Being a new Foretravel owner....
Wondering where everyone has chassis work done if needed? My previous coach was a Freightliner which was simple - local dealer if emergency or Freightliner themselves in Gaffney, SC if scheduled..
I don't need any service at this point but considering I live in Ohio, Nacodoches is a long drive... I do intend to make an annual trip to MoT for normal maintenance but what if.... I need an repair in a hurry? Where is everyone taking their coaches?
I assume my local Cummins dealer could handle engine / trans work but since the U320 is a custom chassis.......
Scott
If you can help,bring it here and I can show you how to do the maintenance,is very simple.
Any truck mobile mechanic should be within there skill set with the exception of the slide and disc brakes. There is a brake and HWH manual on line if you are so inclined.
http://graphicvillage.org/meritor/mm4m.pdf
Congratulations on your new to you coach. The forum is a wealth of information.
Scott
You can search Foretravel's website. Look under Owner Services.
Another possible would be Cummins CoachCare locations.
Or check with other members in the Motorcade club in your area.
I suggest you get a set of safety blocks (look at how to work safely under your coach) and then get familiar with the chassis via lubrication points, trace out the basic air system, find all the filters (oil, air, water, fuel, etc.), ID the lubrication points on the disc brakes, which require special lube and procedure), locate the big sheet metal chase that houses coolant, fuel, wiring that runs north and south at the top of the storage bays (don't open it up). Find the start and coach batteries and look at the condition of the connections. Study the radiator and ID the two cooling fans run off the hydraulic pump that also does your power steering. Don't panic if you see some evidence of weeping around the hydraulic fan motors. Just keep an eye on the huge hydraulic oil reservoir at the back of the engine opening. If slowly losing oil check first at the power steering box in the most forward bay on the driver's side.
The search feature on the forum is your friend and nemesis. The more you use it the more refined your search becomes. Chuck from Chuck and Jeanne is the search whiz so PM him if you need a few tips on how to search.
Raising the coach: Start engine, run air up to cut off, push and hold raise button on HWH control panel. Watch the air gauges and when they start build back air to the normal cut off your coach is as high as it will ever get on the bags. Turn off the engine while keeping the raise button engaged, then install your safety stands between the frame rails. Maximum safety achieved by lowering coach to safety stands so they are engaged. Some coaches don't require you to keep holding the raise button until engine shut off, but that is the sure way to raise it.
Once you've found stuff and traced various system around the chassis you might want to find your two main set of 12 volt relays, passenger side of dash and in main storage bay. Find and record the engine and transmission serial numbers, you will need those. Now you are in a position to talk with a truck repair shop about chassis service, repair, or diagnosis. Also locate your data port under the dash for communicating with your engine computer if you have one.
Beware, your chassis batteries will go dead in about a week if you don't have a means of charging them. Foretravel did not provide a means for charging them while parked, but many owners have installed various charge systems. Your house batteries are easily charged with shore power, but the chassis batteries are another animal.
Good luck! You have a new hobby - comparative coach anatomy and forum surfing.
Several people have previously suggested that for brake service you might check to see who maintains the fire engines in your area, since they could have disc brakes similar to the ones on our Foretravels.
Also, where in Ohio are you located? We are in Beavercreek, just east of Dayton.
Congratulations on your purchase!
Thanks everyone - going to be fun for sure :-). While I have the skill set to do my own maintenance work, I'm gonna do my best to not get greasy and those truck parts are heavy LOL! Now everything inside the cab is a different story!
I do have a ulterior motive in having MoT do my regular maintenance - gives me an excuse to go hunting while they work on the rig :-)
I've already ordered my Silverleaf adapter for the diag port and plan to revamp the entire entertainment system.
I'm still in awe as to build quality in comparison to my previous coach!!
I'm in Doylestown, just outside of Akron.. I know of at least 3 or 4 more FT owners in our area - we might have enough for a rally!!
Scott, on our first coach I told the DW that I was going to let someone else to the workLOL after the second trip to the most reasonable RV shop in the area and they cleaned all 4 pockets and I thought they were going for part of one leg before I got out
I knew it was time to break out the tool box.
Chris
I used to live in Lonoke when I was stationed at Little Rock AFB in the 90's.. On College street near the high school. Loved that town!
I think the biggest challenge is GOOD service.. I don't mind paying for quality work - its finding a place that can bet trusted...
Good trans shop and Cummins dealer here in Memphis,had trans work done.