Foretravel Owners' Forum

Is it possible to change the smart steering wheel on a 1998 U320 with the "newer" slicker looking one from, say, a 2003 U320?
I have heard of stories of the smart wheel failing and am being proactive in my thoughts about a replacement.
Peter

I suspect there are several of us that might be interested. 

Yes, I got my replacement from VIP.  It even has the FT emblem.  I replaced mine because the prior owner had successfully worn off all the white lettering on the buttons.  No wear on the new one after 14 years.

yup...exactly what I want to do. It looks so much better.  I will have to investigate the cost and whether I could get it to light up.
Thanks

EDIT:

Have to replace column to make it light up.

I ask because I don't know. Did they originally light up or was this a later update. Hate that I can't read at night.  Was already on the list near the end, but now I'm curious. Mine is the same as in post #1
Scott

What year did that start?
Scott

1999

EDIT:

I think the wheel is like $700.00

Bob said they are under $300.00

Have to replace column to make it light up.

For accurate information I recommend contacting the mfg. with the model number of the smart wheel and the model number of the smart wheel controller in your rv.  That is what I did with mine when I updated it to the newer design, and unlit.  For a lighted wheel it is not just the wheel replacement or the smart wheel controller. The steering column itself is different to carry the current.  Or use google, or the search on this forum (vipwheels) and/or other forums.

Smart wheel background lights (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?
topic=41023.0)

RV Tech Library - Smart Wheel (https://www.rvtechlibrary.com/electronics/smartwheel.php)

I've been having intermittent issues with my cruise control and I believe it's probably the button. I've looked to see if I could pop off the cover but have not been able to accomplish that and I was afraid that I would make it worse so would be interested in your search.

Although this is an old thread, I thought it would be worth continuing it both for my own benefit, as well as others who might be looking currently.

The unlit wheel on my 2000 U 270 no longer works properly.  Cruise, wiper and horn buttons work intermittently and often pushing cruise causes wipers to work.  I use cruise all the time and it's worth the investment for my own use as well as eventual resale.

There are two (or four) screws that come up from beneath the wheel that hold the rubber cover on your smart wheel.  Once those screws are removed the cover comes off easily and exposes the micro-switches that control the various functions.  Those switches are easily replaced or at least cleaned with electronic cleaning spray. 

Richard

Thanks Richard I don't remember seeing those screws I'll have to look for them tomorrow. I've got a good electronics cleaning stuff for my Jeep key that frequently loses contact so should be the perfect thing.