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Topic: Towing Max Weight 1994 u225 (Read 813 times) previous topic - next topic

Towing Max Weight 1994 u225

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
Al

Re: Towing Max Weight 1994 u225

Reply #1 –
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. 
Dave Cobb
Buckhorn Lake Resort The Club, #6202, Kerrville TX
check the map.  I do rent it out when I am traveling!
2001, U320, 36' #5887, in Kerrville, FT Club #17006, (7/23 to present)
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Summit, white
EX: 98 U295, 36' #5219, (mid door), (4/13-10/23)
EX: 93 U225, 36' (4/11 to 4/13)

Re: Towing Max Weight 1994 u225

Reply #2 –
Quote from: Albert W –
Within the next two weeks we will be looking at 1993 and a 1994 Foretravel. Can the hitch safely handle towing 5,200 lbs.?

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

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
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Towing Max Weight 1994 u225

Reply #3 –
Thank you for the replies. I'll rephrase the question and repost.

Al
Al

Re: Towing Max Weight 1994 u225

Reply #4 –
Welcome, Al. Take a look at Foretravel Vehicle Weight 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.

Re: Towing Max Weight 1994 u225

Reply #5 –
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
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Towing Max Weight 1994 u225

Reply #6 –
Will change our search to a U280 or U300. Appreciate to information.

Al
Al

Re: Towing Max Weight 1994 u225

Reply #7 –
Al, you will love a U300.

Re: Towing Max Weight 1994 u225

Reply #8 –
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 & Babette Jordan
1997 U 320
1998 Ford Explorer XLT

Re: Towing Max Weight 1994 u225

Reply #9 –
Raymond, thanks for telling Al about my coach.
Jimmy Freytag,  Ardmore, Ok
1999 36ft U320. — -SOLD—-
1988 40ft GV        1990 36ft U280
1993 40ft U280      1996 36ft U280
  TRAVEL WHILE YOU CAN THE TIME WILL COME
            WHEN YOU NO LONGER CAN.

Re: Towing Max Weight 1994 u225

Reply #10 –
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

Re: Towing Max Weight 1994 u225

Reply #11 –
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.

Re: Towing Max Weight 1994 u225

Reply #12 –
Gary,

Enjoyed talking with you last night. Appreciate the information on torsalastic suspension.

Sent Jimmy a PM.

Al
Al

Re: Towing Max Weight 1994 u225

Reply #13 –
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.
Jimmy Freytag,  Ardmore, Ok
1999 36ft U320. — -SOLD—-
1988 40ft GV        1990 36ft U280
1993 40ft U280      1996 36ft U280
  TRAVEL WHILE YOU CAN THE TIME WILL COME
            WHEN YOU NO LONGER CAN.

Re: Towing Max Weight 1994 u225

Reply #14 –
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.

Re: Towing Max Weight 1994 u225

Reply #15 –
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 & Nettie
1998 U320 40Ft Limited Edition
Build #5382
2014 Ford Cmax toad
Escapee #122299

Re: Towing Max Weight 1994 u225

Reply #16 –
Greg,

Kulpmont, PA. One hour North of Harrisburg, PA. Guess I should update my profile.

Al
Al

Re: Towing Max Weight 1994 u225

Reply #17 –
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.
Greg & Nettie
1998 U320 40Ft Limited Edition
Build #5382
2014 Ford Cmax toad
Escapee #122299
 

Re: Towing Max Weight 1994 u225

Reply #18 –
Will do Greg. Thanks for the invitation.

Al
Al