Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: jor on May 14, 2011, 11:18:36 am

Title: coach Height
Post by: jor on May 14, 2011, 11:18:36 am
I'm curious about the difference in height of the old 225/240 models and their counterpart 280/300 models. I read on the forum that the old 280s are 11' 1 1/2". Does this account for air conditioners. Anyhow, does anyone know the spec for this? Thanks.
jor

Title: Re: coach Height
Post by: Don Hay on May 14, 2011, 12:14:45 pm
Quote
To quote JOR: I'm curious about the difference in height of the old 225/240 models and their counterpart 280/300 models. I read on the forum that the old 280s are 11' 1 1/2". Does this account for air conditioners. Anyhow, does anyone know the spec for this? Thanks.

John,
I measured, as best I could, from the top of our A/C's, and got 11', 6". Of course the flexible radio antennae extend higher, but they aren't an issue.
Title: Re: coach Height
Post by: Kent Speers on May 14, 2011, 07:11:15 pm
I had a 93 U225 and now have a 93, U300. I haven't measured them but when they were sitting side by side the U300 looked at least a foot taller at the roof line but the A/C units are lower profile. I'm sure someone has actually measured but I thought I would share my observations until they do. 
Title: Re: coach Height
Post by: jor on May 15, 2011, 10:42:06 am
Thanks Don and Kent. I'll use Don's 11'6" for comparison and measure my 225.

Now I have another question. One of the things we like about the 225 is the way it handles in the wind and when the big rigs pass us. I'm thinking the shape of the old models and the lower height of the 225 contribute to this. So, do the older 280/300 models display this same good handling? Thanks.
jor

Title: Re: coach Height
Post by: Kent Speers on May 15, 2011, 12:09:20 pm
Thanks Don and Kent. I'll use Don's 11'6" for comparison and measure my 225.

Now I have another question. One of the things we like about the 225 is the way it handles in the wind and when the big rigs pass us. I'm thinking the shape of the old models and the lower height of the 225 contribute to this. So, do the older 280/300 models display this same good handling? Thanks.
jor



Actually, the U300 is amazingly more stable in the wind than was the 225. I couldn't believe the difference. Big Trucks barely affect it. The down side is that it does not corner quite as well. Driving the 225 off exit ramps etc was more like driving a car.

The bigger 40 footers aren't as nimble, yes I said nimble, as a U225/U240 but they are much easier to drive long distances. A good comparison is a limo vs a vet. The vet is fun, for a while.
Title: Re: coach Height
Post by: Don Hay on May 15, 2011, 05:34:46 pm
John,
I've never driven a 225 or 240, but with the 8 air bag suspension and Koni FSD Shocks, my 280 holds the road very well. When a semi passes, I hear it, but it doesn't move/shake the coach. Only a very strong cross wind forces me to use both hands (on straightaways). The coach tracks easily in the center and it doesn't have any steering aids.

We probably need to change the Subject title.
Title: Re: coach Height
Post by: jor on May 16, 2011, 10:50:07 am
That's good news to me on the handling characteristics of the larger models. I just assumed they would be more susceptible to wind. Thanks, guys.
jor