Towing capacity of 345

chopperbob · 11-29-2002, 02:19 PM

Hi all,
Have a 26ft GMC and want to move up to a 345 motorhome, but can't seem to find any info on towing capacity.
We are presenty towing a Geo Tracker that weighs 2,400lbs.
Anybody help me out?

Thanks.

Bob Lawrence
76 GMC
94 Geo Tracker
3 cats and a wife

howardann · 11-29-2002, 05:49 PM

Hi: I have a 1988 345 and it has fantastic towing abilities. My first tow vehicle was a JEEP Lorado, then a 1952 MG TD kit car( a volkswagon chassis). Now I tow a full size Explorer without a problem. I have towed my tandem car trailer ( app 2000 lbs ) with my 1965 Buick Electra 225 Convertable. This 345 with a 454 gas can manage almost any tow weight. I like to let the rpm's drop to around 2200 rpm's when on a long grade for max. fuel milage. and it just hangs in there so well. I am sure you will have NO PROBLEM with your size of vehicle. Go For IT !!!!

ALANSD · 11-29-2002, 05:53 PM

Bob- If you have the older GMC classic style motorhome, I wonder if you would share your impressions of how it drives, and overall feel on the road. We see many of those still in service, and I wondered how they compare to our Airstreams.Thanks

chopperbob · 11-29-2002, 06:28 PM

Thanks for the replies. Glad to hear no problems on towing.
To answer the GMC question...had mine 3 yrs, put on 8,000 miles around Washington and Oregon.
It rides like a Cadillac with the air suspension on the rear.
Problems with handling are rut jumping as the front end is about 8 inches in from the rears. Tracking is a problem in ruts.
Will run all day at 75 mph with 8 mile per gallon.
Parts are all available for it.
Fact is if I could figure a way to put a queen island bed in back without tearing the walls apart, I would keep it.
Only been married 15 yrs, so not ready for twin beds.

Hope this answers your questions.
Thanks again.

Bob Lawrence
76 GMC
94 Geo Tracker
3 cats and a wife

ALANSD · 11-30-2002, 06:27 PM

thanks Bob- I have been curious, as i almost bought a 76 GMC before getting my Airstream. It did drive well, but in my opinion was overpriced for all that it needed. My kids liked those bunk beds though.

1985air345 · 12-01-2002, 07:59 PM

The official maximum trailer weight for my 1985 345 is 2,000 lbs. I assume that is a trailer and not a toad. The maximum hitch weight is 200 lbs. Of course a toad is nowhere near that.

The previous owner of my unit pulled a Geo Trakker. I have the receipts for the installation of the towing gear.

This question comes up all the time. My only suggestion it to use caution. You should take into consideration using the toad brakes if the toad gets above 2,500 lbs. The brakes on the 345 were meant to stop IT and not the additional weight of a toad. My book says "Trailer brakes are required on axles of trailers over 1,000 lbs. loaded weight."

Safety First!