Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Vintage Foretravel Turn Signal Switch / Steering Column Problems (Read 889 times) previous topic - next topic

Vintage Foretravel Turn Signal Switch / Steering Column Problems

Hello. I have a 1981 Foretravel Travco model on an Oshkosh V713 chassis. It has a Grant steering wheel and the steering column tilts. I have at least 2 problems going on and hopefully someone can help me solve them.
First, the turn signal switch is broken inside the column and no longer working.
Second, there is excessive play inside the column. I'm thinking a bushing may be worn out or out of position.
These problems are probably related and I should add that there is a short somewhere in my headlight, tail light and emergency flasher signal circuits. Using any of these lights -- or even the backup camera -- causes a huge drop on the voltmeter. Can anyone tell me how to get the steering wheel off without breaking it and maybe shed some light on how to isolate and fix these problems?
1993 U225 Build #: 4285
500 Watts Solar
Honda CRV AWD
Former 1981 Foretravel Travco
Retired, Full Time Off Grid Snowbird

Re: Vintage Foretravel Turn Signal Switch / Steering Column Problems

Reply #1 –
To remove the steering wheel, first remove the horn button assembly and loosen the nut holding on the wheel and use a steering wheel puller to remove. I always leave the nut holding on the wheel on until the wheel breaks free, that way as I remove the nut it will clean up the threads on the shaft. The way that dash is wired when the lights are turned on it causes the volt meter to really go down in voltage. I believe the automotive fuse panel used is a Dodge fuse panel. check for corrosion on the back side where the power in wires are attatched and also the plug from the dash to the steering column as there is high amp usuage there and sometimes the connecters have gotten hot and maake poor connections. I have in the past had to cut the wires on either side of the connector plug and hard wire them together. Good luck with your project
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins

Re: Vintage Foretravel Turn Signal Switch / Steering Column Problems

Reply #2 –
Hey Dakota slim
I love the vintage rigs! If you steering wheel is the old dodge style pull the center/horn bar up and the nut will be below that. If you have the 3 spoke Foretravel wheel the horn button will also pop out or remove the "ring" of allen screws around the horn button for access to the inner working of the column. You will find parts for this through a chrysler/mopar parts source. If need be you can also retrofit an newer column to the existing steering gear. If you have any more questions please contact me! I'd love to see pics of your coach I also have a manual for the V-713 oshkosh if you need one.
James
James Holder
'83 3500 FTX ORED LIMITED

Re: Vintage Foretravel Turn Signal Switch / Steering Column Problems

Reply #3 –
Thank you gentlemen. I'll see if I can get my camera working and post a couple photos. The steering wheel is 3 spokes with allen screws. They didn't want to budge yesterday so I put some penetrating oil on them. I'll give it another try later today. As for the center button with the horn, it says Grant GT.
1993 U225 Build #: 4285
500 Watts Solar
Honda CRV AWD
Former 1981 Foretravel Travco
Retired, Full Time Off Grid Snowbird

Re: Vintage Foretravel Turn Signal Switch / Steering Column Problems

Reply #4 –
Hey Dakota,
That means the wheel has been changed; a great improvement in my opinion I hated the old dodge wheels! Removing the screws will separate the wheel from the collar on the column so you can the remove the collar and get to turn signal ring out.  Looking forward to the pics. I assume your still running the 3208 cat non-turbo?
James Holder
'83 3500 FTX ORED LIMITED

Re: Vintage Foretravel Turn Signal Switch / Steering Column Problems

Reply #5 –
Thank you James. Yes, I still have the non turbo 3208. I rebuilt it 7 years ago using 3 ring pistons. It purrs like a kitten and doesn't use a drop of oil. 
1993 U225 Build #: 4285
500 Watts Solar
Honda CRV AWD
Former 1981 Foretravel Travco
Retired, Full Time Off Grid Snowbird

Re: Vintage Foretravel Turn Signal Switch / Steering Column Problems

Reply #6 –
OK, some penetrating oil and a quick trip to Harbor Freight for a more substantial allen wrench allowed me to get the screws out and the steering wheel and a couple parts of the column off. Now it looks like I need some kind of a gear puller. Here's a photo of my Travco and of the steering column at this point.


1993 U225 Build #: 4285
500 Watts Solar
Honda CRV AWD
Former 1981 Foretravel Travco
Retired, Full Time Off Grid Snowbird

Re: Vintage Foretravel Turn Signal Switch / Steering Column Problems

Reply #7 –
What a great looking Vintage Rig. I can see why you invested in an overhaul. I bet it gets great mileage. I love the old stuff.

How about posting a photo review of the interior and exterior. 
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: Vintage Foretravel Turn Signal Switch / Steering Column Problems

Reply #8 –
Thats a rare coach you have. Its the Foretravel 350Xl This is the fore-runner to the diesel pusher Travco. I have a copy of the Motorhome magazine review for this rig if you would like it. You sure have one to be proud of and keep! 
James Holder
'83 3500 FTX ORED LIMITED

Re: Vintage Foretravel Turn Signal Switch / Steering Column Problems

Reply #9 –
Quote from: Kent Speers –
What a great looking Vintage Rig. I can see why you invested in an overhaul. I bet it gets great mileage. I love the old stuff.

How about posting a photo review of the interior and exterior.

Kent, the reason I did a major overhaul was because I blew a head gasket and scored a couple pistons. :-(
The interior is all original. I'll post some more photos after I clean it up a bit.
1993 U225 Build #: 4285
500 Watts Solar
Honda CRV AWD
Former 1981 Foretravel Travco
Retired, Full Time Off Grid Snowbird

Re: Vintage Foretravel Turn Signal Switch / Steering Column Problems

Reply #10 –
Quote from: jaholder76 –
Thats a rare coach you have. Its the Foretravel 350Xl This is the fore-runner to the diesel pusher Travco. I have a copy of the Motorhome magazine review for this rig if you would like it. You sure have one to be proud of and keep!

That magazine review would be great James. I'll send you a PM with my email address. This one apparently is very rare. Whenever I've called Foretravel they haven't been able to determine what I have. Here's a copy of what's on the wall by the driver's seat...
 
1993 U225 Build #: 4285
500 Watts Solar
Honda CRV AWD
Former 1981 Foretravel Travco
Retired, Full Time Off Grid Snowbird

Re: Vintage Foretravel Turn Signal Switch / Steering Column Problems

Reply #11 –
Slim, Loosen the three bolts but leave the center nut in place but loose.  Use a dead blow hammer or soft faced hammer and tap the center bolt, bet it comes loose, just don't bang on it till you damage threads.  I'll also bet that the steering column is Dodge.
Gary B

Re: Vintage Foretravel Turn Signal Switch / Steering Column Problems

Reply #12 –
That is a Dodge stgeering column. I have one complete that I took out of a 76 diplomat. that if I remember is all complete. I am at a rally now but will be home on Saturday. If you need any parts that you can not find pm me and I will see if I can help you out.
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins

Re: Vintage Foretravel Turn Signal Switch / Steering Column Problems

Reply #13 –
Thank you Gary. That worked. I was able to get that part off and now I am looking at the broken switch and what's left of the bearing. I am now trying to locate a new switch and bearing. Red Tractor, I'll send you a PM. Here are the latest photos along with a copy of the magazine review of the Foretravel 350 XL James sent...

1993 U225 Build #: 4285
500 Watts Solar
Honda CRV AWD
Former 1981 Foretravel Travco
Retired, Full Time Off Grid Snowbird

Re: Vintage Foretravel Turn Signal Switch / Steering Column Problems

Reply #14 –
I would bet any late junk yard with a late 70's US built Mopar product would have your parts...
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: Vintage Foretravel Turn Signal Switch / Steering Column Problems

Reply #15 –
Boy o boy, That article brings back memories.  Attached is photo of the 82 Travco that I once had, It was a gasser on an M600 but the body/interior was the same as this one.  That  two piece fibreglass body was quite an innovation and really stood out.
Good luck with your search for parts and ongoing rehab.  Even if its old its still a Foretravel.
Gary B
 

Re: Vintage Foretravel Turn Signal Switch / Steering Column Problems

Reply #16 –
Quote from: Dave Head –
I would bet any late junk yard with a late 70's US built Mopar product would have your parts...

Fortunately I didn't have to go that route Dave. After coming up empty at the local auto parts and bearing stores I found a new switch assembly and the no-longer-being-made thin section bearing on ebay.
1993 U225 Build #: 4285
500 Watts Solar
Honda CRV AWD
Former 1981 Foretravel Travco
Retired, Full Time Off Grid Snowbird