Tow capacity

Topic: Tow capacity (Read 1820 times) previous topic - next topic

Tow capacity

January 27, 2013, 06:38:33 pm

What is the longest enclosed trailer you all would recommend I pull behind my 1989 Grandvilla? Weight capacity too? It has a 6v92 Detroit. Thanks.

Re: Tow capacity

Reply #1 – January 27, 2013, 07:34:21 pm

We're discussing this on another thread. Check out Foretravel Vehicle Weight for some information. Your owner's manual should also give you some help here. Look for GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating) and GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). Assuming that you have not exceeded your GW, then GCVR - GVWR = trailer weight. If you stay under GW you can tow a heavier trailer.

The length is determined by your state law. You should be able to find out what your state's maximum combined (coach + trailer) is. Subtract your coach's actual length from that maximum and you have the maximum length your trailer can be. That combined maximum varies from state to state, but where your coach and trailer are licensed is what counts. There might be some local exceptions where there are physical limits that are less than the legal ones, but they are generally well marked in advance so you can take an alternate route.

Re: Tow capacity

Reply #2 – January 27, 2013, 07:53:58 pm

Quote from: sonshineclg – January 27, 2013, 06:38:33 pm

What is the longest enclosed trailer you all would recommend I pull behind my 1989 Grandvilla? It has a 6v92 Detroit. Thanks.

Towing Laws Listed by State
http://towingworld.com/towinglaws.cfm

Re: Tow capacity

Reply #3 – January 27, 2013, 08:03:11 pm

Quote from: kb0zke – January 27, 2013, 07:34:21 pm

Look for GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating) and GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). Assuming that you have not exceeded your GW, then GCVR - GVWR = trailer weight. If you stay under GW you can tow a heavier trailer.

Don't forget to consider hitch ratings as well.

Re: Tow capacity

Reply #4 – January 27, 2013, 08:08:56 pm

Thanks, Michelle. I didn't mean to overlook that. Obviously, in all cases whatever gives the lowest weight is the limiting factor. I was assuming, though, that whatever hitch was on a Foretravel would be rated at least as high as the other limits would indicate. I can't imagine Foretravel putting a hitch that was limited to 2,000 pounds on a coach that, even a GW, could otherwise tow 10,000 pounds.

Re: Tow capacity

Reply #5 – January 27, 2013, 08:13:27 pm

Quote from: kb0zke – January 27, 2013, 08:08:56 pm

I can't imagine Foretravel putting a hitch that was limited to 2,000 pounds on a coach that, even a GW, could otherwise tow 10,000 pounds.

Not 2000 lb, but it being an '89 that Curtis is asking about, I doubt it's rated to tow 10K

-M

Re: Tow capacity

Reply #6 – January 27, 2013, 08:19:25 pm

Being a dummy, I would call FOT Dave Harvery, as get some facts, all this assuming and guessing could get you lost and confused.
Just sayin
Dave M

Re: Tow capacity

Reply #7 – January 27, 2013, 09:01:57 pm

Dave, that spoils all the fun! Why ask someone who actually knows the answer when you can get lots of opinions for free.

Seriously, calling the factory is probably the smartest idea. I'll probably do just that to get the answer to my towing question.

Re: Tow capacity

Reply #8 – January 27, 2013, 09:53:11 pm

I have an 89 Grand Villa, same as yours,
I did send an email to Foretravel but have not got a reply,

If you get an answer, Can you put it in here for me to see, I am also looking for the GCWR on my Coach,

So far I have come up with is a max of 2000 Lb, and I have a 300 HP Cat to pull it,

I dont have a lenght problem, I have a weight problem,

Re: Tow capacity

Reply #9 – January 28, 2013, 07:56:31 am

Quote from: MR B2 – January 27, 2013, 09:53:11 pm

I dont have a lenght problem, I have a weight problem,

Me Too!!

Re: Tow capacity

Reply #10 – January 28, 2013, 08:28:55 am

Quote from: TheBrays

On: Sun Jan 27, 2013 MR B2 Wrote: I dont have a lenght problem, I have a weight problem,

[/quote]

Quote

Me Too!!

Elliott & Mary Bray

1996 36' U295 'Toonie' - Build 4879 Toonie

Wow, if you guys have a weight problem with older coaches, I can't imagine what would happen if I traded my coach for a 'bigger' one. Do you think it would help if I wasn't a pack rat??...but "I might need all this stuff on the road" and "I carry spares for everything but the actual engine and transmission" and "I know...I should buy a trailer".

There now... I feel better for fessing up. Anybody else out there have the dreaded pack rat disease?

Re: Tow capacity

Reply #11 – January 28, 2013, 11:29:18 am

I do, But I have a very large Man Cave to put it in.

Re: Tow capacity

Reply #12 – January 28, 2013, 11:58:54 am

Quote from: TheBrays – January 28, 2013, 07:56:31 am

Me Too!!

It's not the coach that has the problem

...

We do 5-6 month stints just fine in our no-slide 36'

Re: Tow capacity

Reply #13 – January 28, 2013, 02:07:58 pm

We don't QUITE have a weight problem... Under by 600 lbs. No room for more parts or tools, but we can currently carry several more toothbrushes

Re: Tow capacity

Reply #14 – January 28, 2013, 03:47:57 pm

Which '89 Grand Villa are you guys talking about? Their almost all listed at Foretravel Vehicle Weight. The '89 isn't listed, but the '88 is and the '90 is, so you should be able to figure out thing easly.

Re: Tow capacity

Reply #15 – January 29, 2013, 09:34:48 am

Thank you all for the advise. I am just a full timer and if I need to take off to a new location, for work or otherwise, then I want to be able to "pack rat" it all in one trailer and go. Not make multiple trips and the like. I too contacted Foretravel and got no response, but the website that had the limits mine was 30,000, I think. Thanks again.

Curtis

Re: Tow capacity

Reply #16 – January 29, 2013, 09:52:01 am

Jim, You got me laughing, I used to carry most everything I could possibly use including easy outs and you name it. The MCI had real good storage space, so I filled it up. Never needing any of the stuff. Now I carry hand tools that fit one hand and a Fluke 87. Today, would have the coach towed home to my shop /man cave and fix it. Decided to worry about other important things like lunch, where & when.
Dave M

Re: Tow capacity

Reply #17 – January 29, 2013, 11:08:39 am

Quote

Jim, You got me laughing, I used to carry most everything I could possibly use including easy outs and you name it. The MCI had real good storage space, so I filled it up. Never needing any of the stuff. Now I carry hand tools that fit one hand and a Fluke 87. Today, would have the coach towed home to my shop /man cave and fix it. Decided to worry about other important things like lunch, where & when. Dave M

Hi Dave,

You response is the first one to my inquiry. Glad to know someone else has or had the dreaded "pack rat " disease. At first I thought I must have offended everyone on the Forum. It seems we mechanical and fix-it guys can't be without our stuff without feeling naked.

My wife finally has given up complaining about all my stuff -well, as long as I keep it in the basement. She says it keeps me out of her hair and the kitchen. This is sort of like...when you're first married and you offer to help with doing the dishes...and you manage to break several cups and a plate. She never asks for help with the dishes again. Yes! Ah, the games people play.

Re: Tow capacity

Reply #18 – January 29, 2013, 06:35:39 pm

I carry filters and some house stuff as well as a standard toolbox stuff and a multimeter. I have used the tools open stuck compartment doors and fix the jeep after a bit of off roading. Replace the door latch that fell off inside the coach compartment. So I needed a drill and bits and a long screwdriver. ALso I have used it to disassemble service the freshwater pump and the valve that failed at times. I guess I carry enough stuff to fix or work around the little stuff.

Re: Tow capacity

Reply #19 – January 29, 2013, 07:26:01 pm

Quote from: John S

I carry filters and some house stuff as well as a standard toolbox stuff and a multimeter. I have used the tools open stuck compartment doors and fix the jeep after a bit of off roading. Replace the door latch that fell off inside the coach compartment. So I needed a drill and bits and a long screwdriver. ALso I have used it to disassemble service the freshwater pump and the valve that failed at times. I guess I carry enough stuff to fix or work around the little stuff.

2001 42' double slide U320

Dave,

You're off to a really good start. So does this mean you qualify (and admit to)...being a card toting "pack rat"? I suspect there is a bell curve to this phenomenon: motor homers increase their "carried stuff" the first few years, then taper off after the actual need for it declines. Bummer, huh! Actually I hope this is so because I'm still afflicted with the fit-it-on-the-road desires. Do you suppose this is related ot tha age of the coach... or the owner?

Re: Tow capacity

Reply #20 – April 01, 2013, 02:05:30 am

Its so easy when the Coach is here in my front yard,

My 89 Grand Villa currently weighs 21,700 Lbs, Maximum Gross weight for my 89 Grand Villa is 26.500 Lbs,

So that leaves me with 4800 Lbs for trailer and any thing on it,

Re: Tow capacity

Reply #21 – April 01, 2013, 08:42:05 am

I tried the " if something new goes into the MH something old has to go out " with the DW and she is still scowling at me. Guess I better give it up.
Gary B

Re: Tow capacity

Reply #22 – April 01, 2013, 08:46:27 am

Quote from: MR B2 – April 01, 2013, 02:05:30 am

Its so easy when the Coach is here in my front yard,

My 89 Grand Villa currently weighs 21,700 Lbs, Maximum Gross weight for my 89 Grand Villa is 26.500 Lbs,

So that leaves me with 4800 Lbs for trailer and any thing on it,

No, that 26,500 is the GVWR (Gross VEHICLE Weight Rating) not GCWR (Gross COMBINED Wieght Rating). Your GCWR is the operative number to tell you the maximum weight of coach and toad.

Re: Tow capacity

Reply #23 – April 01, 2013, 06:24:00 pm

Quote from: wolfe10 – April 01, 2013, 08:46:27 am

No, that 26,500 is the GVWR (Gross VEHICLE Weight Rating) not GCWR (Gross COMBINED Wieght Rating). Your GCWR is the operative number to tell you the maximum weight of coach and toad.

Where do I find the GCWR, As I cant find that information any where, For my year on my Bus, It seems its the only one missing from that very extensive list on Beamalarm,

Re: Tow capacity

Reply #24 – April 01, 2013, 06:28:21 pm

Check with either James Triana at Foretravel or Freightliner in Gaffney SC with your Oshkosh chassis number (Freightliner bought Oshkosh).

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