Well, hopefully not a day late or dollar short. Just made offer on 1992 Foretravel Gand Villa and they accepted it! She has 159,000 on her but odometer shows only 59,000? 8.3 Cummins Had extensive work done to generator by Cummins Knoxville, new fridge, net water heater. has very bad leak on rear air bag so didn't get to drive, I know, probably stupid. I looked at bulk heads and they looked good, all gaps looked good. Very nervous, it's on facebook marketplace Knoxville. Redirecting... (https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/396261542207340/)
Looks like a fun project. Hope you are young. You are at the right place for knowledge on this coach. A wealth of information is here and available. Good Luck and keep us informed, take lots of pictures.
Is the 92 a good coach? I'm not young anymore. She needs tires, Do you think this is too much?
Yes, if the coach is in/can reasonably be brought back to top shape, an excellent choice.
Do you have the 4 speed or electronic 6 speed Allison transmission? 1992 was kind of the transition year.
As with any 29 year old vehicle, its "care and feeding" thorough the years counts.
Yes the 92 can be a great coach, that is the first year of the 102 wide body.it does have a flat roof so i will settle water on top so a secure roof is a must. As far as the bags go should not be to difficult. Just take your time . Good luck.
Not sure how much you paid.
Looks a lot like my 91 u300
I was super nervous too when I bought mine. Had few sleepless nights 😔. But no worries, the people on this forum will save you just like
@stump saved me!
I think
@stump bought his coach from Knoxville area too.
Changing the air bag is not hard at all. Just take the skirt off, the air bag will be right there. There are quite few detailed threads about it.
No, it's not too much. If you have the check book there is factory and aftermarket support, but most things can be done by a talented amateur or the truck repair place. As far as replacing the air bags, if it's physically too much for you, $100 and the promise of food and beer (later) buys a lot of muscle.
It may be a little late now, but buying without a forum member to do an inspection and needing tires, air bag, seems very risky, especially for someone "not young anymore." What else does it need? And without taking for a test drive? You have to ask how much other maintenance has been deferred.
When a CUPS repair can cost $10,000 or any internal engine repair $30,000, you can't be too careful, especially if you can't do the work yourself.
Pierce
Yep, pretty stupid probably on my part. How much different is it to drive a wide body over a 96" wide coach? Never driven wide body, I thought this one was 96", guess I'm wrong. Is there anyone in Knoxville that could look it over? It's a little late, but if possible it'd be great. Should've thought of it sooner.
Not enough to notice going down the road. In a tight camp site yes maybe a little.. But if you have never drove anything but a 102" you won't have to worry about adjusting.
Pamela & Mike
Get it looked at closer by someone who knows what to look for if you can. Not stupid imo. It's not like you bought a used one for 300k that could easily need 35k in repairs. Have some fun.
Thanks so much. I know a little and am learning MUCH MORE on this forum, which in future I hope I can help others. I don't understand how they're telling me it has 159,000 miles but only showing 59,000 miles? Anyone heard of this before? Digital miles too.
I'm not trying to be mean and absolutely wish you the best luck. It's just that your coach is one year older than ours and that makes it almost 30 years old.
Come on members, if close, give this guy some help.
The best way to buy is spend lots and lots of time online researching models for pluses and minuses. And then, take your time finding just the right one. It can be an absolutely trouble free coach with only minor replacements needed in the next 20 years or it can be a very frustrating and costly experience. Luck has a little to do with it but mostly getting all ducks in a row before you pull the trigger.
I don't see much difference driving a 102" coach vs 96". We like the room in the 102" but 96" is also fine. Narrow is not a deal killer. Both have a blind spot on the road below and slightly forward of the passenger's seat.
Pierce
Replaced mileage indictor.
John, where are you? I know you bought the coach in Knoxville, but many of us have traveled many miles to get our coaches.
Suggestion: do the shocks and air bags together. Unless you are either doing the work yourself or paying by the hour, you won't save much money, but you will have happier mechanics. With the air bags out it is much easier to change the shocks.
Now, update your signature and post pictures when you can.
The coach is in Oak Ridge. That's a very good idea to do both at same time. Thanks for suggesting that 👍. It could be a blown line going to air bag, just didn't check close enough.
The air could leak from the tank.
If the air tank is not drained regularly, it can rust from inside out. For mine, that is the main cause of the leak.
After fixed that the air bags can be inflated. Air bags are pretty tough, not unusual to see 30 years old still functioning air bag.
Fix the rust hole is pretty simple too, for me I tapped the hole lager then use the bolt to seal it. Works great!
I would be more concerned with the "needs work on the roof", then replacing air bags.
Roland
Because of the welded aluminum structure, roof repair is easy and straightforward.
Before I handed over my cash however I would want to run the DOT air brake test, and move the rig forward and backward a few feet under its own power just to make sure everything works at least that well.
The fuel bay door repair is ready for gel coat as soon as the rain stops.
Or you can read about my roof repair here. I learned many things I won't do again. But it wasn't a big deal, and "up there in age" is relative. I'm 65 and living with heart failure, Craneman is 78 and may be Lazarus himself. I can work on a project such as these 2 hours a day. And I won't stop.
U225 Roof Repair (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=42011.msg420015#msg420015)
The photo of the 46 by 48 inch skylight repair is just before gelcoat.
Some people are done at 40, others 90. I just saw a 101 year old doctor still practicing. Working on the roof can be really dangerous and you have to look in the mirror before tackling it. In a couple of years, I'll be 80 so I check everything really carefully before getting up there plus let my wife know where I'm going.
Plus, you have to have the background. The roof is not a good place to start learning.
Pierce
442 John,
I would try and get information from OWNER of this coach, May possibly get better/more information. I texted "seller", or should I say the guy who is helping the owner sell this unit, and mentioned back and forth for close to a day that it was very unlikely it was a 5.9 cummins.
If you can get to the actual owner, you may get some better history for future decisions on maintenance.
Could be a screaming good deal!!
Good Luck,
David
Yup, there WAS a Foretravel built in 1992 with a Cummins 5.9/B engine-- the U225. But only in 36' and on torsilastic suspension and rear radiator.
Any 40' 1992 Foretravel was either a U280 with Cummins 8.3/C engine OR U300 with Detroit Diesel 6V92.
And, if this is the owner selling it, and he doesn't even know what engine it has, I would be suspect of its "care and feeding"!
First post says 8.3
So 442john is looking at a 40' 1992 Foretravel was either a U280 with Cummins 8.3/C?
Is this the entry level into that awesome air-bag suspension?
Yes, 8 outboard air bag, 8 shock suspension.
But, not sure I would describe it as "entry level".
I would not say it is a "entry level" air bag coach as the U280 and U300 were the top of the line in 1992 and reflected it in the price back then. The U280 should be a mechanical engine, a good thing. Nice to have a six speed as the later '92 should have it. Many consider the early 102" coaches the best Foretravel ever built. Definitely, the most reliable. Ours has been pretty trouble free for over 13 years and lots of miles.
Pierce
If the OP's coach-to-be IS actually a 8.3L, then it is a U280. The ForeForum Wiki specs page says the '92 U280 comes with the Allison MT647. Of course, it also says the '93 U280 comes with the MT647, which I can unequivocally say is incorrect, at least in the case of our coach (April 1993 build date). So I guess we'll have to wait and see what tranny the OP ends up with.
Foretravel Specifications, Floorplans & Brochures [ForeForums Foretravel... (https://wiki.foreforums.com/doku.php?id=through_the_years:specs)
There are two grills on the curb side rear end of coach (photo below from the Facebook ad). Our '93 U280 has one grill on that side for the engine cooling radiator and CAC. Why does the '92 have two grills?
Photo on the right is our '93 U280 for comparison.
Never seen one like that either. Owner or shop installed? Good to see where the tubing runs under the skin. Wonder why that's visible?
P
If it's a very humid day the side aluminum structure will show, if not a humid day, I've never seen it show. Also have never seen two grills on either side, interesting . Usually in winter months with high humidity and morning time is when the bones will show.
Well, thinking about backing out, as much as I hate to say it. They said they had someone offer $10,000 and I said well would you take $11,000 and I was off to the races. This is the 1st RV my wife liked, but I had no idea about bulk head problems and I thought this was a 96" wide couch. The owner is a great lady and I don't want to take advantage of her. The guy helping her is great 👍. He said when they went to level the coach when they bought it 7 years ago, the driver side window pulled away. The owner drove it to Texas and Foretravel pulled the whole front cap off and redid everything. They always had it serviced at Knoxville Cummins who also rebuilt the generator for $5000.
Did a little Member Map digging -
https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?action=profile;u=2184
Member hasn't been active since 2015 (likely not following the forum so best not to PM). One post from 7 years ago describes the start of the roof issues of the 1992 U280 they owned.
Accurate coach values (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=21289.msg158005#msg158005)
I suspect it's the same coach.
That thread really wandered around several subjects...and never really explained what the problem was with the roof.
Wonder if the seller could provide any photos of whatever it is on the roof that they think needs fixing?
The present owners name is not Tom. The guy helping her sell it said that the owner took it to Foretravel and they took the whole front cap off and redid it because the windshield pooped out. He also took it back another time for a roof leak and they "fixed it" but now it's leaking again! What in the heck could cause this if Foretravel couldn't fix it? Do these coaches have that many problems with roof leaks? The other person that offered $10,000 said he was going to put a whole new roof cap on it? sorry so many questions. Sorry for being so wishy washy.
Don't walk away, RUN!
Take your time and learn about Foretravels before you spend your $$
Pierce
I'm thinking they bought it from Tom, and it's had roof problems from some tome, plus windshield popping out has me concerned. I really hate t back out, but I can't see going forward after finding out more information. You all are great, I'm thinking you may have helped me dodge a bullet!
The problem I found with my roof is that water had gotten into the roof and caused the plywood to de-laminate. I repaired the worst of it with new plywood, resin and glass.
If you went on the roof when the roof was wet you would find blisters. When dry no blisters but a tell-tale crack in the fiberglass.
Since I have a flat roof and it's a matter of when not if this happens again, my game plan based on my recent experience will be to make a purpose built table*, and turn 2' by 8' sheets of plywood made with waterproof glue, and make my own roof repair panels.
A U280 for $15,000 may still be a good deal, but as others have said, it needs a skilled eye to determine whether or not it really is a good deal and a psychiatrist to tell 442john if he has the right temperament for an RV that needs tender loving care.
*Orthopaedic issues leftover from the stop that broke my neck, heart issues.
Laying fiberglass cloth and resin over a 4' span on my hands and knees will not be attempted again.
i would like to help the widow out by trying to figure out if it's air bag, air line, or air tank leaking. What is best way to go about this?
Blowing Bubbles?
Froggys Fog - 1 Gallon - MAX Bubble Juice Fluid - 10x the Bubbles from... (https://www.walmart.com/ip/1-Gallon-MAX-Bubble-Juice-Fluid-10x-the-Bubbles-from-Standard-Machines/592008994?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=13557&&adid=22222222227095804999&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=235345442365&wl4=pla-385779463902&wl5=9010982&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=118780396&wl11=online&wl12=592008994&veh=sem&gclid=CjwKCAjwgviIBhBkEiwA10D2j3ssHd9Z2muOmpcUi5J5LF2b3c_Dg4Tk5ECaeaO5ljIumLIQCQl5MBoCkecQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds)
Think Horses, not Zebras, it's probably an air bag.
Windshields popping out aren't a Bug on a Foretravel, it's a feature. <Grin>
There is a wooden brace glued to the front cap behind the dash board. If this comes free the front cap flexes. The windhsield either breaks or pops out.
One or more of the messages of this topic have been moved to Around the Fire Ring (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?board=1.0) - https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=43000.0 (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=43000.0) since they weren't relevant to this Foretravel topic.
Can't tell for sure if you have pulled the trigger on this rig or not but thinking you are getting a real deal, or not ! Roof concerns would worry me. Without considering that figure on spending 10 grand to get it ready to really roll. Tires, every fluid in the rig, Shocks, airbags, fuel lines, lot's of stuff has aged out. We have done a lot more, LED's inside and out bumper to bumper, 800 watts solar on the roof. upgrade inverter, and stuff to numerous to mention. $500 bucks here, $500 bucks there, another 10 grand at least. However at less than 50 grand I will stack my 31 year old rig up against the finest top of the line new Newmars or Monaco's gong for 400,000.
Just saying when we left the FMCA rally in Gillette Wyoming in July the route out of the Fairgrounds went by the area where the new coaches were for sale there were at least 30 sales guys watching the parade of coaches. Got thumbs up and guys pointing at our rig from ALL of them. Try that with your new Winnebago.
You have found a home here on this forum. If it can happen to a Grand Villa it's happened to one of us. Simply cannot say enough good things about the folks here.
Best of luck to you.
Thanks for your kind words. I have backed out on this coach mainly because I think I would be tense driving a wide body. The roof concerns also concern me, especially when Foretravel seemed not able to fix. She's marked it down to $10,000!!!! My wife and I really like it, but, also, we want to be able to stay in All national and state parks. Rethinking this again. Going to look at a 33' Barth, but wife hates mauve interior already. Also. we're planing to liver in it at some point, sooo? Just concerned and thinking at out loud, sorry for rambling. Blessings
Nothing tense driving a coach 6 inches wider. The longer you drive any coach, the smaller it becomes. There was zero learning curve to the 102" coach. I don't pay much attention to it's size as turns become automatic.
You need to do a lot more research. Perhaps a later class C would give you the least trouble.
Pierce
Thanks a bunch to all who commented, really appreciate the kindness and assistance, if moderator would like to alter my heading or delete this since I didn't buy the Foretravel I'd Understand. I still want to check in with you all from time to time and help you all out if and when I can, I purchased, done deal, a Barth diesel pusher today. I still think the Foretravel is a great deal, but just too big, plus I didn't understand the bulkhead design. Blessing to all and thanks again!!
Congrats on your purchase - I've edited the topic title so we can keep the great discussion here.
And yes, please, stick around and contribute where you can. There are no requirements that members own a Foretravel, only that they are fans of the brand.
Wasn't sure if I'm posting this in right place, but I almost bought this. They say it needs roof repairs, the ceiling shows some signs, but none of it was wet. I think it needs rear air bag because it's leaking badly on driver's side rear. Needs tires. Wife really liked this coach, and I did too. The bulk heads looked good to me. This is owned by a very nice lady who needs to sell. Sorry if wrong area, but I made a post about this coach, I'd like someone to get this that could restore her. It's down to. $8000 Blessing
Merged this with the previous/existing discussion of this coach.
Well, they lowered the price to $8000 and they sold it. I hope the new owner knows about this great site, she and Allison was a nice coach but had roof problems for a very ling time. i ended up purchasing a 1988 Barth 33' on a Spartan Chassis with a 8.3 Cummins TD and Allison 4-SPD transmission. You guys are great, so, I think I'll hang around here with you all some too. Blessing and thanks for all the help.