This would be my first DP and wanted some insight on what to look for. Coach has about 80,000 miles on it. I took it for a test ride and it seemed to wander. Is this a easy fix or is this just what you get with an older coach? The dealership says they recommend a complete fluid change for the engine, generator and transmission at a cost of $3,200.00. Is that reasonable? I've had gas coaches and the pricing sort of shocked me. Any items I should look at with this particular coach? Any inherent problems with this coach?
Any help with a DP newbie is appreciated!
Ted
ted,
What is mileage?
FLuids should be changed, call Motorhomes of Texas or FOretravel for a price comparison.
Wander is very likely after 100,000 miles, often worn front end parts, sometimes toe n setting, tires, and or poor shocks.
Welcome!
80,000 miles. I'll compare with Foretravel.
Thanks!
Where are you Ted?,one of us could possibly help you look,can you change the fluids yourself,would be alot cheaper.
Welcome Ted! That's way high for the service. If your mechanically inclined you can do the generator, it's the same as doing a car oil change. The big motor is the same just a larger amount of oil.. Wallyworld has 1gallon and 2.5 gallon jugs of Delo, my Cummins M11 takes 9 gallons not sure on your motor. All filters are ~$125-150 (my motor and generator has 7 total including fuel). I had a friend get his oil changed at one of the truck oil changing places on the freeway near me for $250 and he supplied the filters...... Depending on what fluid you choose for the tranny will vary your costs, choose transynd and the oil alone is around $450( but is good for 600k miles)......
Dp's are definitely more expensive to operate than a gasser but I promise you will never think about going back..
Go ahead and get the TSD card for fuel now, you can thank me later...
Again welcome to the family and hope to meet ya down the road
Keith
Looks like the rough estimate for labor is around 2K,run like hell.
I just had a complete fluid/filter change on my engine (M11), transmission (Allison 4000), and generator a few months ago. $1000 even and the guy came to me and did a chassis lube service while he was at it.
Also, FWIW, I once asked Keith Risch if he recommended installing the oft recommended Safe-T-Plus steering stabilizer. His response was "if you think your Foretravel needs one, there's something wrong with your Foretravel".
On other forums, I have seen several people add stabilizers (on non-FT) without checking to see what is wrong. They seem confused that a stabilizer does not heal ball joints, replace worn bushings, correct bad alignment, shim a steering box, make old tires round again, correct improper loading...
Right now we're about 1 1/2 hours north of MOT. We're from Wisconsin we were supposed to be heading home today but looking at this coach has pushed our departure time back.
We are just north of Memphis,if you need help on way home let me know.
Yahoo-o-o-o Another Foretravel coach owner in Wisconsin!!
Seems like every year I learn of more folks from WI buying Foretravel coaches.
I installed the safety plus stabilizer to hopefully keep from wrecking coach if I happen to hit something and have a blowout
Just some more insurance as for as I am concerned!
Chris
I wouldn't pay that. Neither should you.
In addition to worn parts, the sheppard steering box is likely needing a rebuild. Seems it's not the miles but the time. After I change mine along with new shocks my steering was so much better.
Where are you looking? I would think twice before buying from any dealership. And you might want to look at MOT (motorhomes of Texas). Also from a private sale here on the forums. And a inspection by a knowledgeable owner on any coach.
Keith is always right; however the safe-t- plus is NOT meant to be a correction for wandering steering, it's meant to help maintain control in a front end blow out. Keith installed mine for the possibility of front end blow out, and I'm thankful it's there.
Actually, the Safe-T-Plus does both-- has centering force which keeps you tracking straighter AND helps you maintain control with a blow out. Also helps wheels return to center after a turn.
Agree with Keith, it is not "necessary", but may be desirable.
Well folks, after having the inspection done on the coach there were too many things that needed to be repaired for me to be able to make a deal. So we're back in Wisconsin and will continue the search. Thanks for all the help!
Reference to answer # 4 from Keith,
I also have a 2003 U320 and want to change the engine oil only after a 6000 mile trip. Confirmation on the oil filter numbers or cross reference how to find these on the Forum would be appreciated.
Regards
Klaus