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Topic: Walk thru a Foretravel (Read 1413 times) previous topic - next topic

Walk thru a Foretravel

Hello everyone, we're newbies and hopefully new to a Foretravel RV.  We want to  upgrade to a 90's vintage U-225 or U-240, from an old GMC that has served us well.  We've found several coaches that look great but the're in Texas and we're in the Cincinnati, Ohio region.  We would really like to walk thru and sit in the cab of a coach before we drive 1000 miles to buy one.  Anyone nearby willing to help us out?
Thanks, Bob & Bethe
Bob & Bethe

Re: Walk thru a Foretravel

Reply #1 –
Hopefully, someone with a U225 or U240 who lives in your area will see this and respond.

Be aware that there were two  different interior layouts: SBI and SBID. The "D" indicates a dinette on the passengers side just behind the entrance door vs a booth for two on the driver's side just in front of the galley sink.  The "D" layout has always been the more popular.

The big difference between the U225 and U240 is that the U225 has a 230 HP Cummins B engine with Allison hydraulic 4 speed transmission while the U240 has the 250 HP Caterpillar (650 lb ft torque at 1650 RPM) and the Allison 6 speed.


And as with any coach that age, be sure to do a complete mechanical inspection as well as review of maintenance history. Paying more for a well maintained coach in good condition is usually a lot better investment than getting a bargain on one that is not in good condition or has not had the proper maintenance.

Brett Wolfe
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Walk thru a Foretravel

Reply #2 –
I just wanted to let you know that we live in the Traverse City , Mi. area and have a 1991 U280 GV that you could look at anytime. It's a hike from where you live but the country is beautiful. I know that ours isn't the style your looking for but the quality is sure enough there.

Carl Sandel
1991 36' U280
Northern Michigan

Re: Walk thru a Foretravel

Reply #3 –
And I will add that the interiors are the same for a 225 SBI vs. a 280 SBI for the 36ft models.
The selected media item is not currently available. Dave Head & Megan Westbrook
Titusville, FL - The Great Outdoors
'98 270 buying this month
Toad is a 2018 F150 XLT

Re: Walk thru a Foretravel

Reply #4 –
Just got back from the dentist, so wanted to get back with you all.

Thanks Brett, I'm  up to speed on the interiors, I downloaded the floor plans and we can live with any of them with a little customizing.  I was not aware of the transmission difference, the data i got listed the Allison MT43 for both units. I will definately go with the U240, Allison 6 speed tranny, rear engine and 36 feet, or shorter if I can find one.
Relative to condition, if it passes the visual I intend to get a complete inspection (condition of the sale) at the factory and all defects repaired/replaced so I can start out with a clean unit.

Thanks Carl, you are a little far away and I agree the country is beautiful.

And thanks Dave, looks like I have more options for viewing.

Appreciate the input, Bob & Bethe
Bob & Bethe

Re: Walk thru a Foretravel

Reply #5 –
A small point, but ALL U225's and U240 are 36'.

Brett Wolfe
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Walk thru a Foretravel

Reply #6 –
I'm also in Cincinnati.  And, although we own a Unicoach, I'd be very happy to show you around and point out a few things to look for.  Contact me through email or Foreforum mail if you'd like.  No trouble, really!
Peter & Beth Martin
No Forrest? What have you done?
MC# 15890 until Dec 2016; FMCA #F329677
Cincinnati, OH

Re: Walk thru a Foretravel

Reply #7 –
I'm the other end of Ohio, then 46 miles thru Pennsylvania, and about another 46 miles to my house if you want to see my '94 U225 SNI.  The bench seat and dashboard cover are out right now for re-upholstering.  They should be back in sometime around the first of the month. 

That little Cummins B6 5.9 with the Allison MT 643 4 speed direct does well when it comes to mpg.  I have gotten 10.5 mpg running with traffic.  I am sure Bretts Cat will run away from me on the hills and know he gets a bit better MPG.  He know the Cat well, and I know a good real good Cummins man.  Don't know any Cat techs, but am sure there are some around had I found a Cat.  I have to admit, I envy Bretts 6 speed and engine retarder.  But I am quite happy poking along with the 4 speed and the exhaust brake.
1994 U225
build #4514

Re: Walk thru a Foretravel

Reply #8 –
Pat C's Quote: "I have to admit, I envy Bretts 6 speed and engine retarder."
 
Pat,
 
I may be wrong, but I don't think the '94 U-240 came with a retarder.  It has a 6 speed, but no retarder..  Brett, can you clear this up?
Don Hay
'92 Grandvilla, U-280
The Hayfever Express
Build #4055
'97 GEO Tracker
Life is like licking honey off a thorn.

Re: Walk thru a Foretravel

Reply #9 –
Bob & Bethe,
Not sure how much you've navigated the Foreforums...but, there is a Classifieds Board here you can search for coaches available for sale.  There may be some that meet your criteria.  Best of luck in your search.
Peter & Beth Martin
No Forrest? What have you done?
MC# 15890 until Dec 2016; FMCA #F329677
Cincinnati, OH

Re: Walk thru a Foretravel

Reply #10 –
Quote from: Don Hay –
Pat C's Quote: "I have to admit, I envy Brett's 6 speed and engine retarder."
 
Pat,
 
I may be wrong, but I don't think the '94 U-240 came with a retarder.  It has a 6 speed, but no retarder..  Brett, can you clear this up?

Guys,

We have a 1993. Allison MD3060 6 speed and the "strong" exhaust brake (55 PSI PacBrake PRXB).  Earlier model engines were not fit with strong enough exhaust valve springs to accommodate more than a 35 PSI brake. You can tell from the engine serial number whether the stronger/higher back pressure brake can be fit. Basically, Caterpillar 3116 engines built starting in the fall of 1992 accommodate the stronger brake.

The retarder was introduced on the 1994 U240-- we have close friends who have one.

Brett Wolfe

Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Walk thru a Foretravel

Reply #11 –
As Brett demo'ed the PRXB Pac brake for the CATRV club, I'm thinking he doesn't have the retarder...
 
The selected media item is not currently available. Dave Head & Megan Westbrook
Titusville, FL - The Great Outdoors
'98 270 buying this month
Toad is a 2018 F150 XLT

Re: Walk thru a Foretravel

Reply #12 –
Quote from: Dave Head –
As Brett demo'ed the PRXB Pac brake for the CATRV club, I'm thinking he doesn't have the retarder...
 

Dave is correct.  When PacBrake was developing the PRXB (the new generation exhaust brake), they approached me to test it.  Still working just fine and a real improvement over the earlier generation exhaust brakes.

Brett
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Walk thru a Foretravel

Reply #13 –
Thanks folks for the good info.
I've been looking thru the forum threads and getting a little smarter on Foretravel.
I think I'm a little smarter now and can write the post I should have started with.  So I'm starting a new post titled " what would you recommend".
Thanks again, you folks have been wonderful, love this forum.  Bob
Bob & Bethe

Re: Walk thru a Foretravel

Reply #14 –
I have one of the rigs Brett was talking about with the CAT 3116 that cannot accomodate an exhaust brake and obviously no retarder.  Just the air brakes.  Although I have been careful on grades not to push the limits and have never smoked the brakes, I sure would like to have something extra.  I do like the size / weight of the skinny lower CG early 90's U225 & U40.  Very comfortable drive for a newbie.  Nothing too complicated either.  No slides.  No air suspension.  My biggest complaint is that the lower U225 abd U240 cannot accomodate a diesel generator, just the pancake propane unit.  I would never buy another rig that didn't have the same fuel for the generator and the main engine.  We like to be comfortable while driving and that requires the generator running for the roof air to work.  My biggest unresolved problems are related to the generator.  The single biggest engineering shortcoming of even the moderate high end units produced today is inadequate air conditioning for the entire rig unless you run the generator.  Dash air doesn't cut it in Florida.  I guess the top dollar rigs have the bus air set-up.
Dwayne Keith
1992 U240
3116/MD3060

Re: Walk thru a Foretravel

Reply #15 –
But a bus air setup is no 'power saver' in comparison to a Generator running roof airs.
The selected media item is not currently available. Dave Head & Megan Westbrook
Titusville, FL - The Great Outdoors
'98 270 buying this month
Toad is a 2018 F150 XLT
 

Re: Walk thru a Foretravel

Reply #16 –
And that is what I get for "assumeing" that Brett had a retarder.  Did not mean to spread a false rumor.  I just remember him telling me to look for  a '94 U240 cause it had the Cat 3116 and a 6 speed Allison and retarder.  Never realized that he had a '93.
1994 U225
build #4514