Vibe 6503

In my opinion, a trailer of this weight should be on two axels. The majority of axels used in the RV industry are rated a 3500#. That is the reason you see the 500# cargo rating. If you run the numbers you'll see they are very close to the 3500# limit empty. It's really easy to accumulate 500# of extras and then you are at the limit. And, reading other camper forums, people tend to have problems with the longer/heavier trailers on single axels. A second axel adds some weight, but it really helps the stability and ease of towing. There may be single axels with higher capacities available, but I would look to the dual axel trailers first.  

  The average cargo weight of the r-pods  after options is close to a 1,000 lbs. The only way the Vibe would work is with a axle change. CharlieM you have a good point it may not handle that well am wandering how the 178 r-pods handle which are a similar size but weigh about 400lbs. less. I keep looking but keep coming back to the r-pod 171 we have. Our Flowerpod seems to be getting roots to difficult to relocate.   David and Danette

Originally posted by David and Danette     I am sorry to say Forest River did not give enough thought about the cargo capacity of the Vibe 6503 and 6504 when first building them. The new Vibes that are now being built have a stronger axle I found out.   David

Dave,

Not sure why you think FR is using a stronger axel now on the Vibes. Their web site numbers still point to a 3500# axel on the 6504s. Note that if you start with the shipping weight, subtract the tongue weight, and add 90% of propane, battery, and full load of fresh water, you are over the 3500# axel rating. And this assumes perfect 90/10% loading. The RPODS also use a 3500# axel, but they are lighter to start with.

Another problem arises when you use a WDH. It's my firm beleif that a WDH is needed, particularly with 3500# rated 3.5L TVs. But the WDH transfers a portion of the tongue weight to the trailer axel. I've confirmed this on my loaded 172 on CAT scales. The scales say I'm slightly over the axel rating...And that's a 172. A 178 or 181/2 would be worse. I'm not dry docking my Pod, but I am looking at a dual axel trailer for an upgrade.

Originally posted by David and Danette Originally posted by CharlieM Originally posted by David and Danette     I am sorry to say Forest River did not give enough thought about the cargo capacity of the Vibe 6503 and 6504 when first building them. The new Vibes that are now being built have a stronger axle I found out.   David  Dave, Not sure why you think FR is using a stronger axel now on the Vibes. Their web site numbers still point to a 3500# axel on the 6504s. Note that if you start with the shipping weight, subtract the tongue weight, and add 90% of propane, battery, and full load of fresh water, you are over the 3500# axel rating. And this assumes perfect 90/10% loading. The RPODS also use a 3500# axel, but they are lighter to start with. Another problem arises when you use a WDH. It's my firm beleif that a WDH is needed, particularly with 3500# rated 3.5L TVs. But the WDH transfers a portion of the tongue weight to the trailer axel. I've confirmed this on my loaded 172 on CAT scales. The scales say I'm slightly over the axel rating...And that's a 172. A 178 or 181/2 would be worse. I'm not dry docking my Pod, but I am looking at a dual axel trailer for an upgrade.

On the Forest River forum its said the new trailers have the up graded axle and that the manufacture web site has not been updated. I called Couchs rv nation and they confirmed this information in that the new trailers coming in have a stronger axle. I thought with the money I am saving in buying it I could replace the axle to a 5,200 lb. Forest River gave me the information regarding the axle replacement using the new axles that are being put on the new trailers. Still thinking it over the expense of a new axle and larger wheels 15" and how it would handle the size and it being a single axle.  

i always felt the pod seemed a little large for a single axle.  if i understand correctly, my 177 weighs approx 2700+/-.  That being said, with gear, mods, and everything else; it appears it is pushing the limits as well on a 3500 pound axle.  hogone