Came across this pic the other day and it got me to wondering...
The rail on each side of the roof is not original equipment as far as I know - infact I've only see it on the late model coaches and none of this vintage (2003-2005). Does it serve a purpose or is it just for appearances? Has anyone on this forum done this upgrade and if so please share the particulars.
It's interesting as they have the patio awning below the roof rail. My thought was that the reason for the roof rail was for the patio awning mounted on the roof. So this doesn't make any sense. I'll be interested in hearing what others have to say about it!
I think this is just an expensive ego boosting modification for those who can't come up with a better way to spend modification dollars.
Sorry for the provious post. It was very obvious that I was just kidding.
These added roof rails are sensors so the driver can tell when he has exceeded the height limit while transversing an overpass... :o
Oh, I thought that was what the Satellite Dome was for! :o
Could it be intended some kind of safety rail for someone working on the roof? Really only good if you're on your hands and knees and not walking (where it would be a trip hazard).
-M
Hah...These are meant to hide the plasmaraetor supersplendius guns used to take down alien ships when entering the earth's atmosphere if these ships are sensed to be carrying silicone/plastics melting twackagig thingimabob guns.
(edit) Okay, so I'm bored... ;D
You guys missed the who picture, using my iPad and expanding that pix, it is very clear, the rails are for the quick attach heliocopter to attach and pick it up or park for the night. Or for Santa to park for a rest.
Very clear to me ;D
And a Merry Christmad to all
That is for the co pilot to operate the mini gun. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
My guess is that it conceals the view from the ground of the roof air conditioners, antennas, vents, domes and other stuff. I am always surprised that expensive coaches have beautiful, sleek sides and tops that look like a redneck's front yard.
I wouldn't likely bother with such, but I can understand the appeal.
oldMattB
I think it makes the coach look like Flash Gordon's space ship. Kinda cool!!! Needs sparky thingies coming out the back to complete the illusion. :P
Craig
Just hook a couple of big chains on the back and drag them on the pavement to add the "sparky thingies." :P
Mark,
I'm familiar with the coach and know the owner.
oldMattB has it exactly right. (A+) to oldMattB!
The owners did not care for the appearance of all the roof mounted components and, having their own in-house "where-with-all" to modify the roofline, they did just that.
(F-) to those that didn't notice that the Girard awning leading edge is "faired-in", the bottom profile is embellished with stainless steel armor and the steer wheels and tires are non-stock.
The owner did not care for the tracking characteristics of the coach and changed the steer axle to considerably wider-track wheels and wider tires. He's highly pleased with the "resulting improved handling". I have no idea how accurate his assessment is, but the coach is very, very nice, inside and out. It has many other upgrades and personal touches beyond the few mentioned above.
Is it up for sale? Is that where the picture came from?
Neal
Neal, Good info, I did not notice the front wheel appearance, also wonder if that idea might have been the spark that Foretravel had when on on 2006 up, have the roof view blocked. Neat stuff.
Kind of wonder if you could put the awning covers in the can and then you could use that instead of the all in one on the side... but as it is on one side only I would be willing to bet it was a proposal shot prior to installation and they will take off the girard on the side.
After reading Neal P's post I took a closer look at the front wheels.
They look very much like the SUPERWIDES that are put on some trucks, flat with projecting lugs, width of tire is not visible .
My Brothers new Peterbilt has these superwides on all axles, looks weird but he says that eventually all truck tractors will go to it. You are dead in the water with a flat but apparently tire shops are now able to handle them nationwide. If they are available for the trucking industry it won't be long til MH's have them. Main use in trucking is weight reduction.
Gary B
On Edit, Should have said SUPER SINGLES instead of superwides. DUH....
Neal - it is for sale. Here is the link:
2004 Foretravel U295 w/2 Slides listed on RVOnline.com (http://www.rvonline.com/single-ad.asp?Recnumber=54515&SearchMethod=1)
I can't believe that the couple on House Hunters RV bought a new 32' coach with a cramped bedroom for $208k when there are coaches like this available! Just boggles my mind!!!
Craig
Nice coach, decent price...
I started to watch it, but couldn't continue ... knew it was going to end badly. As Bugs Bunny would say, "What a maroon!!"
Neal, before you responded to all these totally off the wall comments with Flash Gordon leading the way, I would have thought those railings were someone's idea of a wind deflector.
Now I know many of you aliens probably think I'm nuts-oid, but in all honesty I was trying to find a solution to a problem that I created when at my request, MOT removed my TV dome and installed a MotoSat Automatic 5 head antenna system in its place. Spending two days with a top notch DataStorm & TV tech in Eugene OR, we were able to cut down the wind circulation problem by about 60%. Oddly and interestingly this very type of railing was a strong suggestion by the three techs I had been working with about this problem. I know the railing would not have gone the length of the coach, but I truly think the seller of this coach was on the right track for solving the problem I had.
Just my opinion from where I sit...and I quite agree...whatever one can do to make something that will resolve a problem in the owners eyes....by all means, make it look nice rather than some sloppy looking add-on, with parts out of some junk heap.
BTW, I think the price is right on--especially if that coach is not one of those 2004 Lemons! :not:
but a front engine diesel, an unproven diesel at that! Time will tell. I looked at one of the Monacos and also at the Tiffin Breeze. Did not like either.
I could be wrong, but I think Dave was referring to the 04' U295 with edge rails pictured at the beginning of this thread...
Don
Oh, thought he was talking about that Monaco - oops!