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**Calbar** · 09-26-2023, 11:18 AM

Originally posted by ajw1970 View Post

We just upgraded from a 2022 Reflection 295RL which had a cargo capacity 1987 LBS. We lived in it full time and travelled nearly 20k miles. We now have a 2024 380FL which only has a cargo capacity of 1638 before we added a washer/dryer which brings that down to 1425 LBS.

After adjustments, we got down to 17240 LBS total weight (440 LBS over GVWR) with 14,000 LBS on our axles which is max GAWR for this RV.
We're now holding about 300 LBS of water (5 gallons in each black tank and 25 gallons in the fresh tank). We could dump 200 LBS by not carrying any fresh water. :-(

I should've paid closer attention to this before we bought. I know they offer an option to go with 3 axles but with the frame limit, It doesn't seem like they leave you with many options. How are other fulltimers getting by with the cargo capacity of their 380FL?

GD also has an 8K axle option that would increase GVWR. I don't recall seeing a triple axle Solitude. I don't believe that there is a frame change for 8K axles. If you upgrade to 8K axles you would get more payload or the same payload as the trailer coming from the factory with 8K axles just no updated sticker. If your good with that it would be the easiest and cheapest way forward I would think. Your Cooper tires and rims would be good for the 8K axles from what I understand.

rob

**JRKJR** · 09-26-2023, 11:31 AM

As Calbar said GD has an option for 8K axles that increase the GVWR to 18K. They do not offer a 3 axle option on any unit. It either comes with 2 or 3 depending on the unit. The only 3 axle units from GD I am aware of are Momentums.

You could upgrade to 8K axles but your listed payload can not be changed after the fact. The frames are the same. You'll have the parts but still technically overloaded.

**ajw1970** · 09-26-2023, 11:53 AM

Originally posted by Calbar View Post

GD also has an 8K axle option that would increase GVWR. I don't recall seeing a triple axle Solitude. I don't believe that there is a frame change for 8K axles. If you upgrade to 8K axles you would get more payload or the same payload as the trailer coming from the factory with 8K axles just no updated sticker. If your good with that it would be the easiest and cheapest way forward I would think. Your Cooper tires and rims would be good for the 8K axles from what I understand.

rob

That's helpful information, thank you Rob. I'm likely mistaken about the 3 axle option. We were exploring all the GDRV brochures there early on so I probably got details jumbled up. Sounds like the 8k axles might bump the GDWR up by 1,200 lbs while adding 2k to the GAWR. Is that something that's best to do at a dealer, the factory, or at a trailer specialty shop?

**ajw1970** · 09-26-2023, 12:01 PM

Originally posted by JRKJR View Post

You could upgrade to 8K axles but your listed payload can not be changed after the fact. The frames are the same. You'll have the parts but still technically overloaded.

So then the frame isn't the limiting factor on the GVWR. Is there no way to get re-certified after an axle upgrade?

**acoleman43** · 09-26-2023, 12:09 PM

Originally posted by ajw1970 View Post

That's helpful information, thank you Rob. I'm likely mistaken about the 3 axle option. We were exploring all the GDRV brochures there early on so I probably got details jumbled up. Sounds like the 8k axles might bump the GDWR up by 1,200 lbs while adding 2k to the GAWR. Is that something that's best to do at a dealer, the factory, or at a trailer specialty shop?

SOrry to be a Debbie Downer.......I'd get with GD about this. Unless the frame was designed for increased GVWR, the upgraded axles (and springs) won't change your current GVWR. I would confirm what the frame is designed for with GD.

Also, I don't think the 380FL has an 8K axel option available (well, the website doesn't show it has this option) which makes me think the frame was not designed for increased GVWR.

You can always replace axels/springs with higher rated gear whether it is an offered option or not. However, increasing suspension capacity does not increase trailer GVWR :(

**JRKJR** · 09-26-2023, 12:13 PM

Originally posted by ajw1970 View Post

So then the frame isn't the limiting factor on the GVWR. Is there no way to get re-certified after an axle upgrade?

Is it technically possible, Yes. Will you find a way to get it done 99.9% No. The factory would be the obvious choice but no one has been able to get them to agree to do it.

You can thank the lawyers. Anyone who recertifies it now takes over the liability. Not gonna happen, very little upside with huge downside if something happens and they get sued.

Back in the day my dad upgraded a mobile suites and the factory gave him a new sticker. Those days are long gone.

I paid for the factory upgrade when we ordered our 375 even though those axles probably lasted 20 miles as it went directly to MorRyde prior to delivery for IS. The option also comes with disks brakes. I wanted the bigger capacity on the sticker

**JRKJR** · 09-26-2023, 12:17 PM

Originally posted by acoleman43 View Post

Also, I don't think the 380FL has an 8K axel option available (well, the website doesn't show it has this option) which makes me think the frame was not designed for increased GVWR.

Yes it does

**ajw1970** · 09-26-2023, 01:40 PM

Originally posted by acoleman43 View Post

I'd get with GD about this.

Yep. I reached out to customer service and am waiting for a reply. Thank you.

**acoleman43** · 09-26-2023, 01:44 PM

Originally posted by JRKJR View Post

Yes it does

You are correct, I completely missed that. Maybe there is hope

**JRKJR** · 09-26-2023, 03:00 PM

Originally posted by ajw1970 View Post

Yep. I reached out to customer service and am waiting for a reply. Thank you.

I hope it works out. But I expect a reply that goes something like "Thank you for GD customer service. Unfortunately the GVWR can not be changed after the unit is built" or something to that effect.

It would be nice if they had a factory upgrade service. The cost though is probably prohibitive. How may people actually weigh their units?

They don't really give you any details on what the upgrade to 8K gets you (outside of the obvious). I don't think the 18K GVWR is listed anywhere on the site.

**ncitro** · 09-26-2023, 03:35 PM

I know it used to come up when people were making the upgrade to MorRyde IS that it was frustrating to pay for the 8k upgrade just to have those axles thrown away when the IS went on, essentially paying for the axle upgrade just to get the sticker upgraded. That said I do know that you did have to do that, so my guess is there will be no way to get your sticker upgraded after the fact. I would suspect (just an owner making a guess here) that the only difference between that unit with 7k axles and 8k axles is the suspension components, and if it was me I would upgrade the axles (I would do it myself, its pretty easy - Yoda has an excellent write up on his process) and be comfortable with it. That said you need to make your own decision regarding risk, safety, insurance etc.

**ajw1970** · 09-26-2023, 03:46 PM

Originally posted by JRKJR View Post

I hope it works out. But I expect a reply that goes something like "Thank you for GD customer service. Unfortunately the GVWR can not be changed after the unit is built" or something to that effect.

Nailed it!

From GDRV Customer Service:

Good afternoon, Mr. Welty,

Thank you for contacting Grand Design customer support. Unfortunately, the GVWR of the unit does not change based on the axle upgrade. The GVWR is a set weight based on the overall construction of the trailer (frame, pin box, etc.) and is not solely dependent on the 7k or 8k axle options. That being said, the perk of the upgraded axles would be more along the lines of less wear and tear on the suspension system, should you be close to or actually reaching the max weight rating of the unit.

Our service shop does not book appointments for upgrades and modifications, but an authorized dealership would be able to accommodate this request. If you are local to Indiana or from a neighboring state, MorRyde would be good to connect with directly as well.

**JRKJR** · 09-26-2023, 04:23 PM

Originally posted by ajw1970 View Post

Nailed it!

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Well, It would be nice if they gave out correct information. The 8K upgrade absolutely does change the GVWR, unless something changed recently.

None of the bigger unit should come with a 16,800k GVWR. Its way to low for a unit that leaves the factory over 15K empty

**JRKJR** · 09-26-2023, 04:25 PM

Originally posted by ncitro View Post

I know it used to come up when people were making the upgrade to MorRyde IS that it was frustrating to pay for the 8k upgrade just to have those axles thrown away when the IS went on, essentially paying for the axle upgrade just to get the sticker upgraded. That said I do know that you did have to do that, so my guess is there will be no way to get your sticker upgraded after the fact. I would suspect (just an owner making a guess here) that the only difference between that unit with 7k axles and 8k axles is the suspension components, and if it was me I would upgrade the axles (I would do it myself, its pretty easy - Yoda has an excellent write up on his process) and be comfortable with it. That said you need to make your own decision regarding risk, safety, insurance etc.

Getting the disks makes it easier. When I did mine, the math said I paid about $500 for the bigger sticker factoring in not paying MorRyde for disk brakes.

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380FL lots of storage space but low cargo capacity

380FL lots of storage space but low cargo capacity

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