A couple years ago I bought a 1979 Foretravel FTX 33SBI. It's on the Dodge M600 Chassis with the Dodge 440 engine in it. She sat in a barn for 30 years with only rodents as tenants. They left me with many urine stains (if you have tips on how to get rid of those, I would very much appreciate that!). Sadly, this beauty had to sit around and wait for me to have time, but I think this summer is the one. This thing is an absolute time capsule, only 9k miles on it. The engine is seized from sitting, but that's something I'm already working on. That's not where I need real help. I need help with.....everything else.
After very unsuccessfully searching the internet for some kind of manual or database, I called Foretravel. They were very friendly and accommodating but had lost all historical owners' manuals in a fire back before the age of computers.
Maybe someone here can help me. I am very mechanically inclined but I don't know the first thing about motorhomes and their systems. I don't know how to turn anything on or what steps to take to make sure I don't destroy something. I don't know where any controls for anything are. I don't know how to make the (propane?) stove work or how to even begin to work on the generator (does it roll out?). I've watched some basic youtube videos about how RV electrical systems work in general but am left with many questions about the specifics of my particular RV.
So, a plea to all older FTX owners: please help me! If you have manuals, please share (I'll buy them or maybe you can upload or email me pages)! If you can just walk me through a few things or make me a little tutorial, I am a fast learner and I'm handy. Please help! Thank you in advance.
I would suggest that you put your location, as fellow Fourtravelers that are close by tend to help out. The guy near Savannah that sold his FTX recently had all the manuals for his. It was a 1985 I believe, so the new owner has manuals.
I sent this thread to a friend of mine. He is an expert with these classics and has one him self. I'm hoping he reaches out to you.
Foretravel Motorhome 1979 Specifications Brochures & Photos (https://wiki.foreforums.com/doku.php?id=through_the_years:1979)
Jeff; are you thinking about James Holden who was the main tech at Foretravel of TN up near Sevierville exit?
Bee , welcome to the Foretravel clan. Thanks for reviving a classic..... and I hope you like orange.
I'm in Pottstown, PA, about an hour outside of Philadelphia.
Thank you to everyone responding! I really hope this gets some results!
I love love love the retro gold & orange color scheme in this beast!
I would think that most of the systems are similar to mine . So, feel free to ask .
Where are the controls to start the generator? And does it roll out for maintenance?
My '81 FTX has the generator on off and start button on the panel under the drivers window. On mine the generator is mounted in a box below the Livingroom window and does not pull out.
On the 79 there should be a switch either under the audit or real close to the monitor panel. There should be 2 rocker switches there. One for the water pump and one for the generator. There is also a switch on the generator. The generator does not roll out, but believe it is on a slide. You should be able to do a tune up on the generator without sliding it out. If you are doing a decarbon then it has to be slid out enough so that you can access the back cylinder.
That's a VERY COOL FTX MH. b^.^d b^.^d
The Seventies is still live. If you plan to keep a gas engine in her, might want to look into some type of 12 volt electrical fan system to help keep her cool cruising down the road. I have two large electric fans in the rear in front of the radiator that help draw the heat away from the engine. It makes a difference in engine life. Best advice, try to take it one step at a time, don't try to redo everything all at once. Concentrate on one task until you complete it. Parts are going to be a problem. Might help to look up used RV salvage yards around the country on the internet. Try other RV clubs on the internet as well. Once it is completed you will have the joy of owning a unique vintage RV that others will envy. Best of luck to you on this journey.
Awesome find!
More pictures please.
We have a Chevy 454 Front Engine 86 Grand Villa. Most likely our systems are the same or similar enough.... Love your classic ... how can we help you with your great barn find
The Travco Facebook page has lots of information on the Dodge engines and chassis.