2005 Fuso FG140 - towing question

[sharkbait73]

Hi folks I have a 2005 Fuso FG-140, and I'm still a little confused over what I'm able to tow. From an old spec sheet I was able to find my GVWR is 14,050 lb, and my GCWR looks to be 17,045 lb. I believe this means that when the truck is fully loaded with cargo, I can also tow 2,995lbs.

My question is, if I don't fully load the truck itself and were at say, 10,000 lb total load, does that mean I would then be able to carry 7,045 lb towing? Or am I still locked in at the 2,995lbs as a complete maximum?

Am I looking at the correctly? My ultimate problem is I'm looking for a small travel trailer, but it's likely to be in about the 5,000-lb range total loaded weight, with about a 400 lb tongue weight.

Cheers,
Scott

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[kerry]

Yes, I believe you are understanding that correctly.

 

[Howard70]

I agree - the total mass of the Fuso with payload and the tow should not exceed 17,045 lbs. A couple of things you've probably already considered - good brakes and controller on the trailer and the fact that with a total moving mass of 17,045 lbs you will be moving slowly - especially uphills. That's not a problem for many, but something that could be a surprise if you'd expected to move uphill with surrounding traffic.

Howard

 

[sharkbait73]

Thanks for the confirmation folks! Right now the Fuso has only a flat deck on it so I'd be hard pressed to think we were anywhere above 10k lbs as is, so I think I'll be ok towing in the interim!

Cheers,
Scott

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[yabanja]

There are even a camper or two around these parts tipping the scales at over 20k without a trailer!

A

 

[Deshet]

These trucks like the majority of the weight on to the rear axle but I have seen them tow heavy. I would not think twice about putting 5-10k pounds behind it as needed. Mine has a pintel hitch most pintel hitches are rated for 20k pounds. The fuso and NPR are powered by industrial rated diesels not consumer engines. The suspension can be upgraded to handle almost anything reasonable.

If you are pulling hills and mountains make sure that your trailer has good electric brakes.

I have seen these moving mini excavators and setup as chipper/logging trucks pulling chippers.

Towing a boat, camp trailer, or the average home owner trailer is the easy life for these.

The biggest issue with these is salt eating away the frame from plowing. If your frame is solid and the truck did not start Life in the rust belt you should be good. Even a good welder can fix the rust belt trucks.

 

[pugslyyy]

Towing with a Fuso FG, there are a couple of things to watch out for:

1. The 4 wheel drum brakes are marginal even before you start to tow, so the trailer brakes better be good.
2. The truck will overheat pulling up grades, or when the wind is behind you. You'll be climbing hills slowly, with your windows down and the heater on full, sweating.
3. It's designed to be an in-town delivery truck, so you know it doesn't love cruising at interstate speeds. Towing a trailer will not improve this.

[And yeah, I own a 2007 FG-140 which I love, but you gotta understand the limitations.]

 

[sharkbait73]

Thanks Everyone! All advice and experience is welcome as I truly haven't any idea, yet! Lol

I feel confident now that 4-5,000lbs is doable, but will certainly be aware of watching the breaking and over heating. Speed will be relative I think... At 100-110kph it already almost feels too fast, lol, but this is my first experience with a truck bigger than a pick up truck! I may be due for living life a little slower.

Cheers All,
Scott

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