Hi all! Relatively noon member first time posting, my father-in-law is looking into purchasing a 1992 Grand Villa front engine Cummins 5.9, as a first motorhome, main reason they're interested in it because of its smaller size, mother-in-law will also be driving it and she is afraid of the big rigs, my question is are there any problem areas with this little motorhome, it will mostly be used to travel 300 miles to visit family
Pilotjkl,
The 1992 U225 is a REAR ENGINE diesel. 5.9 liter Cummins, Allison 4 speed (not electronic 6 speed) and has the TORSILASTIC suspension (not air).
All were 36'. Two different floor plans: SBI and SBID.
1992 Foretravel U225-U240 Specifications (http://www.beamalarm.com/foretravel-links/models/1992_foretravel_u225-u240_specifications.html)
1992 Foretravel U225 - U240 Floorplans (http://www.beamalarm.com/foretravel-links/models/1992-foretravel-u225-u240-floorplans.html)
And, this is probably going to sound condescending, but unless you/they know a LOT about diesel pushers, I would strongly suggest against a 28 year old coach as a very first motorhome.
If you have a link to the coach, post it-- someone here may have first hand knowledge about it.
X2 on what Brett said. While all Foretravel's are top quality it is 28 years old.
Do NOT take what Wolfe said the wrong way.
That man speaks truth.
As a general rule, the older they are, the better you have to be at DIY and have a lot of free time. If not, the shop cost will quickly exceed the cost of the coach. Coaches with any corrosion should be instantly eliminated even if free.
Pierce
Brett, didnt the 2900 and 3000 and 3300 have a 5.9 front engine.
Yes, Foretravel did make a few Front Engine Diesels, but totally unrelated to the U225:
1992 Front Engine Specifications (http://www.beamalarm.com/foretravel-links/models/1992_front_engine_specifications.html)
Again, posting a link will help us to help you.
I'm not clear from the original post.
Does the OP have a U225 (as noted in sig) and his father-in-law is looking at a different coach, which is a 1992 front engine GV model...
OR
Does the OP not yet own a coach, and the "U225" noted in the sig is referring to the coach both he and his father-in-law are looking at.
Not clear on that...
Chuck,
EXCELLENT Question. Since this is a first post, difficult to tell.
As with most questions about coaches for sale, a link will allow a LOT of good answers.
Looks like an awesome alternative to a class C
I think I caused some confusion because of my Avatar, I own a U225, my father-in-law is looking at a Grand Villa 2900 RB, I'm not asking specifically about the motorhome he is looking at, Im only asking if there are any gremlins In general With the front engine Grand villa's
Thanks for the clarification.
I am not aware of any ForeForum members with that model, but hopefully one will surface.
From the specs (see my link above) 190 HP and non-locking torque converter on 4 speed Allison.
5.9 was notorious for cracked exhaust manifold, but there many aftermarket manifold fixes to chose from. Also search for killer dowel pin as this pin can come loose and destroy the Engine. Can be replaced fixed also, part is a few bucks but labor could add up. Call around to local diesel mechanics as these are very common widely known issues, and they have performed many.
The main concern I would have would be the brake system as the coach has hydraulic brakes with hydraboost with a 12 volt back up motor in case you break a hydraulic pump belt. I don't know where you could find a replacement but probably out there somewhere. Other than that I would not be afraid of it and should get good mileage.