34ft Foretravel Diesel Pusher 300 HP Cat Everything Works CLEAN! (http://tampa.craigslist.org/psc/rvd/4302225275.html)
This is a great low price for this coach. Any body knows this one ?
The ad is maybe confusing. Barry Beam's site does not show that length, and floor plan to match those photos. The coach is more likely a 36'.
The bath arrangement is shower/sink/toilet then angled wall. But straight kitchen and that helps set the year.
The head liner has the center trim strip, that set the year.
A nice price if one knows the service history, and has the spare "coach bucks" to upgrade, and catch up on aged items, like original refer, toilet, tires and batteries.
We had that layout in our U225 except for the fixed dinnette, as we had the 4 chairs and adjustable table. A great floor plan, with the walk thru hall, and private bath, and the way the closet door or bath door could close off the bedroom, or hall as needed.
I agree with Dave that it is a 36 footer, judging by the bay doors. It is a '91. That was the only year with those styled bumpers - very thick plastic and bolted to frame. Before that they were all stainless steel, after that they were molded into front and rear caps.
Our 91 GV 36 footer has the stainless steel bumpers and a different mirror location. This one is a unihome, so maybe they were slightly different. It seems like the nose angle is slightly less than ours. The 300 HP Cat is a winner. Looks like it would be worth a look see, or at least more photos to show eng. comp't and bays. Get the build # and see what you can find out about it. Have fun and have a great day ---- Fritz
With the large belly doors and 300 Cat it looks like a 36' U280. With air suspension, air leveling, and air disc brakes, well worth looking into. Could be a real steal if asking price can be negotiated down even further. I didn't see an oven or a cooktop. Just remember it's not a wide body and has a rear radiator. If I was still looking I would call the owner and ask if it has a diesel generator and what has been upgraded or replaced. More pictures are needed especially the roof and underbelly. Being 23 years old and if well kept, there should be plenty of maintenance records. Another $5000-$10000 should always be expected for upgrades in your thinking. Happy Hunting!
Jerry aka Murph
Googling the number shows it to be JIM Crandell RV Sales Inc in Zephyrhills, FL 33540 - (813) 629-3334
I believe if it has the 3208 then it would be a 250 hp rather than 300 or if 300 then maybe a Detroit 6v92
I called a couple of days ago & got the vin#. I called Foretravel and was told it was a 1991 U280 with a 250 hp Cat 3208.
I looked at it today. The pictures look better than the actual rig. It has a propane generator. Don't know if it runs. They said it did not have propane in it. They had to jump the batteries to start the engine. It has newer tires, General 295/75 22.5. Tire date 1210. It looked like a couple of the air bags had been replaced. I was planning on getting Brett Wolfe to do an inspection but when I told the seller his response was that it had to done today or it was going to the Auction on Monday. I told him that I checked with FT and that the engine was actually a 250hp, he said they were wrong and that it was a 300. One of the large bays doors was cracked. I did not like the response to the inspection request and the fact they wanted me to buy and then they would show that everything worked. I walked away.
Been getting some info from the dealer. It does have new tires, which are 1 year old but hardly no mileage, as the previous owner passed away.. Sorry to hear that though.. They say everything is very clean and well kept. , but then again it is a dealer . I have requested some more info and pictures on this coach ... Let's see what I find out :-)
Tires have a mfr build date of 1210. They were General 295/75R22.5 . Did not look like they had many miles.
I love it how the Dealer knows details better than the freakin' manufacturer. Terrible sales techniques... :-\
I'm sure that if it is a 3208, then it is a 250HP. If it is a 3208T, then it is a 300HP. The turbo is the difference. Probably not worth messing with unless you went to the auction and got it very cheap. Have a great day ---- Fritz
The u280 with the 3208 had a turbo 250 hp. The 300 hp 3208 was put in the oskosh chassis with the side radiator. The non turbo 3208 were less than 200 hp in the foretravel
Going on the lay out inside, Its definately a 36 footer, It looks the same as mine, Different layout tho,
I paid 15 Grand for my 1989 GV, This ones in a lot better condition than mine is,
Its a very good buy,
I have the 300 Cat, 3208T, Oshkosh chassis, Side radiator,
Put a tape on it, It may even be a 38 footer, But I dont think so,
I just checked Craigslist. They relisted it with a higher price and a new phone number and a few more pictures. here is the link: I just checked Craigslist. Here is the link: 91 FORETRAVEL UNIHOME 3600SB (http://tampa.craigslist.org/psc/rvd/4311432044.html)
And they added photo of the generator compartment. I was surprised to see a propane generator. That is what is listed as standard for U280 in 1991 but this is the first one I've seen with one. I believe most had a diesel in them. Lots of wasted space above it.
Our 91GV has a propane generator, but is in a smaller space than in this unihome. Looks like you could actually work on this one. ---- Have a great day ---- Fritz
Propane generator should not be a deal breaker unless you plan to run your generator 24/7. The size of the propane tank allows for a lot of running before refilling is needed.
Would agree, if you do a LOT of generator run-time, diesel is better.
Propane generators are about half the weight of diesels, burn clean, and are generally a lot less expensive to maintain or replace.
I like the booth dinette also.
Last SD trip we ran our genset 7-9 hrs a day both ACs for 7 days of driving use 20 gals.
A common complaint with the diesel gen sets is that if you run them in a close area the neighbors get upset due to the diesel fumes. Propane gen sets burn clean and have very little smell, neighbor friendly!! Have a great day ---- Fritz
Only less smell diesel gen sets I have seen are the Martin 20k watt turbo ones in busses.
On air feet. Insulated compartment. Barely hear it run
Diesel generators are great for generating juice using little fuel. Downside is interior/exterior noise, harder starting in winter at high altitude and smell. Up high, they even put out a little visible smoke and with many NP or State campgrounds having mixed tents and RVs, it's easy to be a bad neighbor.
Pierce
The only complaint I have ever had about the odor of my generator exhaust was on my propane generator in our U225. We were in very close quarters at an FMCA rally. Never really smell an odor from the PowerTech generators. Of course my nose doesn't work all that well having been in the chemical business.