Well I now have my Foretravel. 1999u270, 81,000 indicated. Driving it from Ky back to west of San Antonio.
Need to fix some issues. Currently on I40 headed homeward.
Thinking of going to Fot. Need to check steering, bag system, abs check light. Want to have transmission serviced, cruise keeps dropping. Chassie looked into. Cummins health check.
Please advise as its Sunday on I40
Steering-alignment can be done at any big truck alignment shop. Would advise reading many threads here before doing anything. Bag system, what is up with that? Leaking, not inflating etc.? Is your HWH system functional? ABS most likely unfixable. Cummins health check-probably best to go to a cummins shop. Trans-Allison shop. Foretravel specializes more in coach components than drivetrains.
There are other service shops in NAC, others can advise on them.
Might get lucky and get drop in service at Foretravel, but most items can be addressed in San Antonio. In addition reviewing service records might make sense prior to servicing. Has trans fluid been changed to Transynd? Expensive to do needlessly....but important to make sure it has been done.
Coach came with no records.
Was also hoping that there might be better tech in area of Fot. I put on new Yokohama tires. Had alignment done. (Shop said it was perfect). Said brakes were great. There seems to be excessive play in wheel before you actually steer. Think constant wheel movement to keep tracking. Am reading, down loading, taking notes. Love all the knowledge shared.
For my 2 cents I'd try and get in to Motorhomes of Texas (MOT) in NAC. Have Keith Risch at MOT go over the coach and try and get as much done there as you can. In a perfect world with time not an issue I'd have Brett Wolfe do a thorough inspection then book MOT to have the work done.
From our experience have fuel lines, hoses, belts and cooling system checked and ALL fluids changed if you don't have reliable records. And, have samples of fluids analyzed so you know how the systems serviced by these fluids are wearing.
Again, from our POV these steps will give you the baseline that will develop confidence and tell you how many coach bucks are in your future.
Exactly what my goal is. I printed out 180 page owner manual for 2003. (DUH!). But it has been read and reread. Now has 3 highlighted colors. I have knowledge. Just no tools. Heck I kept the razor blade I cleaned the mirrors with. Note. Ds parabolic motor is in op. So moved arm to make it usable. Blind at rear. Camera is doa. Sound system now working, minus Bose speakers. Dang it. But good classic rock on Hog station.
I second the MOT recommendation. We bought our coach in February of this year in Houston and headed for NAC. We had a few things done at FOT (washer/dryer inspection, ATS rewire, Motorcade numbers) but a lot was done at MOT including a brake and front end service. Also, Keith Risch checked the coach over and found some things that needed attention. He also checked the bulkheads and concluded they were in good shape. A great relief! A visit to MOT is worth it just to get Keith's inspection! Also, Nacogdoches Motorhome Services is a good place. It is a small shop and you might be able to get in there quicker than either FOT or MOT. But stay away from World Line Motors. If you need engine work, go elsewhere. Contact me if you want details of my sorry experience.
The ABS light could be a bad wheel sensor.
Mike
I applaud your desire to get your new coach lined out ASAP. Keep in mind that trying to get a number of concerns addressed may involve multiple days in a shop (assuming any shop can get you in on short notice). Our rule of thumb around here is 1 day in the shop = 1 Coach Buck ($1000). Actually bill will probably be more than that... So it's good to prioritize your list of problems, and get the serious stuff attended to first. As was mentioned above, you may be able to fix some things yourself, and save some cash.
Or even a good wheel sensor with too much clearance to the tone ring.
Or a front wheel bearing with excessive play resulting in too much clearance.
Just out of intellectual curiosity,
Who's ABS did Foretravel use?
Do you have these symptoms at all when cruise drops?
Transmission seems to be hunting, 2003 U320, need help (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=22487.25)
Thank you 1 and all for your inputs. I have no plans until end of month. Even those can be cancelled. Made it across Mississippi. Rest stop again. Bad nerves in right leg. Running good. Steering stressful. One ac not happy. Priority. Transmission, air bags, cc, abs, engine. Then headlights. So far I really like it. Sure at 6'4" would like more space, this is fine. Fancy Newell just parked next to me. Wow. Back to reading. Hopefully sleep. Sony radio is ........!
Try and get the manual for a 99,is very different from 2003,try and answer the questions we ask,will help us help you,and put your
coach info in the signature area.One thing for sure,if you have the original shocks switching to the Koni FSD's will help tremendously.
MOT and FOT are super busy. If it were me I'd take the advice about calling Keith Rich at MOT and try and get in there as soon as you can and let Keith give the coach a going over. Keith and MOT are awesome.
I hate Dallas and Austin traffic. As I have stopped tonight. I will call am. Hopefully I will start driving 3am or so. To be able to be in nac at opening. Then find Rv or ??? To stay at. Then down to 10, buckees, home I10 - 90- hang a left at Whataburger 6 miles
Home!
If MOt is busy look up the whiteheads shop in Nac. They can do it all too.
Join the Foretravel Motorcade club and stay at Foretravel.
I didn't see this mentioned but your cruise will drop out if the retarder is on.
By the way I was at Cecil Field from 85-90
Mark
I did and do have retarded on. Will turn it off when I start out today. Mark H
You can have the switch on just have the handle all the way up. Drop the handle down when needed. Even with the handle up the retarder will engage with the brake pedal. The more you push the brake pedal the more the retarder will increase.
John M.
HEY Maz. You were spot on. Retarder on = CC that doesn't hold. On I30 at 70 with retarder off, CC was almost Tesla.
John I know nothing about joy stick position or usage. Will read when stopped later..have to find info on google.
Currently at rest stop in Texarkana. Soon to be headed on final leg to Muther FT. Mark "Muther" Hubbard
You don't need to Google - we have it all here.
Transmission Retarder Operation - How Does It Work (http://beamalarm.com/Documents/transmission_retarder_operation.html)
Retarder Operation (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=17657)
Retarder 101 (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=16138)
Thanks
Generator just stopped running. Has red fault light. Heck. Awaiting call back on service
Most often temperature related or otherwise low oil
Crankcase oil aok.
There is fresh spray oil in compartment.
Stumbled on how to reset.
Started, running smooth.
Now I know why I can run only one AC.
Pt 8kw,single phase, volts 120, maps 66.
On Safety side. Steering box is hot. Compartment has oil fresh. I have issues. Awaiting call back from Rush Trucking.
When you get everything right on the generator it will run both a/c's
The steering dampener may be a quick and easy way to improve steering. Some are self centering. Yours may need replacing or may have a problem with bearings, bushings, tie rods,
etc.
wantabe
That would be super. What kind of shops work on the power tech generator. Working steering issue right now. Manic monday.
That would be super. Losing water weight.
If functioning properly, you can EASILY run both A/C's on your 8KW generator and still have some capacity left over.
It's not. At Fleet Pride shop in Texarkana. They are trying to source steering gear box. While I work on generator. Found oil spray on passenger box top and then associated downward surfaces. Wiped up oil. Crankcase, level is on mark. Coolant full. Air filter can bracket is broken. Found oil filter barely tight. It's now my right. Fuel filter tight. No raw fuel smell. Ran. No signs of oil. Checks good on deck.
For the steering gear, many here have has Redhead rebuild/blue-print their steering box. If the price of new or available reman causes trauma, OR you are not in a time bind, consider them.
As I recall, there was another discussion on the steering box yesterday.
Incorrectly adjusted cut angle is the #1 cause of steering box seal failure. Check the square head bolts that limit cut angle. If shiny (indicating metal to metal contact) this MUST be adjusted or you will blow seals in the new box as well. One of the things I look at when inspecting a coach.
I dont know what they are trying to find. Will tell.
What steering issues are you having? Wandering? Leaking steering gear box? Unless the box has lost seals and leaking, it would be the last thing you address for steering issues, and the best solution is to order up a Redhead blueprinted gear as Wolfe10 suggested. Unfortunately not a stock item, has to come from Redhead.
Be helpful if you could give specific descriptions of issues.
Wandering, leaking, the main gripe is just trying to keep in lane. Semi push, results in only marginal control. Lots of rumble strip time. It has been fight to get here. Due to late time. I figured this truck city could fix. Not so fast. Now Fot and Mot have been called. Trying to find part. Yes I have shared Redhead information. They have moved service to help me. I will not say. "Sorry I have to go".
No gear box in Area. Safe to continue, just not fun. Hopefully I fixed genny issue. Mot/Fot just a drive away. M
Yeah, that can be tough, and it's a problem that many have faced. There are multiple things that can be contributing factors. Fortunately the fixes are well known and relatively easy to implement. Do a topic search on the forum and you'll see front bearing preloads, customizing setting of toe in for your coach, steering dampeners, suspension components, shocks, tire pressures, tire type all play a role in steering stability. The good news is it's fixable, and no reason for your coach to be a handful.
Keep her between the lines and get home, make a plan of action. Lots of help available here to figure it out.
Agree. Just arrived Rv site 1 mile from Mecca. Shower sleep.
Start with the obvious and things you can do for free,go to a NAPA store and get a good air gauge and check tire pressure.Try and
make one change/repair at a time to see how it improves your ride.
Well! Before I slept. I fixed 2nd ac. Found tripped but not tripped cb. Reset. On shore pwr both without issue. Washer door locked. Pwr will do nothing. Stay upwind of me. Lost a chrome lug cover. All is well. Going to Mot right now to meet Eric. M
^.^d Well here I relax in not chair. After lunch Aubry does pdi. Will also have Texas safety check done. From Pdi, plan of action goes into place. Have ordered 8 new airbags already. Generator does carry load of both ac. Yea!. Light at tunnel end, weather great, little 21 Rv parking perfect. First stay at an Rv site. M
Day 1 of repairs. Overall good. Tires at 110. Recommend was 95-90 frt R 85. Keith drove, said Tow in, should correct much of issue. Generator, needs new belt, possible fuel issue. Mirrors. 1. Drivers should be against side, for window viewing. Passengers can go more outward. Headlights. Replace all 4 with better quality units and designs. Fog (dead unk why). Major issue. Transmission front bearing on way out, rear seal leaking. Longview Tx shop maybe able to fix. Tomorrow will tell. Currently I am surrounded by Mot units. Ah! Smell the Rv $$, Bling!
You are in the right place.
We just left MOT this morning. Sorry we missed meeting you.
Yes, I met some nice folk. Chatted their ears off. Today I have a swarm of mot technicians at work. Still have Longview for transmission work in the works.
You may or may not know this but to hand any shop the entire list of wants and needs in your case the billing invoice will be impressive. Many things many owners have to farm out and that is the plan from the beginning and that is ok for those as long as they are aware of ball park end figure. Everyone has different budgets they HOPE to stay relatively close to. Just be aware that heavy duty mechanical shops usually come with heavy duty invoices. Having said that you are in the right town to get coach issues resolved just mentioning this in case there are smaller issues you may wish you had done your self or waited until later. Good luck and enjoy new ownership.
A very wise statement. Treading very carefully. Due to physical limitations. If Mot has the available shop time I am having safety, physical condition (roof), generator, steering done. The transmission was a surprise. It must be done. Thank you for watching over this Newbie
Most all of us have "been to town" at least it's the right town. Nothing like when a rig is finally squared away and top shelf. It's a beautiful thang.
If they are sending you to Stewart-Stevenson in Longview, I think you will be impressed with their shop also. I went by there several years ago just to pick up a sending unit. They let me wander around the shop a little while and I was impressed.
The abs unit ,if the ring is just not incorrectly spaced, is a midland grau. No parts available. You have to change the axle housing to install a latter abs system. One or more of your wheels will not be abs is the result.
Service completed at Mot. I shall not be going to Disney Land. Could in my smooth running generator purring, one finger steering, sealed up roof, none propane leaking waterheater, proper ride height front and rear, mirrors in proper position, new air dryer, radiator fluid cleaning, not even hooked up inverter carring sweetheart. U270. still need the transmission work up in Longview Tx, yes its at Stewart & Stevenson. Great people that tollerated this 4'5" hump back Troll. maybe its the Iggy hair or eye patch. MH
Well now! Transmission repair is going to happen as a rebuilt replacement shipped from Allison. Issues with parts and fear of unkown. Will have 2 year Allison warranty. Option for extension. Home close but not close. M
I feel your pain on the tranny....did exactly the same thing at a local truck shop about a year ago.
Ralph
96 U270
In post 41 you mention fog dead unk???
Are you referring to the fog lights and if so when you use that switch they only come on when headlights are on. IIRC.
JohnH
As I have no tools on this trip. I can not troubleshoot the fog lights. The headlights are (with new bulbs) useless at best. I have found all kinds of good info on them. Right now it's down for night driving. Awaiting transmission. M
Fog lights will only come on with the headlights on. Took me a while to figure that one out.
John M.
Headlights low - no fog
Headlights high - no fog
Yes switch is cycled on and off. With no effect.
Headlights themselves have new bulbs. They are brown in high. Yellow in low. Unsafe for night driving. Which is ok. Now.
Still here! Hiding out at Mot west side. Just found out no transmission until 27 June at earliest. So, now I have to figure out what to do.
Is it a rebuilt or used? what kind is it?
Rebuilt. From Allison. Stewart Stevenson in Longview said no transmission until 27 June at earliest.
At Fot back 40. Was able due to supreme help from parts pro to now have bay keys. Fresh dash gauge bulbs, black hose fitting in white so that I can perform duties on black tank. On 24 June coach will be turned over to SS in Longview for transmission in next weeks. Steering issue fixed by Keith at Mot.
What was your steering issue and how was it fixed? Curious. Woody.
Texhub- congratulations on both your cando attitude and willingness to invest in getting things right to start your ownership. There can always be other things that creep up but you'll have tackled a bunch of the "big" stuff up front. Always remember that what you spend from purchase thru sale will be LESS than a much lesser new coach. You'll love every day in your Foretravel...and so will the owner you sell to someday.
Steering issue is listed above. Keith G. drove coach "I think I drove this when new".
original tire pressure 110 all 6.
post drive 96 frt 85 rear
said coach was riding nose down, butt up
corrected to level
toe was setup like truck.
changed toe.
Steering feels just like any pwr steering. movement of wheel is is tight and correct in responce to operator input.
Other issues air dryer changed, unk how old, water filter same, generator RR fuel lines, clamps, fan belt, oil filter, removed, welded back together aircleaner mounting bracket.
roof checked, sealed needed
propane leak on h2o heater control valve. unit doesn't work on ac. appears original.
runing lights replaced as needed,
headlights are not safe for night driving. good thing I have done fiberglass and body work also painting.
driving cameras understudy. like the idea of 360 view and recording.
New dog! Craigslist had a Dobie 8mths being thrown out. hes all paws and mouth. until meeting me.!
Update; transmission is being installed at this time. Now to figure out trip to get it over this holiday week. Maybe wait until Monday.
I'm sure you can't wait to get back home and enjoy your new RV. Also congrats on the new pup. I also live in SA. I hope to be getting a coach next month once I sell my rental house in Utah.
Mike
I'm glad to hear you found a traveling companion. Always great to hear of someone adopting a new friend. We lost our traveling companion on 3-27-18.
Dobies are great. Hope your on the road soon enjoying your FT.
Jerry
Update:
Found cracked bellhousing, welding up crack. New transmission is in. Generator pushing 160 volts. Voltage regulator on order. Air leakdown. Fix submerge Rv in lake. Wait for bubbles to stop or become single thread. Going Tuesday to pickup.
Changing the voltage regulator cost me over $3,000.00 be sure to follow the instructions and not wire it the way it comes out. If the regulator has been changed before it could be wired right. There are threads on the ones who had the generator head burn up. Call Jeff at Powertech and he will guide you through it.
You mean like this?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sDq--9e1lg
That will run 2 a/c's easily 6.5 Onan's can.
I was thinking maybe some bubble bath (Mr Bubble) to assist with locating suspect leaks!
Plain old kids bubbles, the cheapest kind, works well for finding air leaks.
Update: Power Tech voltage regulator $445. Plus shipping. Ordered.
Plans to leave Tursday in play.
Going to replace airbags. Have new bags, shop has Rv. They do quality work. Gets me on solid drivetrain path.
But wait. Cummins has not looked at engine. Tic, tic.
Had to rehome the Dobie. He's now at Sabor (Dobie rescue in S.A.).
4 current dogs happy.
Made it before 2pm to SS here in Longview Tx. Nice silver transmission in place. 8 bags handed over for tomorrow install. pwr regulator hopefully due with 11 July UPS delivery. all fittings greased, trans in place. air system still leaks down. will be buying bypass parts for air. starting to build spare parts inventory. i plan on trying to repair damaged voltage regulator. not a member of throw away club. will be keeping old air bags. why!?. anyone want a used but usable air bag as emergency spare? can always pitch. but if needed. aah!
Help! Rv in air on lifts. Want to share. How do I via forum.
Anyone need under pictures of 1999 U270. Just ask. Can take asap.
With the price of the generator heads, I would toss the old regulator. After my destruction of the head, I bought a new regulator off the internet for less than half the price of Powertech's. Chickened out and bought the one from Powertech, still have the cheap internet one with the same part number at home.
Drove coach today. New transmission, 8 new bags, greased. All was very smooth. Worked generator issue, we were told many things by Power Tech. When I called and spoke with Jeff, things were figured out. parts paid for. Overnight shipping paid for. back to hotel for me. Tomorrow is fix or drive without Ac home day. May a higher power assist me in my efforts to fix it right the first time. Mark
If your talking about dash air Mark You can make it home fine with generator running and roof air on. Buy a good fan and set it behind you pointed at you. Most of us have done it and if roof air works well you will stay cool enough with the fan you buy circulating the air.
Tech's unable to get generator to adjust with existing bad regulator. Will not respond to pot adjustments. That's how I got here as dash air is bad. Except no fan.
Assume the carefully checked and adjusted RIDE HEIGHT with the new air bag installation.
Just replacing the bags should not change ride height, but easy for a tech to disturb ride height valve/rod when under there.
I believe no check of ride height. Just leak check. Point me toward how to please. I am awaiting ride back to shop.
ride-height-adjustment-in-motorhome-or-rv (http://beamalarm.com/Documents/ride-height-adjustment.html)
Many things on Barry's website will be very useful to you now and down the road.
Yup, I use the 8.5" top of top plate to bottom of bottom plate. AND, this is as measured on the bags "toward the center of the coach"= rear bags on front axle, from bags on rear axle with coach in travel mode when parked on level surface.
Check rear FIRST (each side adjustable).
Only one ride height valve in front, so the left/right "average should be at spec.
Special tool: scrap stick. install long screws exactly 8.5" apart. Very easy to measure. The 8.5" is (obviously) also the distance between the transverse beams that support the air bags.
Ride height is dialed in.
Late update. Generator fixed with new voltage regulator. Working great. Went to start final drive home. New transmission, retarded and transmission temperature not working. Found after hours of trouble shooting back at SS. bad connection for both. Temperature sensor will need new unit. Retarder connection was in need of disconnect/reconnect. Due to driver fatigue. Ran to Fot for quick rest. Home by tomorrow if all goes well. Finally. Mark
7June - 13 July
Corbin Ky - Uvalde Tx
Arrived home.
New on Rv
Tires, Transmission, generator voltage regulator, all filters, 8 airbags, generator fan belt, running light, flasher.
What's needing repair
Transmission temp sender, airbag system, engine temperature, generator, dash ac, noise of both ac, mirrors position and driver convex motor, dash radio, boat rail hand hold (missing), Bose speakers (missing), instant h20 or water filter (missing), water heater, mattress (ordered), light bulbs, head lights, rebuild of both front seats.
So am I happy with my purchase and road trip. YES!. Disappointed with some paid for service. Boarder line pissed about careless tech with grease and transmission fluid on boots. Totally impressed and thankful for every thing on this site and fellow owner inputs and sharing of experiences. This topic is complete. Mark
Regarding your AC noise, I can share my experience. We have the original ' 93 Dometic units on the roof. When on they were loud ud and shook the coach...a constant vibration. Before we replaced them I had them serviced. The tech found a piece of grey foam insulation had broken loose and was sucked into the fan in both units. They cleaned them up and they run like new. No more vibration and they are much more quiet.
I look forward to the day I open and look underhood. If near Robinsville Nc. Beautiful area. Looked at land in the area when 15.
Transmission temperature sender is VDO 323-050
I purchased from Amazon. Also is at Summit, other part provider.
My sender was broken when transmission was changed by SS in Longview TX.