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Topic: Ground clearance (Read 802 times) previous topic - next topic

Ground clearance

So, in general, which has the higher ground clearance - a U280/300 GV or a comparable bus style? We're looking at the mid-90's here, not the newer or older coaches.

Re: Ground clearance

Reply #1 –
Between axles they are identical.  Clearance forward of front axle the GV will win everytime -not sure by how much.  Clearance in back might be the same but if different GV would most likely be higher.
John Fitzgerald
1991 U300 (SAI) Side Aisle Island Bed 40'
Detroit 6V92 with Allison Retarder
Meridian (Boise), Idaho

Re: Ground clearance

Reply #2 –
A longer coach with the same height above the ground as a shorter coach  will have more difficulty going over a raised bump where the road drops before and after the bump.  The longer coach also has less fore and aft leveling ability than a shorter coach with the same suspension.  My bus style coach has hit the pavement a couple of times when the front wheels were in a pothole.  No damage though as a piece of metal hit the ground before the fiberglass and driving very slow about 2-3 mph. 
Jerry Whiteaker former owner 96 U270  36' #4831 Austin,TX-Owner Mods LCD TV w/front cabinet rebuild - LCD TV bedroom - Dual Central AC, either can cool coach w 30 amp - Skylights at roof AC openings - Drop ceiling for ducting of AC - Shower skylight white gelcoat/wood/epoxy frame - Air Springs/Shocks replaced - 2014 CRV - 8K Home Solar - Chevy Volt

Re: Ground clearance

Reply #3 –
The U225 and U240 Grand Villas with Torsialasitc suspension will have the highest running height. I think the U280/U300's will be about the same as the Unicoaches. Ride height while the coach is underway should not be an issue under normal use.
The selected media item is not currently available.Kent Speers
Locust Grove, OK
1993 U300 SSE 40' (Restored at FOT 2009) Build 4323
720 watts Solar
6V92TA DDEC Silver Engine
2014 Subaru Outback

Re: Ground clearance

Reply #4 –
David, I do not know if this relates to your question, why you asked.  But if you are interested in ground clearance on a temporary basis, I suppose you know that some models can be driven (very) slowly in a raised position.  I seem to be able to raise the rear of a 2001 coach 4 inches and the front somewhat less (a problem for me).  I do not know how far back this feature goes in model years but if this feature is what you sought, you can get that answered.  Mike
Mike
2001 U320 4010 Build 5878 (Gus)
Wrangle Unlimited Toad
Nacogdoches

Re: Ground clearance

Reply #5 –
Thanks, Mike. My question was more out of curiosity than anything else, although every small bit of information helps to narrow the field a bit. We're starting to think that we may do a bit more boondocking than we originally thought, so ground clearance may be important.

Re: Ground clearance

Reply #6 –
Indeed, I learned/was taught how to raise the coach and move forward/backward.  My 01 320 has the HWH computer leveling, and if you press and keep pressing the raise button, you can move the coach. As soon as you release the button, it goes back to travel height. Others might be different.
I think I learned that from Mike when I put my coach under his canopy (Was a brutal sun) for Rudy to re man my Aqua Hot.  Also used the raise feature when exiting back onto the street, all worked very nice. Do not know the exact amount of raise, but it sure was enough for the location.
My experience
Dave M

Re: Ground clearance

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Dave M –
Indeed, I learned/was taught how to raise the coach and move forward/backward.  My 01 320 has the HWH computer leveling, and if you press and keep pressing the raise button, you can move the coach. As soon as you release the button, it goes back to travel height. Others might be different.
Dave M

On my 2003 and later you don't have to hold the "raise button" Just hit it once and it stays raised as long as you are under I believe 10 mph. Sure comes in handy not to have to hold the button when you need that hand.
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"
 

Re: Ground clearance

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Barry Beam –
On my 2003 and later you don't have to hold the "raise button" Just hit it once and it stays raised as long as you are under I believe 10 mph. Sure comes in handy not to have to hold the button when you need that hand.

Wonder if the panel/system is retrofit table to my 97?
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4