Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: poolenglish on July 13, 2014, 09:50:33 am

Title: Purchasing a 1992 U280 some advice on inspecting it?
Post by: poolenglish on July 13, 2014, 09:50:33 am
I am purchasing a 1992 U280 and I need some experienced advice on inspecting it. It has a big cummins 6cyl and Allison 4 speed trans.
Is there any things specific to older (1992) Foretravels  that I should be aware of and look at before driving it home?  Also I know nothing about diesels, I am mechanically inclined and am familiar w/ gassers and motorhomes; I have owned about 7 or 8 different models and this is my first Foretravel.

I am a brand new member and this is my first post, love the forum. Thanks!; Pat
Title: Re: Purchasing a 1992 U280 some advice on inspecting it?
Post by: Chuck & Jeannie on July 13, 2014, 10:30:16 am
Pat,

Welcome to the Forum.  To ease your transition to diesel power in general, and Foretravel in particular, I would suggest the following sequence of events:

1.  Update your profile to show your location - it often helps make answers to your questions more relevant.

2.  Read The Forum!  Seriously!  Sit down and read as many old Forum posts as time allows.  At least, read the BOLD sticky subjects at the top of each section.

3.  Use the SEARCH tool - it is your friend.  For instance, try searching "pre delivery inspection" for lots of info on "What to look at before driving it home?"

4.  Read through the Technical Help section (Yes, ALL of it) at Beamalarm:  Foretravel Motorhome technical help and information links (http://beamalarm.com/foretravel-links/foretravel-technical-help.html)

5.  After you've done your reading, then you wil be ready to ask specific questions here, and you will receive excellent informative answers.
Title: Re: Purchasing a 1992 U280 some advice on inspecting it?
Post by: Genie915 on July 13, 2014, 10:40:15 am
Welcome to the forum, as mentioned above, read the forum.
Title: Re: Purchasing a 1992 U280 some advice on inspecting it?
Post by: Roland Begin on July 13, 2014, 10:57:45 am
All of the above. If you know nothing of diesels, have a god diesel mechanic go over the engine would have saved me $7000, so if you have to pay a few $$$ for the inspection it is worth it in the long run. BULKHEADS, read everything in the forum related to them. Best thing would be to have an independent Foretravel knowledgeable person do an inspection for you as well. Can save money and grief later on down the road.

Roland
Title: Re: Purchasing a 1992 U280 some advice on inspecting it?
Post by: Michelle on July 13, 2014, 11:04:41 am
Best thing would be to have an independent Foretravel knowledgeable person do an inspection for you as well. Can save money and grief later on down the road.

A vote for member/moderator Brett Wolfe for that inspection if he's available.
Title: Re: Purchasing a 1992 U280 some advice on inspecting it?
Post by: poolenglish on July 16, 2014, 10:10:36 pm
Thanks; I will try to figure out how to get notified of answers to my questions. But I bought a U225 yesterday and it has a big cummins 6cyl diesel.
 I just got home after driving it 1200 miles after the purchase, and it did not miss a beat. Noow I am trying to figure out how to open the recliner, the seller never used it.

thanks for the help in advance; Pat
Title: Re: Purchasing a 1992 U280 some advice on inspecting it?
Post by: wa_desert_rat on July 16, 2014, 10:26:02 pm
Thanks; I will try to figure out how to get notified of answers to my questions. But I bought a U225 yesterday and it has a big cummins 6cyl diesel.
 I just got home after driving it 1200 miles after the purchase, and it did not miss a beat. Noow I am trying to figure out how to open the recliner, the seller never used it.

thanks for the help in advance; Pat

If it's like my recliner in my U225 (and that's a big IF) sit in the recliner and put your right hand down to a round fitting. There is a catch in the back inside this fitting. Flip the catch up (or "out"). The foot rest will pop out and you can lean back and recline. I "think" my recliner is OEM but there is no way to be sure. It matches a lot of photos, though.

Other recliners just ask you to lean back. Some brands have a lever at the bottom.

YMMV.

Welcome to the forum.

Craig
Title: Re: Purchasing a 1992 U280 some advice on inspecting it?
Post by: poolenglish on July 17, 2014, 08:45:50 am
thanks; I figured it out that the leather was stuck together fron never being used! now itt works great...just push back and sleep!
Title: Re: Purchasing a 1992 U280 some advice on inspecting it?
Post by: fkjohns6083 on July 17, 2014, 11:54:42 am
Some of the inspection and learning comes after you purchase it.  Use it and use it and use it and -------------!  The more you use it the more you learn about it and the more you will decide what you want to up-grade, change, repair, etc.  Owning and operating a machine like these is something you need to really enjoy doing so that you stay up to speed on the little things that can eventually turn into bigger things.  Have fun and enjoy.  Have a great day  ----  Fritz