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Towing Capacity of a 1995 U295?

September 25, 2013, 03:56:18 pm

Does anyone know what the tow capacity is on the 1995 U295 40' listed in the classifieds 1995 Foretravel U295 40' ? I'm looking to tow about 10K.  Would this motor home be able to handle that?

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Re: Towing Capacity of a 1995 U295?

Reply #1 – September 25, 2013, 04:49:34 pm

I think you may have to hear from someone here that owns one or call Foretravel. James Triana is here at the Grandvention, I will ask him if he knows the limits offhand.

Here is the Specification sheet from Barry's Beam alarm website.

1995 Foretravel U295C Specifications

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Re: Towing Capacity of a 1995 U295?

Reply #2 – September 25, 2013, 05:42:13 pm

Thanks Tim. I didn't see any specs for towing on the spec sheet.

Rory

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Re: Towing Capacity of a 1995 U295?

Reply #3 – September 25, 2013, 05:52:50 pm

No, that was my point unfortunately

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Re: Towing Capacity of a 1995 U295?

Reply #4 – September 25, 2013, 10:06:10 pm

Our 1997 U295 36' has GVWR of 30,000# and GCWR of 36,000#. Our "ready to travel" weight is about 28,000#. That would give a maximum weight for a towed vehicle to be 8,000# in order to remain within the specifications for the combination. The "ready to travel" weight for a 40' coach would likely be more than 28,000#. It is my understanding that vehicles of that vintage were designed for a maximum towed vehicle weight of 5,000# with a maximum tongue weight of 500#. I looked through our owner's manual and did not find documentation to verify those numbers.

We have the C8.3-325 with a Banks Stinger. It does fine towing a 4,000# automobile. I would expect that towing an additional  6,000# would make for pretty sluggish performance. However, perceptions of performance are generally relative to your experience and expectations. I would not want to tow more than 6,000# with our coach.

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Re: Towing Capacity of a 1995 U295?

Reply #5 – September 26, 2013, 07:01:46 am

Thank you JD for the information.

Rory

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Re: Towing Capacity of a 1995 U295?

Reply #6 – September 26, 2013, 08:46:22 am

My FT is very similar to JD's. My understanding is that the motorhome weak link is the hitch.  It seems that someone on the forum mentioned this some time ago. My present tow is a Saturn that weighs just under 3000 lbs.  I can frankly not even tell that it is there.  I really haven't determined how much it affects mpg but not much.  Anyway, I think you probably could tow more but the hitch may need upgrading prior.  Agree to check with foretravel for specifics.  Best!

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Re: Towing Capacity of a 1995 U295?

Reply #7 – September 26, 2013, 09:32:47 am

When I was getting my 3 point motorcycle hitch carrier installed on my old U225, the welder first made no promises that it could be done.  They had problems with RV's rear frames in general, and he needed to see the coach frame first.  He and then his lead shop foreman took one look at the massive rear frame members, and the 3"x4" cross bar on which the hitch receiver was welded and were amazed.  They had never worked on a Foretravel, and were happy to install the 2 additional receivers that were needed.  I understand the old coaches were only rated for 5000#.

We all suspect that product liabilities and CYA come into play.  Also towing habits and needs have been ever increasing over the years.  I would be amazed if the rating is just half of what could be safely towed.  I see all kinds of lesser RV's towing way bigger trailers than makes any sense.  Notice what is being towed to your local races on Friday or Saturday nights by Class C and lesser Class A SOBs.

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