I am happy to announce Lisa and I are now Foretravel owners. I picked up a 1996 U295 36 ft in AZ Sunday and drove it back to Houston, TX. I was surprised how easy it is to drive on the highway, once you get comfortable with the size. I was wondering about highway speed and RPMs. It seemed to like to run about 62 mph at just under 1900 rpm. Above that the engine became much louder. Does what sound about right?
Welcome Brian and Lisa,
You are both in for a lot of fun learning about your new-to-you coach. Ask all the questions you want - we want to help you get comfortable with your new ride.
Our coach, although older, should have the same basic engine/trans combo. Every engine has a "sweet spot" where it likes to cruise. On our coach, it is at 65 mph which is about 1950 rpm. Very close to what you found.
Engine sound and road noise are something you will get used to. It is a good idea to learn what "normal operation"
sounds like on your particular coach. That way, if something one day goes wrong (mechanically) you will hopefully be alerted by the change in sound.
When you get the time, post some more photos of your new ride. We really like seeing photos!
I notice you saved yourself a bit of work buying that coach. You only need to replace 3 of the digits in the Motorcade Club numbers. Good choice! :thumbsup:
In the 60 mph range, I run in the 1450 rpm's! Different engine maybe, with the 450 M11. That is a sweet spot for our coach and best fuel mileage it seems!
Brian, sent you a PM
Joe does your coach have to get to 61 mph to get in 6th gear as mine does?
Congratulations on your new coach. I'm always curious why you went down the Foretravel hole. Nice coaches IMO. I have a different engine trans so can't offer much info for yours. There is a unlimited wealth of knowledge within these posts. Learn to use the search function and all your questions generally have been asked and answered before. Learn the brake system and get caught up on maintenance needs of your coach. Always better to get ahead than be stranded for something simple and avoidable.
Enjoy its comes with great rewards and new friends everywhere.
Scott and Kim
On my coach with similar engine I'm running 65 at 1900 rpm if memory is correct. That's my personal maximum cruise for four lane divided highway. GPS and speedometer match. No way to verify accuracy of tach. Engine seem happy cruising anywhere from 60 to 65. Most noise is from front tires.
I have the 96 U295 with the Cummins 8.3 and Allison 3060R tranny. Like you we cruise in a sweet spot between 1800 and 1900 on the tach at about 62 to 64 mph. Very sweet mileage and sound wise.
Being a U295 ISL400, mine will shift into 6th around 55mph, which is handy in California. I do push the limit and cruise at 62 in Cali and usually 65 elsewhere. Sometimes 70, but only if the pavement is smooth and straight, which is rare.
I have the 1995 u295- 36' with 8.3 and 3060r. Mine shifts at exactly 55 into 6th gear. Loves to cruise at 65 but has no problem to go 70. I just feel safer at 65. I'm not sure exact rpm but want to say 1800-1900 at 65.
Love your new coach! Please post a bunch more pictures!!
Seems all the 8.3 with the Allison 6 speed are about the same for that vintage. So the rear axle ratio must be the same too.
We cruise at 1800 rpm and 63 mph.
I thought the same but it's possible different ratios were special order. At least one member had a much shorter (higher numerical) ratio and changed his to get lower revs on the highway. His forum name was Krush with a 1998 U270/34. Probably could look up his post to see what his came with and what he changed to.
Ratios are on a tag visible on one of the bolts on the third member of the rear end.
If you know the speed and the rpm at that speed, you can easily figure the rpm at any speed. An example: Our Detroit has the fuel cutoff at 2130 rpm and is going at 82 mph at that rpm. So, 2130 divided by 82 equals 25.9756097561. I can multiply 25.9756097561 times any speed to get the rpm at that speed. Only takes a second on the address line of your browser. Works with any engine/rpm/speed/tire size, etc. At 65 mph, we are turning 1688 rpm.
Pierce
1995 M11 run 72 on open freeway, 1550rpm, let the crowd fly by!
Scott, I am hoping it's more of the Foretravel adventure. I have done a lot of research over the years on used class A motor homes and like how solid the older Foretravel were built. It also seems like if you keep up with the maintenance they will last a very long time. I like the solid walnut and all the Corian tables and counter tops. The Foretravel community was another big draw. So many people have helped me in my search over the last couple of years. I feel if I needed help figuring anything out it would not be an issue with all of the great Foretravel owners out there. Hope that answers your question.
Brian
Welcome! I'm south of Houston maybe we can hook up and talk Foretravel sometime.
Keith