Within the next two weeks we will be looking at 1993 and a 1994 Foretravel. Can the hitch safely handle towing 5,200 lbs.?
Al
Only know that I towed my Work & Play 18LT that weighed about that home from Norman OK the day we bought the U225. I had little choice, but was amazed how well it all worked, and followed in the slip stream behind the coach. I kept backing out of the throttle, and passed most all RV rigs going south in the head winds.
When the welding shop added two motorcycle platform hitch receivers, they all commented on the amazing huge frame steel beams and design. They had made no promises to do the work before they could see the coach. They told of problems with most SOB and trying to upgrade the rear of coaches.
Which models? There are different chassis and drivetrains involved in U225/240/280/300 which impacts GCWR for towing as well as hitch capacity.
ETA I see U225 in your topic title. Here's an interesting thread about the U240 which showed maybe 3500 lbs left before hitting the GCWR limit.
U240: Looking for empty weight and/or typical "wet" or loaded weight figure (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=17937.0)
And in that thread I see jor posted the info for a U225 U240: Looking for empty weight and/or typical "wet" or loaded weight figure (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=17937.msg121657#msg121657)
Thank you for the replies. I'll rephrase the question and repost.
Al
Welcome, Al. Take a look at Foretravel Vehicle Weight (http://www.beamalarm.com/Documents/foretravel_vehicle_weight.html) and you will see that a 1995 U225 has a gross weight of 22,500 pounds and a gross combined weight rating of 24,000 pounds. To safely tow 5,200 pounds you would need to keep the coach weight (including passengers, fuel, water, stuff, etc.) to under 18,800 pounds. If you want to tow that much I think you are going to be looking at a U300.
BTW, that's why we have a U300. We were told to stick to either a U280 or a U300 for full-time use (that's our goal) and the U280 has a GCWR of 30,000 pounds, while the U300 has a GCWR of 36,000 pounds.
Have seen a U300 towing a very heavy load on long construction trailer almost the Foretravel length. 580 Case backhoe on it plus other equipment. Perhaps not the smartest idea. Rear subframe is tank like on U280/U300.
Pierce
Will change our search to a U280 or U300. Appreciate to information.
Al
Al, you will love a U300.
Hi Al,
We have a member here, Jimmy Freytag, that has a 1996 U 280 for sale. It's one of the nicest out there. It also has the ultra rare retarder, with joystick, option. Check it out in the classified section.
Good luck,
Raymond
Raymond, thanks for telling Al about my coach.
Raymond,
I have looked at his ad a number of times. It is a unit, I'm sure, we would be very happy with. Only problem is it's 1,400 miles from Kulpmont, PA. Make that 2,800 miles roundtrip. Plus, driving all that distance would put be me at a disadvantage price wise.
Al
Al, We talked last nite and It slipped my mind ( whats left of it ) to tell you about Jimmy Freytag's coach. If it is in your price range I would suggest that you get a bunch of photos from Jimmy, ask a hundred questions and if your are really interested buy it sight unseen. Agree on a deposit and time limit and then invest in a plane ticket. I saw Jimmy's coach two years ago and it is way above average. If you then fly there and don't like it you are out a plane ticket but you may also be in one of the best 96 280's around.
And no Jimmy does not pay a commission. :)
Gary B
Also look at the member map and see who is near you, I am sure that any of the forum members would be delighted to let you tour their coach and ask questions.
Gary,
Enjoyed talking with you last night. Appreciate the information on torsalastic suspension.
Sent Jimmy a PM.
Al
Al, sent you a PM. Al 1400 miles is not far, when I bought this one it was in
Eureka, Ca. 2000 miles away, flew out and drove it back.
We assumed that we would have to go cross-country to get our coach. Five of the six on our short list were more than 1000 miles away. We decided to look at the one that was only 300 miles away first. Never did get around to looking at the other five.
Al,
Where are you located? Looking at the member map doesn't show your location.
I'm in Southern Ca. If you are near here.
Greg
Greg,
Kulpmont, PA. One hour North of Harrisburg, PA. Guess I should update my profile.
Al
Well I guess you are on the other side of the earth from me. If you are ever in the LA area give us a shout. We'd be happy to show you our coach.
Will do Greg. Thanks for the invitation.
Al