While we wait for the mpg to sell, Jo Ann and I are trying to fine-tune what it is that we really want for our coach. We thought we wanted a U300, but lately I've been thinking about the generator, specifically, where it is located and how one would service it. As I recall, it is located on the side of the coach, rather than in the nose. Is it on a slide? If not, how does one service it?
Our generator on our 93, U300 is on a slide. It is relatively easy to access the serviceable parts however I have never had to work on mine other than changing the antifreeze, oil and adjusting the mounts to reduce vibration. The generators on the older coaches are not as quiet as the newer coaches with "quiet boxes" but they are not much louder. We camp frequently with newer Foretravels and ours is just marginally louder. We are very satisfied with our generator.
The U300 that I have seen have side mounted generators on slides. On my smaller U-225 and on U240's the propane generator is on the side, but does not slide.
On the Unicoachs the generators are on the front and slide to be serviced.
Sounds like you are getting to the end of the slippery slope and will have a coach soon.
Its my understanding that some of the u255's and U240's had the Onan Marquis generators that were on slides others had the solid mounted Emerald III. Some had solid compartment doors others had louvered generator compartment doors. The Marquis with the solid bay doors were quieter. Even the Unichoaches had side mounted generators up until 1997 (I think) and did not get the "quiet box" until around the 2001 models (again I think). Others more knowledgeable about Foretravel history can give you more detail.
I stand down to the man from OK with much more time in these coaches, under and around them as well. ^.^d
I have looked at how I am going to pull my generator, to clean and re-insulate the compartment. Tight but doable, with some time and lift.
"Sounds like you are getting to the end of the slippery slope and will have a coach soon." Well, we're getting closer every day. Of course, at the rate things are leaving the house, we won't be ready for about 250 years....
While we wait for the mpg to sell, we're looking at coaches on our (fairly) short list of possibles and asking ourselves if we could live full-time in that particular coach. If not, why not? We've learned a lot from all of the generous people on this forum, and we think we're about as prepared as we can be to make an offer when the time comes. Of course, we WILL have an expert check out the coach.
Really easy to service with only a couple of bolts to loosen and then it slides out. Most of the service can be done with just the door open. This would include fuel filter, both fuel pumps, injection pump, injectors, fuel hoses. Pull it out on the slides to change oil/filter. As I remember, only a couple of 9/16" wrenches are needed. A little more work to take it all the way out with a forklift or tractor with a couple of bars bolted to the front bucket needed. Can't imagine an easier generator access to work on.
Pierce