Hello to the Foretravel ForeForums!
I will be a newbie Foretravel Owner in the not too distant future, and have been doing alot of research on the internet and poured over Mr. Barry's beamalarm.com website ( Many thanks to his resources and efforts to build that library).
I have compiled what I hope will be an interesting spreadsheet of data to review hp, torque, GCVR, etc and have a tab which calculates overall drive train ratios on a number of the chassis, engine and transmission set ups.
What my data tells me is that my Holy Grail Foretravel is a U270 34' with the ISL 400 / MH3000 drivetrain. There are a number of close 2nds and 3rds. But having the best maneuverability will hopefully give my DW the confidence to be a relief driver.
I do not want slides for the stronger superstructure/weight ratio.
My highlighted light green are my narrowed search models. The bright Green are my 1st choice hope to finds. I hope to find a 2002 U270 34', 36' or a 2002 U295 36', or 1999-2001 U270 or U295, or any 1999-2002 U320. I want the 10,000# tow capability so I dont have to sell one of my Chevy Tahoes (2000 and 2004 Z71s) Hopefully I can stay within my DW budget planning!!
And if you haven't guessed by now, I am an Engineer, and a mechanical one at that.
I would welcome comments on my comparisons by to check if my conclusions match real world experience.
Thanks in advance,
Bob
Personally, a 2001 U320 36 with the turbo/programming upgrade to 500 hp would be the hot ticket. It has been done, not cheap.
I towed my '07 Z71 Tahoe behind my '95 U320 M11 400 with no issues - it was a 'hair' over 5K but towed fine with the Aventa 10K tow bar. The cables with the 10K bar are the best Blue Ox makes. I did have the M&G braking system installed. In the mountains it 'knew it was there'...
Bob
very few non slide models built after 1999 -
very very few 34' models built overall - you won't notice the difference between 34 and 36
aim for a 1999, each year form 1995 to 1999 brought incremental iimmprovements.
U-270 has propane furnaces - U-320 quahog - having had both a 1999 U-270 36' and a 2000' U-320 40', I fall on the side of slide, quahog and 4 more feet. Your desires (and how you plan to use the coach) may drive a totally different conclusion
one nice upgrade on those models is extending the AC ceiling ducting forward towards driver and passenger area when you need to run roof airs to keep you cool going down the road
welcome and good hunting!
Tim Fiedler
Sure Start Soft Start (http://www.gen-pro.biz)
TCER Direct (http://www.tcerdirect.com) generator-gas-prod (http://www.generatorgasproducts.com) 630 240-9139
Gen-Pro
You might of researched yourself from ever spending that wife's budget and I find that worth reconsidering your options. The two most common reasons for trading early are technology and floorplan. So I do wish you luck on your search and your research has value. I also agree with Tim's previous post regardind a 1999. I found condition, upgrades, wife's approvalht and budget more important than technology, in the reverse of that order, after picking a mfg. I believe you have found the best mtg, FT, value for your $$$, and so congrats. Just be open to finding your perfect RV, and go have fun. You can see my dingy is also heavy, GX470 with dry weight of 5,000. Your Tahoes are also heavy with a dry weight of approx 5,500 lbs, well within what you will find. Towing speed limit in OR is 65mph, CA 55, when towing. Going from Portland to LA in your ideal RV and mine, might be 30 minutes difference and maybe none If you find a location or people you like and choose to stay a couple hours more with. If I used your guide line I woud not own and would not have considered, my 97 U295 40' with 325 HP Cummins. Also note this is my third mechanical Cummins 6C8.3. Yes, I too slow down in the mountains, and so will you in your ideal rv. I am entirely pleased with my FT and it safely tows my toad. The mecnical features I enjoy most is the transmission retarder vs an engine brake, and the disk brakes. I just finished a 10 day, 2,500 mile, circle from LA's LAX to Portland's PDX with my familyy and so all is fresh on my mind. I could not be more happy with the capacity and performance of my FT. I hope you will too, and soon.
I also hope your wife gives you a bigger budget if needed, when you find "the right one". Sorry if I got a little off your requested topic, and I feel all of the above is worth your consideration.
I think Tim is referring to and AquaHot, not some sort of clam. (Those pesky auto correct features.)
I am a bit biased having a 2001 U320 36' single slide ISM 450 and MH4000 transmission but I agree with Dave, it is one to seriously consider. The 500 HP upgrade costs $3500 or more for parts and labor. Lots of fuel money there and you will use more in the future as well. We are towing our second Jeep and power is not an issue. With less HP it might be. A 40' is nice for the extra room inside and in the basement. You have to be careful of axle loads with a 40', easy to fill up and push load limits. A 36' with a slide has about the same interior sq ft as a 40 no slide but the extra room in the LR adds a lot of comfort room.
2001 U320 has newer dash style, ducted AC and electronic engine and transmission (these changed during 99-00), all desirable features.
If we had to replace our FT it would be another 2001 U320 36' or 40' with a single silde. The second BR slide costs you a window and BR aisle space on the DR side.
For a non-slide, a 99 or 2000 U320 40' is a good coach at an attractive price point.
Ride improves with a longer wheel base. Once you get a Class A the difference between a 34' and 36' getting into a camp ground space is minimal. A 40' might take some additional wiggling but will get in. In Most campgrounds, especially National Parks, the overall length of coach and toad are more important.
As most will say understand what is really important, buy the best coach you can to fit your needs and budget, the best coach may be a but different from your ideal. Best of luck!
roger
hmmm, thought I had an electronic engine and transmission - - is our dash different from yours? Now I have dash envy!
I did the AC duct extension (well actually David Flanigan at FT did it in his shop - big difference) so I don't have duct envy....
damn spell check....
only clams I think about are Razor Clams
Tim Fiedler
Sure Start Soft Start (http://www.gen-pro.biz)
TCER Direct (http://www.tcerdirect.com) generator-gas-prod (http://www.generatorgasproducts.com) 630 240-9139
Gen-Pro
The 2001 made dash changes and not all of them good. Don't envy that feature.
Our engines and transmissions are electronic.
actually, I have VMSPC on a 10" RCA windows tablet (only windows device I own...) and that is my "dash"
but I don't want to derail this thread any further!!!
BTW - Duct extensions installed on my 2000 and matching ceiling was $1,000 at FT - money well spent
Tim Fiedler
Sure Start Soft Start (http://www.gen-pro.biz)
TCER Direct (http://www.tcerdirect.com) generator-gas-prod (http://www.generatorgasproducts.com) 630 240-9139
Gen-Pro
95 and 96 no screen door, 24" entry door. Single pane windows, wood wall paneling, tambour sliding cabinet doors.
97 ducted air, heat strips in a/c, 26" entry door with screen,
99 25% bigger dash air unit. Heat pumps in roof a/c that do nothing if cold weather outside.
On our 97 the "g" rated tires required 107 front tire pressure and 97 rear. And were right at max capacity.
"H" rated dropped tire to 97 and 87. Better ride.
Temp swings internally from propane furnaces are two to three times the swings in the aquahot.
Aqua hot has two radiators in the tank bay and a separate thermostat to control the tank Bay temps.
Non tag 40' has the most inside and underneath storage made up to 45'.
Single slides flopped the dinette and galley. Kitchen faces campsite. Dinette looks at someone else's camp site.
Much later all electric coaches put the galley back on drivers side and the dinette under the main awning.
Our early 40' turns very wide. Tag moves the drive/turn axle up making turning radius better.
Also looses 2' or more underneath storage.
Each slide takes a 18" bite out of the interior space and raises the roof line and overall height.
40' is a last coach first as if we decided to full time a bit it would be in luxury.
Some butt bumping without the slides but the flopped floorplan in our price range/years is not our preference.
Counters are slightly low as cm and Marie Fore were not tall folks like most owners.
Later slide coaches had 2" deeper counters and more headroom from the slide availability.
The 10kw gen in the 320 has a less problem remote radiator gen.
Out 3 cylinder Isuzu gen motor has more noise and vibes than a four cylinder kubota engine in the same gen set.
Not a deal breaker but noticeable externally
The dual pane/ aquahot is quieter and a four season coach without mods down to minus 30 or so and because the aquahot runs off the diesel tank it has extremely long term use capability whereas the propane furnaces run the 19 gallon tank.
Fifty? Times longer heating time? Live in in winter in Montana without running out of heating capacity.
40' has 50 gallons more fuel. Drives straighter in winds. Almost no truck sway.
36' u320 97 and up would be a very satisfying coach for an engineering guy I would think.
If you travel the Rockies and tow and are a type "A" personality who expects to pull the hills at normal speeds the 500 hp model or mod will be of interest.
The smaller engines are more in and out of the truck lanes up 6% grades.
Shop manager of the local cummins dealer mentioned researching propane injection for my m11 yesterday.
Less top end heating, more torque. Only works at full turbo boost and full throttle. Switchable on off.
Not really needed unless you want a grin on your face that would be hard to wipe off in the mountains.
Future project for me maybe.
Good luck in your search. Start looking at coaches and floorplans and bring a tape measure to check counter depths, interior heights,
Sometimes the only way know/learn is to buy one.
Howdy Bob,
You are definitely looking at the right coaches and in the right place. You have done your homework and you'll know it when the right coach finds you. Here's a link to some real world fuel usage data: ISM450 Fuel Mileage (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=29320.0)
Here's some real world info for your fuel consumption tab:
Mileage Gal/Hr
2011 10181 5.6
2012 13354 5.4
2013 15420 5.6
2014 10323 5.8
2015 15461 5.7
2016 11433 5.4
Our coach has a 200 gallon fuel tank.
We average 43 miles per engine hour.
Good Luck in your search, Dave A
I am also a Mechanical Engineer having graduated with the first engineering class at University of Calgary (Alberta) in 1969.
I also researched extensively before buying my 1996 U320 in April of 2010.
Your spreadsheet lists the peak torque for the M11-400 as 1450, however, the data plate on my 1996 M11-400 indicates peak torque of 1350.
In reply #2 Tim said "each year from 1995 to 1999 brought incremental iimprovements", however I view them as changes, rather then improvements.
I wanted a 1996 U320 because for 1997 and newer, the tamboured cabinet door were replaced with top hinged doors, the walnut wall panelling was replaced with vinyl wall paper (white), the AC ceiling ducting was added, and propane furnaces/water heater were replaced with the aquahot diesel boiler.
I love the tamboured cabinet doors and walnut panelling. I prefer a higher ceiling (no AC ceiling ducting) and prefer propane heaters and water heater because I dry camp for weeks every winter. I seldom use the furnaces, and use the water heater just before needing hot water. I seldom use the AC units and plan to replace the front one with a fan.
I live in a house in Victoria, BC, Canada in the summer and live in my motorhome for the winter months (California, Arizona, Mexico).
I considered a 36 foot model but decided to buy a 40 foot because the 36 has only 60% as much basement storage as a 40 foot, and the 36 does not have the multi drawer 18 inch wide, floor to ceiling pantry across from the refer.
I also did not want a slide because a slide dramatically increases the weight and the purchase price (especially used).
I appreciate climbing a 6% grade (Siskiyou and grapevine) in fourth at 48 mph, 1700 rpm, passing most other motorhomes and trucks ( while towing a 3000 pound car).
Tim, the dash changed in 2001 on the U320's later in the year on the 295s and the next on the 270s. Some like the older style dash, I like the newer one. The M11 changed to the ISM11 and the transmission changed to electronic in 99 - 00. Not sure exactly when in those years. The 01 had both.
Bob says "Each slide takes a 18" bite out of the interior space and raises the roof line and overall height." Roof line and overall height are the same, slide or not. I don't see where an 18" bite went.
I have ISM, electronic, no smog
Went to silverleaf a month ago and they helped me (I watched) configure new tablet VPR VMSPC, only look at air gauges on dash now Had stopped using it on laptop, too bulky, love ❤️ it on tablet
Roger,
Wasn't there a problem with some of the gauges or senders on the 2001 and later coaches? If not I apologize for the comment about them not being better.
The 18" refers to the approximate dimensions of the sides of the slide out room and the facer border to the room.
Cabinets are cut back around the slide room opening internally are they not? And the slide out itself has a wall thickness?
If you can measure your space loss exactly I will use your number in the future when referring to this.
In the industry the 18" was an average as some coaches like Prevost and Newell had larger mechanisms inside the side walls of the rooms to extend and retract the slide outs. Not necessarily on the bottom. Especially with the rounded corner sealed slide outs
Was the entire coach roof line raised when the slides were first offered in 99?
My 97 I think is 11'6"
Or they took the mechanism space out of the basement storage making them less height?
Or both.
New coaches are 13' 6"?
Somewhere in there (I am not sure when) they went to electronic gauges via a gray or blue box. I don't know how long they used these either. It seems like the gauges were OK but things died in the box. My air pressure gauges quit working about 4 years ago. They have been replaced by mechanical direct read gauges, much better since they always show pressure. Fuel gauge hasn't worked well in the six years since we got the coach. Start battery volts quit last year. Everything except pressure is on VMSpc anyway.
There are aspects of both dashes that I like so no problem there. The 01 dash maybe looks a bit more contemporary, maybe it might make resale at some point in the future easier. Almost 7 years ago a slide, the dash, aquahot, ducted air and the ISM450 (not in that order) pushed us toward the 01 U320. We are happy with our choice.
Roger
Bob,
Our 2001 is 11' 6" (nominal) to the top of the ACs. I think this is common through 2005. Later Nimbus and Phenix are another foot or so taller. IH45's are close to 13'-6"
The 1999-2001 slide mechanism are about 1/3 the height of the slide and are built into the arm rests at both ends. so the tops are useful space. The 2001 also has a short cabinet behind the drivers seat that is quite useful for us.
In the 2002 - 2005 the slides (as far as I know) have full height slide mechanism spaces at each end of the slide (probably about 9" wide each) which seems like unusable space.
Overhead cabinets where the slide is are not there but by 01 there were cabinets (smaller, later larger) in the upper part of the slide itself.
The slide walls are about 2" thick, same as the coach walls. An insignificant amount in the front and rear especially with 2 additional windows. Our slide when it is out add 13' x 22" or just under 24 sq ft. That is about 3 extra feet in the interior length of a no slide coach (sort of like having a 39' non slide). The front and rear walls take up about 0.6 sq ft when the slide is in. The slides and their mechanisms and the cabinets evolved over time. Either you want a slide or not. There were very few coaches built after 2000 with no slides. We aren't fans of the BR closet slides but we like our LR slide.
If you don't want a coach with a slide then don't buy one with a slide. Otherwise it is all part of what you have to enjoy and maintain.
Roger
I have a 03 295(36 no slide) ISL 400 it is awesome. I test drove few 40 and tandem FTs ... I like mine a lot ^.^d It is like a sports car (in its class :-)
Thank you all so much For all of your inputs and opinions. I am blown away by the response, humor and information of this forum!
As I move down this road, I will post about my search and keep adding to my spreadsheet as I go and learn more. it is only fair.
To Dave Head R1: 2001 U320 was/is definitely on my list! Upgrade option to 500 hp - very interesting
To Tim Fielder R2, R5: I guessed / kinda figured 34' will be rare, 36' comment noted and funny stuff!
To Jack Lewis R3: LOL my wife's budget idea was at $20k - But she is also an engineer and technical talk can and /must succeed! However towing experience with a 5k# lexus is great to know. GCWR is a bit tricky without having one. A well maintained coach with all records from a private owner would be a huge decision factor (Why don't the dealers ever keep the service records?)
To Roger and Susan R4: Another check in the 2001 U320 column. I wouldn't turn down the right 40 if the stars aligned, we will see.
To Craneman R6, R13: I didn't know you can drag race pink slips with an FT!
To Tim Fielder R7: Derail away!
To Caflashbob R8, R14: Great information I could never find anywhere. I am taking notes. Aquahot gets another check mark. My wife's name is also Susan...
To Dave and Nancy R9: Important info. Will help with idea of developing fuel burn rate model(s).
To P. Wyatt R10: BSME Clemson '89 I pulled the torque curve off of an Oct '96 Cummins spec sheet. Torque wasn't listed on of beamalarm.com. Noted; curve attached below if you are interested.
To Roger & Susan R11: Bitten out of upper cabinets?
To Tim Fielder R12: Love the idea of VMSPC, looked up Silver leaf. Too early to ask DW for upgrades for my coach I don't own yet!
Roger & Susan R15, R16: Thanks for the dimensions and info on Slides.
Propman R17: Didn't know and realized after checking that you have the last FT WTNS model ever made! Very cool! I will have to add 2003 U295 to my list. If you look at my Engine trans comparisons, the ISL400/Allsion MH3000 combo with the 4.63 rear-end was only 2.4% thru .5% less than the delivered torque through the six speeds on acceleration / take-off as the U320 ISM 450, but with probably at least 1000# less weight. Likely yields the best Power to weight ratio of all the factory spec'ed Unicoaches! Sportscar indeed, and thanks for agreeing!
Can you imagine a Foretravel Performance Oriented Weekend Rodeo at a country drag strip with time trials? (Sponsored by aftermarket performance upgrade companies, they could provide magnetic appliques for that sponsored look in the 1/4 mile!)
I would pay an extra entrance fee!
Thanks to All!
Bob - Foreseeker
To All,
Forgot to attach the ISL 400 curves.
Thanks again,
Bob -Foreseeker
After sales managing a Foretravel factory store for three years in the late 80's I found a foolproof test as to what powertrain the customer would be happiest with.
Imagine this scenario:
You are in the curb lane in a car with two lanes on your side. In front of you in your lane as you come up to a red light is a stopped car. No other cars. Inside lane empty.
Do you pull up behind the stopped car in the curb lane without even noticing the inside lane is open?
Or do you change lanes and move over to the empty lane?.
We are what we are. Not one repeat customer EVER went to either a smaller engine or the same power engine.
Not one,
Mid west, east coast, any will work ok.
Rockies? Different story.
I diagrammed countless simple drawings of underpowered coach owners driving around the pretty scenic roads up serious grades to take the faster valley roads.
My point was not to sell them a up engined coach so Foretravel could make more money but just to make them think carefully on their own personal quirks.
"This is a want, not a need." Please yourselves.
Trust me on this.
Plain car you pick out?
Bob - encourage Susan to get her own ID on the forum so she can ask questions/read/research as well. Lots of us gals on the forum.
"after checking that you have the last FT WTNS model ever made!" Our 03/295/GV is not "WT" She has a "P" Private bathroom :-)
I do not know for sure but so far I have a feeling we have the last made NS GV 295.
I also have VM spec running on a 10" RCA tablet done at Silverleaf. Best $$$ spent for piece of mind.
could you message me a pic of what the duct extension looks like please?
thanks
keith
Well, on mine the slide actuators are probably 9" wide each up to about waist height, (enclosed) so that interior volume is lost With slide you lose some upper cabinets where slide is Not sure if that is what Wyatt might have meant
our 98 is electronic engine and trans.
According to the FT specs, in the U320 models, FT used the M11 400HP in 1995 to 1997, the 450HP M11 Celect+ In 1998 and 1999, the ISM450 in 2000 - 2003 and the ISM02 500HP in 2004-2005.
The M11 was introduced in 1994. Later M11's received the electronic CELECT and CELECT Plus fuel systems consisting of a gear pump and solenoid controlled injectors. The M11 CELECT Plus became the ISM when Cummins applied its Interact System (hence the "IS" in ISM) to the M11 CELECT Plus in 1998 to further improve the engine.
1997 Foretravel U320 Specifications (http://beamalarm.com/foretravel-links/models/1997_foretravel_u320_specifications.html)
Our feb 97 built 97 u320 has a 450hp celect plus m11
Bob says, "Our feb 97 built 97 u320 has a 450hp celect plus m11"
Media [ForeForums Foretravel Motorcoach Wiki] (http://wiki.foreforums.com/doku.php?id=through_the_years:1997#u320)
I wonder if there are others like this. Special orders?
1997 Foretravel U320 Specifications (http://beamalarm.com/foretravel-links/models/1997_foretravel_u320_specifications.html)
We have one also, there are several other members that we are in contact with that have the celect plus in '97s
No not a special order. The new engines came out after the propaganda sheets were printed.
Pamela & Mike
Thanks for the updates. I see lots of things that change mid year or in this case early in the year. The only way to really know is for others to let the community know what is correct.
Roger
We have the celect plus also.
CPL question (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=26647.msg214900#msg2149)
Bob did some research on this a couple years ago.