need advise on a motorhome

builderfox · 02-12-2019, 08:54 PM

I am looking at a 2008 Fleetwood providence with a cummins 8.3 litter 360 hp 1050 torque. will this pull a 32 foot triple axle trailer with a stocker and golf cart, and what about stopping the coach, it has a exhaust brake. this motorhome has drum brake on it all the way around. air over hyd. I like to set the cruise on the interstate and ride down the road about 70. It should be a lot better than a gas rig. Thanks for the help!!!

jmcarter · 02-12-2019, 09:23 PM

Linking the Fleetwood owners section of IRV, which is one of the most popular RV enthusiasts sites. Their search function is pretty good as well.

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f107/

Frankly Fleetwood isn’t one of top brands (i.e. Newmar) but when you’re shopping older ones it’s all about the coach’s maintenance history. And of course the 8.3 Cummins has a great record. My only concern pulling that large of a trailer is if the coach has a rear rather than side radiator. Cooling can be an issue if in the rear and you’re hammering it pretty hard. You’ll be lucky to get 6 mpg pulling that weight. Hitch is likely rated for 10K so that could be something needing reinforcement. Braking should be no problem, engine brakes are great and you’ll have six brakes out back so should be plenty of whoa.

HR9121 · 02-12-2019, 11:20 PM

I wouldn't think you would have any issues at all. I pull a 28' trailer, stocker, golf cart etc with a 275 up Cummins, although it struggles a little bit on grades it still has plenty power for normal towing, I'm more of a 65 mph guy although a red light first round will tend to make me come home at 75 mph!

1matcoman · 02-13-2019, 01:38 AM

bf, that coach should be plenty good enough for your needs as long as you know it will not be a jackrabbit at stop lights (notice I didn't say red-lights - a dirty word around these parts). And, as long as you keep the brakes on the trailer well maintained, you should have no braking issues there as well.

That '08 was a very well built unit for Fleetwood and the engine will not require DEF, so that's a positive.

Note this however, and I cannot stress this enough, to remember fresh tires on the unit. Just like your trailer, and I am sure you're well educated there, you'll need to keep your tires fresh all the time. 6 years on tires with the load you'll be experiencing is Grandpa aged. Always check the DOT date code and check them monthly for stress cracks and bulges.

james schaechter · 02-13-2019, 06:16 AM

The engine brake on our old Monaco is the best option ever! I would think that pulling would not be an issue. Not sure about the air over hydraulic. We have air brakes and they are awesome. I have heard a few complain that air over hydraulic isn’t as good, but have never tried it. One thing that we really love is having the 8.3 diesel and the diesel generator as well. When you are at a hot weather race, it is nice to be able to run the generator and air conditioner all weekend. Good point on the radiator. I would bet there is a way to help with that if it is a problem. We have a side radiator. There is an aux fan mounted and a manual switch for it from the factory. I have turned it on to make sure it works, but honestly, our coach never runs hot ever so we don’t use it.

Marc LaBrecque · 02-13-2019, 11:24 AM

Be glad to give you my .02 cents if you'd like to give me a call.413 246 6608

Marc

02-12-2019, 08:54 PM	#1
builderfox Junior Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 33 Likes: 1 Liked 3 Times in 3 Posts	need advise on a motorhome I am looking at a 2008 Fleetwood providence with a cummins 8.3 litter 360 hp 1050 torque. will this pull a 32 foot triple axle trailer with a stocker and golf cart, and what about stopping the coach, it has a exhaust brake. this motorhome has drum brake on it all the way around. air over hyd. I like to set the cruise on the interstate and ride down the road about 70. It should be a lot better than a gas rig. Thanks for the help!!!

02-12-2019, 09:23 PM	#2
jmcarter VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Richmond Hill GA (and Port Ludlow WA) Posts: 4,295 Likes: 2,382 Liked 3,174 Times in 971 Posts	Re: need advise on a motorhome Linking the Fleetwood owners section of IRV, which is one of the most popular RV enthusiasts sites. Their search function is pretty good as well. http://www.irv2.com/forums/f107/ Frankly Fleetwood isn’t one of top brands (i.e. Newmar) but when you’re shopping older ones it’s all about the coach’s maintenance history. And of course the 8.3 Cummins has a great record. My only concern pulling that large of a trailer is if the coach has a rear rather than side radiator. Cooling can be an issue if in the rear and you’re hammering it pretty hard. You’ll be lucky to get 6 mpg pulling that weight. Hitch is likely rated for 10K so that could be something needing reinforcement. Braking should be no problem, engine brakes are great and you’ll have six brakes out back so should be plenty of whoa. __________________ Jim Carter 2340 Super Stock 2340 SST/2340 Stock Set another place at the table Last edited by jmcarter; 02-13-2019 at 07:48 AM.

02-12-2019, 11:20 PM	#3
HR9121 Live Reporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: New Bern, NC Posts: 3,467 Likes: 146 Liked 3,363 Times in 731 Posts	Re: need advise on a motorhome I wouldn't think you would have any issues at all. I pull a 28' trailer, stocker, golf cart etc with a 275 up Cummins, although it struggles a little bit on grades it still has plenty power for normal towing, I'm more of a 65 mph guy although a red light first round will tend to make me come home at 75 mph! __________________ James Williamson W200 J/SA. SS/JA

02-13-2019, 01:38 AM	#4
1matcoman Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 340 Likes: 826 Liked 350 Times in 134 Posts	Re: need advise on a motorhome bf, that coach should be plenty good enough for your needs as long as you know it will not be a jackrabbit at stop lights (notice I didn't say red-lights - a dirty word around these parts). And, as long as you keep the brakes on the trailer well maintained, you should have no braking issues there as well. That '08 was a very well built unit for Fleetwood and the engine will not require DEF, so that's a positive. Note this however, and I cannot stress this enough, to remember fresh tires on the unit. Just like your trailer, and I am sure you're well educated there, you'll need to keep your tires fresh all the time. 6 years on tires with the load you'll be experiencing is Grandpa aged. Always check the DOT date code and check them monthly for stress cracks and bulges.

02-13-2019, 06:16 AM	#5
james schaechter VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Cumming GA Posts: 1,988 Likes: 1,288 Liked 1,428 Times in 296 Posts	Re: need advise on a motorhome The engine brake on our old Monaco is the best option ever! I would think that pulling would not be an issue. Not sure about the air over hydraulic. We have air brakes and they are awesome. I have heard a few complain that air over hydraulic isn’t as good, but have never tried it. One thing that we really love is having the 8.3 diesel and the diesel generator as well. When you are at a hot weather race, it is nice to be able to run the generator and air conditioner all weekend. Good point on the radiator. I would bet there is a way to help with that if it is a problem. We have a side radiator. There is an aux fan mounted and a manual switch for it from the factory. I have turned it on to make sure it works, but honestly, our coach never runs hot ever so we don’t use it. __________________ James Schaechter 3163 STK

02-13-2019, 11:24 AM	#6
Marc LaBrecque Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 704 Likes: 20 Liked 431 Times in 114 Posts	Re: need advise on a motorhome Be glad to give you my .02 cents if you'd like to give me a call.413 246 6608 Marc

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