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Topic: Toads (Read 2991 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Toads

Reply #50 –
Yeah, I have to say, despite the complexity of the Jeep Grand Cherokee it's a great car. 4X4 when you need it. Fairly decent fuel economy for a 4x4. Air suspension so you can raise it up for higher clearances or lower it for someone to get in easily. Seats go down in the back for more storage space. Can carry stuff on the roof too.
But don't think your coach will tow it. To heavy.  Try a Mini Cooper. Light, fun fast.
'99 U320 40 WTFE
Build #5462,
1500 Watts Solar 600 amp Victron lithium
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Hemi
Instagram bobfnbw
Retired

Re: Toads

Reply #51 –
We were unable to find our GCWR  anywhere  on anything including calling the Fortravel factory. Their answer defaulted to like 3,000 and I very much questioned that response because they didn't seem sure of the answer. 

  Finally among some sales literature in found the answer of 6,000 over the GVWR of 28,000 for our U280. Now I keep that paper very handy, in case we're stoped and question by  whomever.
Robert and Susan
 1995 36' 280 WTBI 8.3 3060r
 1200 watts on the roof, 720 Ah of lithium's
 Build # 4637. Motorcade # 17599
        FMCA  # 451505
        18  Wrangler JLUR

Re: Toads

Reply #52 –
Often the gross combined weight rating is about the same as the gross vehicle weight rating and the towing capacity.  Gross combined weight rating is closely related to the capability of the towing vehicles braking system.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Toads

Reply #53 –
Quote from: Bob & Sue –
Finally among some sales literature in found the answer of 6,000 over the GVWR of 28,000 for our U280. Now I keep that paper very handy, in case we're stoped and question by  whomever.
I would very much like to see that sales literature.  Any chance you could take a photo (or scan it) and post it here?  Thanks.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Toads

Reply #54 –
As far as a Toad for Moby's U225, think light, real light.  If you can locate a Geo Tracker in good condition, it's a superb go anywhere 4X4 toad.  Right at 2K lbs.  Mazda Miata possibly.....
"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS

Re: Toads

Reply #55 –
Add Ford Focus and Hyundai Elantra MT to "light toads".
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Toads

Reply #56 –
We had a 1997 Geo Tracker ragtop 4x4 and it felt like driving a go cart in heavy traffic. Felt quite undersized compared to the other vehicles on the road. Had lots of power necessary to keep up with traffic but felt unprotected.
Currently have 2006 Saturn Vue AWD.
Sacrificed weight for protection.
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: Toads

Reply #57 –
Quote from: Chuck Pearson –
As far as a Toad for Moby's U225, think light, real light.  If you can locate a Geo Tracker in good condition, it's a superb go anywhere 4X4 toad.  Right at 2K lbs.  Mazda Miata possibly.....
Trackers are rebadged Suzuki Vitaras.  Excellent gas mileage and a lot  of fun to drive.  I prefer four cylinder (fuel injection) to the heavier and harder to maintain V6 that does not provide substantially more power.  I've had both.
2000 U320 mid entry  #5688
2006 Jeep Liberty


USMCR retired
SDFD retired
FEMA US&R TF8

Re: Toads

Reply #58 –
Moby if price is an issue an earlier Grand Cherokee can be picked up for under 3k My current 2001 cost $3,100 back in 2013.  I towed a '96 behind my '81 FT and it only had 225 hp. I have only towed Cherokees or Grand Cherokees since 1994 when I bought the '81
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Toads

Reply #59 –
Here ya go Chuck.
 Looks like I fibbed, the the GVWR and  consequently the GCWR is a couple K more than I stated.
Robert and Susan
 1995 36' 280 WTBI 8.3 3060r
 1200 watts on the roof, 720 Ah of lithium's
 Build # 4637. Motorcade # 17599
        FMCA  # 451505
        18  Wrangler JLUR

Re: Toads

Reply #60 –
that's odd, on my chassis you add the front axle weight rating 9000 and rear axle weight rating 17500=GVRW of 26500.
 Maybe they changed how that number is derived.
 Moby have you weighed your coach?
Old Phart Phred, EIEIO
89 GV ored 36' #3405 300 hp cat 3208 ATAAC side radiator, mountain tamer exhaust brake

Re: Toads

Reply #61 –
2000 lbs, great offroad, not so much for highway trips.
Jim C.
coachfree, previous 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2003 Foretravels.

Re: Toads

Reply #62 –
Quote from: Bob & Sue –
Here ya go Chuck.
Thanks for posting that sheet, Bob & Sue!  That is an interesting document, but I am wondering if it can be applied to earlier models.  The fine print at the bottom says it is for the 1996 model U280.  I've not heard of a actual 1996 U280, but I have read some old Forum posts indicating that the factory made a few of them (6 perhaps?).  You guys have a 1995 model, which I thought was the last year they were sold.  We have a 1993 model.  If you look at the 1996 U280 data on the beamalarm page, the axle weights on your sheet are slightly different.  The axle ratings on your sheet are actually the same as those given for the 1996 U320 on the beamalarm page!  Would they have used the same axles on the U280 and the U320?

At any rate, I will choose to believe that the numbers on your sheet can be applied to the earlier models, because it is the first time I have seen a reasonable towing capacity given for ANY U280 model.  6000 pounds is a LOT more realistic than 2000 pounds, and is also well above what we have been towing for the past 4 years without incident.

Foretravel Vehicle Weight
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Toads

Reply #63 –
Quote from: jcus –
2000 lbs, great offroad, not so much for highway trips.
Finally someone who understands me!
Eric, Mary and Carl the jack russel terrorist
1997 U320, #5143, w/450 hp, 6.9 on the richter scale
Sammie the toad
Live Free or Die

Re: Toads

Reply #64 –
Quote from: Old phart phred –
that's odd, on my chassis you add the front axle weight rating 9000 and rear axle weight rating 17500=GVRW of 26500.
 Maybe they changed how that number is derived.
 Moby have you weighed your coach?


Not yet.
I need to but she's still not accessible
In restless dreams I walked alone.
Narrow streets of cobblestone.


'93 U225
Build 4337
'14 CRV Toad

Re: Toads

Reply #65 –
I haven't weighed ours yet either. Maybe not a newbie; but, still learning... I hope.

We just hook up and go. Luckily, no incidents....knock wood.

roger
1993 U225 36'
Build #4295
1979 Int'l Scout II
2005 BMW R1200RT

Re: Toads

Reply #66 –
Until you do weight so you can accurately set tire pressure, go by the PSI on the GVWR plaque to the left of the driver's seat.

Those PSI are based in each axle being loaded to its GAWR. 

Likely these pressures will be a little high.  Said another way, if your axles are not loaded to full GAWR, you will be over-inflated.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020
 

Re: Toads

Reply #67 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
Until you do weight so you can accurately set tire pressure, go by the PSI on the GVWR plaque to the left of the driver's seat.

FWIW:
My 96 U270 36' loaded for fun with full fuel and water weighs 10K on steer and 17k on the drivers. Axle gross is 12k and 19k per plaque.  Tires on steer max out at  6175 pounds at 110psi., duals/drivers a little less.
Doug W.
96 36' U270 CSGI #4946
04 Toyota Tacoma 4x4
PNW