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Cat 3208 Tow Rating

August 01, 2011, 08:45:34 am

I'm looking to pull a 24' enclosed trailer with a weight of 7500-9000#s Does anyone know if that is possible with a 36' 1989 U280 with the 2308 cat and allison 4 speed trans?

What do you tow with your 3208 Cat?

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Re: Cat 3208 Tow Rating

Reply #1 – August 01, 2011, 09:04:49 am

Really two different (very different) questions.

One is what is your coach designed and RATED to tow.  Look at the GVWR sticker near the driver's area.  Determine the GCWR and subtract your actual loaded coach weight from it.  This assumes anything you tow has its own braking.

The other question could easily fall into what I call "Tell me what you got away with".  A far cry from what will keep you safe and out of a HUGE legal hassle if you are even involved in an accident.  Let's face it, lawyers would just line up to face you in court if you killed someone with a rig that was overloaded and being operated illegally.

Brett

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Re: Cat 3208 Tow Rating

Reply #2 – August 01, 2011, 09:22:40 am

Thanks, I don't have the rig yet. Going to get it this week and was looking to see what everyone is pulling with this size unit. I will have breaks on the two axles on the trailer also. I don't have the trailer yet either. Just trying to get input before i get that size trailer. I will get smaller if not going to work. Just asking for input. I'm going fulltime and everything will be legal.
Thanks,
Dave

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Re: Cat 3208 Tow Rating

Reply #3 – August 01, 2011, 09:40:13 am

Dave,

If you don't have access to the GVWR plate, perhaps someone else with a 1989 U280 can look at theirs for you and also post their coach weight.

You could also call James Triana at Foretravel 800 955-6226 for the GCWR information. It is possible that he knows their real "going down the road" weight-- he is a wealth of information on Foretravels of all ages.

Brett

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Re: Cat 3208 Tow Rating

Reply #4 – August 01, 2011, 10:09:56 am

Thanks Brett i will try calling him later today. I'm getting the coach this week and have not got the info for the weight and towing yet. That is why i'm asking around on here right now. Also looking for a trailer and not sure what size i can legaly pull.
Thanks for all the info.
Dave

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Re: Cat 3208 Tow Rating

Reply #5 – August 01, 2011, 02:46:45 pm

Brett sort of covered the data plate info, and you need the actual coach weight with fuel, propane and water and usual "stuff".  One minus the other gives you the amount you can tow.  I hope you find you have enough legal capacity to tow what you are hoping to tow.  I learned I did not, now that I have weighted our U-225, now to find a toad that is light enough, and fits into the budget.

When I picked up my coach, I had to tow a 18' Work & Play toy hauler home.  Was worried, had little choice.  Did not have electric brake controller, on the 200 mile trip.  The trailer weighted about 4500#, I have the Cummings 5.9, 230 hp, and 4 speed.  I could tow on the flat and with a trail wind ok. 

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