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Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: campipilot on May 16, 2023, 02:29:33 pm

Title: Engine/transmission designation codes? Decoding model number
Post by: campipilot on May 16, 2023, 02:29:33 pm
Anyone know E17 code....it's a '93 U280W...... owners says it's six speed Allison but I read that most 93s had 4 speed, some late '93 had the six speed.  Trying to confirm this is six before buying it.
Title: Re: Engine designation codes? Decoding model number
Post by: campipilot on May 16, 2023, 03:30:58 pm
Trying to confirm this U280 has Allison 6 sp versus 4 sp. 

G 93 4306 36 SBID U280W E17

I figured out a fair bit of this but not sure the G and what can I find out from build number 4306?

And can the E17 engine designator code tell me engine and transmission installed????  I'd prefer the 6 and would like to know before purchase.
👍😊

Thanks!
Curtis
Title: Re: Engine designation codes? Decoding model number
Post by: Protech Racing on May 16, 2023, 03:39:55 pm
Drive it?
Title: Re: Engine designation codes? Decoding model number
Post by: campipilot on May 16, 2023, 03:49:08 pm
Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie –
It is not unusual when Foretravel coaches vary from the published "standard equipment" list, especially in the early 90's.  You could order pretty much any modification, and the factory was happy to oblige.  Some coaches were totally custom, 1-of-a-kind.  Don't be surprised if you find some other custom features.  For example, our '93 U280 has a 10Kw diesel generator which is still completely original (except oil and filters) and it purrs like a Timex.  (Mixed metaphor)

Another example:  the "spec sheet" lists an Allison MT647 transmission, which is a 4-speed.  You may luck out and find it actually has an Allison MD3060 (6-speed) like my coach.  Might depend on the build number - whether it was an early or a late '93 build - don't know about that.



See photo below for where to find the build number (very important info for every Foretravel owner).  Metal plate on wall next to driver seat.





So the build number on the one I'm looking at is 4306..... what info can I get from that?  It's 50 or so before yours. Your engine designator code is E17.  So is the one I'm looking at.  Can that confirm it's the 6 speed?
Where can I found info from the build code...??? 

Thanks
Curtis
Title: Re: Engine designation codes? Decoding model number
Post by: Chuck & Jeannie on May 16, 2023, 04:20:06 pm
Last 8 characters in our 1993 model number are U280WE17.  We have a MD3060 6-speed but no retarder.
Title: Re: Engine designation codes? Decoding model number
Post by: Michelle on May 16, 2023, 05:39:01 pm
[question/answer posts about this specific code in a second and third topic have been merged into this topic to keep answers together.  It's best not to bump multiple topics with the same question - moderator Michelle]
Title: Re: Engine/transmission designation codes? Decoding model number
Post by: campipilot on May 16, 2023, 05:56:32 pm
Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie –
Last 8 characters in our 1993 model number are U280WE17.  We have a MD3060 6-speed but no retarder.

Thanks....I did call Foretravel in Texas and they did confirm the build number 4306 is indeed the MD 3060.....along with the C8.3/300......which I assume means you have the same...and the E17 means the 8.3 and Allison 6 sp. 

Title: Re: Engine/transmission designation codes? Decoding model number
Post by: Chuck & Jeannie on May 16, 2023, 06:42:12 pm
My build number (shown in my signature below) is 4359, so the coach you are looking at is a close relative to ours.  :thumbsup:
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