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Buskid
Top Member
USA
3368 Posts |
 Posted - 11/30/2005 : 1:14:29 PM
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Hi all,
I thought that perhaps someone in this forum may be able to give me some advice with this one.
I'm looking into using a 1989 Thomas Saf-T-Liner MVP-ER to help move some of my belongings from Indiana to California this winter. The bus has a 200-horsepower Caterpillar 3208 Engine coupled to an Allison AT-545 4-speed automatic transmission. It's a 57+2 W/C [78-passenger body, 30,000 lbs. G.V.W.] with 124,xxx miles on it.
Anyway, what I'm wondering is how much weight I could get away with hauling behind it (e.g., a car hauler or small trailer). Any thoughts? I know that we've towed small pick-up trucks and vans before while delivering buses in the past, but I never thought to ask back then how much towing weight the bus could safely handle.
Thanks in advance.  |
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wagonmaster
Top Member
USA
2298 Posts |
Posted - 12/02/2005 : 06:57:45 AM
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A typical medium duty truck with a similar gvwr could tow upwards of 30-40,000 lbs, configured as a trailer. Your bus weighs considerably more than a road tractor or straight truck, but could safely tow a car trailer or similar weight, in my opinion. The hitch should be engineered for the appropriate towing weight capacity and axle weight capacities and installed by professionals, also my opinion. I've seen this done by private individuals and schools/districts and believe it can be done safely if due care is used in the planning and installation of the hitch and equipment. If you don't know how to do it, get in touch with folks that do.
Good luck!
Joe |
Joe
Land of the Free, because of the Brave! |
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ModMech
Top Member
USA
948 Posts |
Posted - 12/02/2005 : 5:55:46 PM
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| The limiting factor is the trans. The absolute load limit for an AT545 is close to 32,000lbs. |
If you want customer service, you NEED an International! |
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Buskid
Top Member
USA
3368 Posts |
Posted - 12/07/2005 : 08:52:30 AM
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| Thanks Joe and ModMech. I appreciate the information. Now I have a better idea of what my limitations are. |
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CISDbusman
Advanced Member
306 Posts |
Posted - 12/07/2005 : 11:57:30 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by ModMech
The limiting factor is the trans. The absolute load limit for an AT545 is close to 32,000lbs.
I think I would have to worry more about the "little kitten" under the hood as thats a pretty good trip. |
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How much weight can it tow?
