Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Discussions => Topic started by: RevRick on April 30, 2019, 01:04:07 pm

Title: FT MODEL ?
Post by: RevRick on April 30, 2019, 01:04:07 pm
I am trying to find out what model FT I have. It is a 1992 (mfg date 1991) the info plate on the wall directly on the left side of the driver says; "Model G92401236SBIU240250"

Does that mean I have a U240 ?

Any help greatly appreciated.

Rick
Title: Re: FT MODEL ?
Post by: wolfe10 on April 30, 2019, 01:15:08 pm
Rick,

Reading the Vehicle Identification Number (http://beamalarm.com/Documents/vehicle_identification_number.html)

U240's are pretty easy to identify-- all were 36' and have the torsilastic suspension.
Title: Re: FT MODEL ?
Post by: Kenwyatt on April 30, 2019, 01:31:45 pm
Trying to figure out this new website, thinking of buying a 1989 36 ft U280 but have hard time finding any BB valuation on the DP version, can anyone's point me in the correct direction live just north of Houston Tx
Title: Re: FT MODEL ?
Post by: wolfe10 on April 30, 2019, 01:36:49 pm
Kenwyatt,

On that age coach, you can pretty well throw the book out the window.

Value can range from "it would be a money pit if they paid YOU $5000" to worth $10,000 or so.

I look at them as "what will I have in it when fixed so that it is "front line ready/I would not hesitate to drive cross country in it". Initial selling price is only one of the factors.

And, with the unique semi-monoque structure, be sure you have the bulkheads checked!

But, I will say, that the Foretravels are one of the very few coaches of that vintage that were top quality.
Title: Re: FT MODEL ?
Post by: Mike Leary (RIP) on April 30, 2019, 02:07:02 pm
A 'tip-off' when considering the price of a coach of that age, is paperwork. Our coach had this set of files from '96 on. it was a BIG buying point! ^.^d  Having Brett inspect it before purchase would be money well spent.
Title: Re: FT MODEL ?
Post by: Chuck & Jeannie on April 30, 2019, 04:34:20 pm

MODEL    G    92    4012    36    SBI    U240    250

G = Grand Villa?  (our coach model number also starts with a "G")

92 = year

4012 - build number (very important number to know anytime you talk to factory about parts or service)

36 = length

SBI = floor plan (side bath, island bed  ) Foretravel Specifications, Floor Plans, Photos & Brochures by Year (https://wiki.foreforums.com/doku.php?id=through_the_years:specs)

U240 = chassis

250 = horse power?
Title: Re: FT MODEL ?
Post by: RevRick on August 01, 2019, 07:38:40 pm
Thank you so much Chuck & Jeannie, that was all the help I needed in one post. We are most grateful to y'all !

Rick & Carol
Title: Re: FT MODEL ?
Post by: FourTravelers on August 01, 2019, 08:15:35 pm
our last four digits are WE21 so I don't think it refers to HP rating..........
Title: Re: FT MODEL ?
Post by: Pamela & Mike on August 01, 2019, 09:01:35 pm
our last four digits are WE21 so I don't think it refers to HP rating..........

Justin,

That kind of does in a round about way, that is your engine/trans info.  With the right decoder ring it tells you the engine manufacturer, HP rating, and trans info. Ours is CE27

Mike
Title: Re: FT MODEL ?
Post by: FourTravelers on August 01, 2019, 09:27:30 pm
Justin,

That kind of does in a round about way, that is your engine/trans info.  With the right decoder ring it tells you the engine manufacturer, HP rating, and trans info. Ours is CE27

Mike
where would we find the correct decoder?
Probably only from FT?

Title: Re: FT MODEL ?
Post by: Pamela & Mike on August 01, 2019, 09:31:49 pm
where would we find the correct decoder?
Probably only from FT?

Seems like I have seen it somewhere other that at FT.  I will snoop around and see if I can find it.

Mike
Title: Re: FT MODEL ?
Post by: Chuck & Jeannie on August 01, 2019, 10:36:29 pm
Our last 4 digits are WE17.  Will be interested to see if Mike comes up with the key.

Seems that Barry Beam had knowledge of at least some of the codes.  See Reply #9 linked below:

Foretravel E33 Motor Designation (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=22347.msg170057#msg170057)

Some more codes were deduced in this post (Reply #100) by (The Other) Chuck:

Coach Build Numbers (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=11422.msg209722#msg209722)
Title: Re: FT MODEL ?
Post by: Pamela & Mike on August 02, 2019, 07:29:07 am
I went out and dug around this A/M in my paperwork and didn't find what I was looking for. What Chuck came up with is a start.  I am sure there is either a post or someone sent me a hard copy. Seems like it was the codes for about 2000 back. The search continues.

Mike
Title: Re: FT MODEL ?
Post by: Chuck & Jeannie on August 02, 2019, 08:35:22 am
This "Master Engine Code List" must be in a file somewhere at the factory.  Can't imagine why they would want to keep it a secret.  Seems like something James Triana would be able to locate without much effort.  Next time a Motorcade Club member stays at Camp FOT they should track him down and ask about it.
Title: Re: FT MODEL ?
Post by: Phranko on August 02, 2019, 09:31:39 am
Our last 3 are - WE11
4 speed

Interesting!
Title: Re: FT MODEL ?
Post by: Don & Tys on August 02, 2019, 12:53:59 pm
Another data point: 1999 U270 Cummins ISC 350 Allison MD3060R = CE28
Don
Title: Re: FT MODEL ?
Post by: Texhub on August 02, 2019, 03:34:08 pm
Ditto on 1999 U270, CE28.