Question about 2023 Micro Minnie 2100BH GVWR

[Booner]

We purchased a 2023 2100BH today. Very exciting as we have been looking for several years. Rather than take a 2022 on a close out deal we opted for the 2023. One thing I noticed was the GVWR on the sticker was lower on the 2023. It’s only 5000lbs. The 2022 models are 5500. This puzzles me with 2 3000 lb axles. Dry weight remains the same. Anyone have any info on this? For our use and TV I’m not super concerned about the 500lbs. I think we can manage within the limits. Just makes me wonder.

[Bigbird65]

Congratulations. I don't understand it either. Usually the GVWR is related to the combined axle rating. In your case that would be 6,000 lb. Did you actually look at the tag on the axles to verify that they are 3,000 lb each? If that is what the tag shows, I wouldn't worry any more about it. Give WB Customer Care a call and ask them. (574) 825-8052

[Marine359]

Congrats Booner,
We wondered about that too when we bought a new 2021 model. The website said 6,000lbs, but after we bought it, we found out our was 5,000lbs. Called customer service, and they said it was because they switched to Dexter 2,500lb axles. I was concerned about the loss of 1,000lbs of GVWR, but in reality, it hasn’t been an issue. When we CAT scale, fully loaded, with full fresh tank, we’re at 4,650lbs. We could potentially exceed GVWR if we traveled with full fresh and two full waste tanks. Our GVWR is posted on the driver side sticker and it does match the axle ratings. If yours don’t match, I would second Bigbird65’s motion to call customer service for an explanation. The axles have weight rating labels on them. You have to get your hands and knees dirty to see them. Some people like me speculate it’s all a WBGO marketing ploy, as a higher GVWR can scare off some buyers with tow vehicles that will be great at 5,000lbs, but suspect at 6,000lbs.

[Bigbird65]

Booner, the axles on our Minnie are rated at 3500 each. The red circle indicates the rating.

[Booner]

Thanks for all of the info this far. I don’t have the camper yet so I can’t crawl under it to see the stamp. But I will. I understand that at one point in time these did have 3500lb axles. Then reduced to 3000 lb. Just depends on the year of the tt. I will also get a picture of the sticker on the side of the trailer when I check under it. The sticker states the axle weights. Along with gvwr. It clearly states 3000lb axles. 5000lb gvwr. Dry weigh just over 4000. Giving a payload for the trailer at just under 1000 lbs. I would be surprised if the sticker says 3000 for the axles and I find a stamp under the trailer on the axle for 2500 lb axles. That would certainly prompt a call to Winnebago. But we will soon find out. I expect to find 3000lb axles and an under stated gvwr of 5000 lbs. But believe me I’ve been surprised many of times in my life. The marketing angle makes perfect sense to me. Many smaller trucks and SUV’s have a towing capacity for this trailer. But it’s really all about payload of the tv. It’s the number one limiting factor in a safe set up.

[Bcborn]

Originally Posted by Booner

Thanks for all of the info this far. I don’t have the camper yet so I can’t crawl under it to see the stamp. But I will. I understand that at one point in time these did have 3500lb axles. Then reduced to 3000 lb. Just depends on the year of the tt. I will also get a picture of the sticker on the side of the trailer when I check under it. The sticker states the axle weights. Along with gvwr. It clearly states 3000lb axles. 5000lb gvwr. Dry weigh just over 4000. Giving a payload for the trailer at just under 1000 lbs. I would be surprised if the sticker says 3000 for the axles and I find a stamp under the trailer on the axle for 2500 lb axles. That would certainly prompt a call to Winnebago. But we will soon find out. I expect to find 3000lb axles and an under stated gvwr of 5000 lbs. But believe me I’ve been surprised many of times in my life. The marketing angle makes perfect sense to me. Many smaller trucks and SUV’s have a towing capacity for this trailer. But it’s really all about payload of the tv. It’s the number one limiting factor in a safe set up.

Not sure why but I have seen Minnies advertised at 5000lb GCVW, and a payload in around 1000lb. Why their dropping down from the old 7000lb GCWR is beyond me.

[Booner]

Ok so we picked up our trailer today. Went well and truck pulls it very well. I did get a picture of the sticker on the front drivers side. It does say it has (2) 3000lb axles. It also says 5000 GVWR. I crawled under and looked at the tag on the axles. I was able to confirm the 3000lb axles. See attached picture. Just wanted to share so others would know what I found. Seems to me the 5000lb GVWR is understated. But it does state 5000 GVWR despite the axle ratings.

[Bigbird65]

What Marine359 said "Some people like me speculate it’s all a WBGO marketing ploy, as a higher GVWR can scare off some buyers with tow vehicles that will be great at 5,000lbs, but suspect at 6,000lbs." is probably correct. Just a marketing plow. Be assured you have 6000 GVWR based on the axle ratings.

[creativepart]

Also be aware that the GVWR is more than a marketing statement or the axle rating. It also becomes a legal representation of what the manufacturer considers the proper weight rating for the rest of the Trailer, including the brakes, wheels and tires, frame, etc, etc.

The GVWR is 5,000lbs regardless of the axle rating because that’s what the manufacturer has declared it is on the legally required placard.

[Bigbird65]

Thanks creativepart. I learn something every day.

[Booner]

Thank you all for your comments. I agree the manufacturer has clearly stated 5000lbs. Like I said originally I believe we can live within those limits. But since the rating is getting reduced from one year to the next without any obvious change in the trailer I thought it was worth the conversation. I learned from this and I hope someone else does as well.