Hi, we just purchased a 1996 U280 36' a week ago.
We had the dealer put new house batteries in before we picked it up.
We are trying to see if everything works.
We've got the generator working and both airs work.
The propane tank shows half full.
The LP detectors are not illuminated and we are not sure how to reset them.
Coach was in storage for almost 10 years and was part of an estate.
We drove it home to Ohio from Florida so it drives great. Only problem in that regard is the dash lights are not illuminated. Hoping that's just a fuse.
The dealer didn't show us anything, basically just handed us the keys and that was it.
Anyone familiar with this year and model?
Thanks, Susan
The detectors have a date,they are most likely past date,will need new ones.The dash bulbs can easily be checked.I have a 96
u270,not sure how similar it is to yours.
Your detector is probably hard wired. You could start by unscrewing it from the wall and testing for the presence of 12 volts. Many of us have replaced the original with this model or something similar.
jor
Dash lights not working is a common problem that happens when the rotary part of the head light pull switch gets dirty or the sweeper gets weak.
Most replace head light switch, but the problem often comes back
Try to jiggle and fully rotate back and forth the knob to see if the lights flicker, as this may be a workable solution.
You may be able to see the rotary resistor by looking at the switch. Maybe a spritz of electronic cleaner will wake it up.
There is also a common ground to all dash lights that could be problematic. Use meter to figure this out.
Welcome Susan and Bob! Always glad to see new Grand Villa owners join the group.
Your 1996 U280 is a pretty rare model! I was under the impression that '95 was the last year for the U280, but with Foretravel you never know. Anyway, other than some minor exterior body differences (front hatch and rear cap), all U280 models are pretty much the same. We have many of them represented on this Forum, and the owners are generally eager to help out newbies any way they can.
You can find the answer to most common questions by simply searching the subject on this Forum. The "Search" tool is your friend.
Another excellent resource (in case you haven't already discovered it) is Beamalarm.com. There you will find data sheets on just about every FT model ever made, and a wonderful collection of technical articles and advice. Link below. Good Luck!
Foretravel Motorhome technical help and information links (http://beamalarm.com/foretravel-links/foretravel-technical-help.html)
Bob checked the wiring under the LP detectors and both had disconnected wires. He reconnected them and now they work.
We got the stove, furnaces and refrigerator to work. Still working on the water heater. Thanks
I'd still replace them as you aren't sure how old they are. As previously mentioned they age out after 5 years and should be replaced.
open the water heater service door and clean the burner. run a brush up through heat exchanger and blow out with air hose.Lots of info on how to do it here and You Tube Cleaning water heater burner.