use between campsites. If you are boondocking, fill up your water and empty your holding tanks just before camping.

Also, many suggest subtracting at least 10% from the vehicle's CGWR as a "do not exceed" weight as a safety factor (personally, I go 25%, but I like to err on the side of safety).
__________________
The only thing that works on a RV is the owner...
FW28z is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-12-2015, 04:35 PM   #3
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Miramar 33.5
State: Washington
Posts: 217
THOR #578
I own a 2014 34.2. I've loaded the rig and run across the DOT scale on several occasions. It was loaded up for a 6 day trip, full tank of gas, food, chairs folding table, wife, dog, camp chef grill etc, plus a full 100 gal water tank, full propane tank, fire wood and misc stuff.

The front axle=7240
Rear axle =13,120. Total weight 20,360 pounds
So I still had some wiggle room.

Hope this helps
__________________
brianh442 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-12-2015, 06:40 PM   #4
Junior Member
 
Brand: Still Looking
State: Idaho
Posts: 2
THOR #1662
exactly what I was looking for. Thanks for the input both of you.
__________________
Erikandmaggie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-13-2015, 09:21 PM   #5
Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Miramar 34.2
State: New York
Posts: 51
THOR #1169
All camping gear loaded, one occupant, full gas and propane, empty water and holding tanks

Weight, total: 19,320 lbs
Weight, Rear: 12,240 lbs
Weight, Front: 7,080 lbs.
__________________
streamcamper is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Thor Industries or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


Thor Motor Coach Forum - Crossroads RV Forum - Redwood RV Forum - Dutchmen Forum - Heartland RV Forum - Keystone RV Forum - Airstream Trailer Forum


All times are GMT. The time now is 06:06 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO 3.6.0 PL2