On the trailer max gross weight spec, the DOT requires FR to state that as no higher than the axle max weight rating (3500 lbs) plus the lowest listed tongue weight (268 lbs). So, the fact that you have a higher tongue weight helps take that extra load off the trailer axle. Not that I'm saying its Ok from a legal perspective, just that its not as bad as it sounds from the technical point of view. 

You are right at the limit for that trailer axle. If that is before tensioning the wdh then you'll be well over 3500 lbs after that. I have the same trailer and the same issue, and I'd guess most folks with 179's/180's that boondock like we do aren't that different.

 I would advise upgrading tires and possibly wheels if you haven't already. I also reinforced my axle, you can look at my thread on that topic. The tires are the biggest concern since they can have a catastrophic blowout failure. There isn't any evidence of axles failing dramatically, they just seem to lose their camber over time. 

You could also possibly move some of your gear into your tow vehicle if you have extra load capacity there. 

we had 15 gal in the tank, 2 bikes on the rear(spare moved to the tongue), 2 6v golf cart batteries, food and clothes for 10 days.

I was happy with the weights-although it does appear to be maxxed out(overweight   by 252 lbs)  according to the mfg sticker on the door. The sticker says dry weight 2785 and max cargo weight of 983 for a total of 3768. I know the dry weight is always suspect(A/C, m/w, propane, etc) but the max weight is absolute regardless of what is in or on the pod.

I have goodyear endurance st215/75/r14 so the D load range is rated to 2200 lbs for single axle.

the tongue weight was 13.4%. I use a 4 point Equalizer hitch with our Expedition and the pod tows great.

Hope this helps someone else

Vann

We are loaded for a 10 day trip-same load that we normally take.  We stopped by the local landfill and weighed the rig. Here is what we got:

weight of Tow vehicle with RPod attached(only 4 wheels of the tow  vehicle)=7340

weight of tv only without pod=6800

weight of tow vehicle and R Pod attached(all 4 wheels of tv and 2 wheels of Pod)=10820

I think this tells me that our tow vehicle weighs 6800, our tongue weight is 540 and the pod weight is 3480 on the axle. the actual Pod weight is 4020, but I subtracted the 540 tongue weight.

Is this correct???

Thanks for any insight

Vann