Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Discussions => Topic started by: wolfe10 on September 28, 2012, 05:55:05 pm

Title: Ride and Handling Comparison U280 vs U270/295
Post by: wolfe10 on September 28, 2012, 05:55:05 pm
Was asked a question today by a prospective Foretravel owner-- one I can't answer.

For those who have owned both a widebody U280 and a U270 or U295, please compare ride and handling.

Both are a 8 outboard air bags, but I couldn't answer the question with any first hand information. Most accurate comparison would be between coaches of same length, but any feedback would  be appreciated.

Please be as specific about similarities/differences as you can.

Thanks.

Brett
Title: Re: Ride and Handling Comparison U280 vs U270/295
Post by: wayne m on September 28, 2012, 06:22:41 pm
I owned a 93 36ft U-280 for about five years , and then about 8 years ago I bought my present coach which is a forty foot U-295.

The biggest difference  that I found is the obvious height of the drivers seat. also the 280's drivers seat is almost over the steer tires where the 295's drivers seat is forward of the steer tires.  the g.v. offers a great view of the road ahead, but very poor visibility of anything or anybody standing close to the front bumper. I would not make a decision as to which model to buy based on handling because I think they are too close to call. other factors such as mid entry, body style, fuel mileage (gv gets better mileage in my opinion) and the fact that a gv doesn't have to drive around cigarette butts, (unicoach front end is too low) would influence my decision.  I miss my gv.

hope that helps 
wayne
Title: Re: Ride and Handling Comparison U280 vs U270/295
Post by: Gary Bouland (RIP) on September 29, 2012, 11:00:11 am
Wayne, If money was no object and FT would do it the ideal coach would be,
38 Foot GV
450 HP
Aquahot
Ducted air ( 3 ? )
Dual pane windows
IFS
12 KW Genny
Dirt resistant interior for the dogs
Air ride drivers seat
ACESSIBLE water pump and batteries
and I am sure you can think of others.

Gary B
Title: Re: Ride and Handling Comparison U280 vs U270/295
Post by: wolfe10 on September 30, 2012, 06:27:46 pm
Anyone else who has owned or at least had a reasonable amount of experience with each? 

Was hoping to be able to refer him to this discussion from those who have had enough first hand experience to have experienced both under a wide variety of conditions.

Better than him trying to judge from a 20 minute test drive!