Foretravel Owners' Forum For owners and Fans of Foretravel Motorcoaches September 21, 2025 ...

Re: New Member Introduction and First Question

Reply #25 – February 17, 2013, 09:22:31 am

This valve is located in the curb side utility bay forward of the rear axle on my coach.

Quote Selected

Re: New Member Introduction and First Question

Reply #26 – February 17, 2013, 09:43:21 am

Everyone has make some great suggestions.

Mine is that you remember your coach is your lifeboat, and even with all the planning in the world, things happen.  We always feel the adventure begins when the plan falls apart.  This has been true sailing, power boating, and certainly when motorcycling, more when off road in Mexico.

Flexibility and attitude quickly become the best tools in the tool box, next to the cell phone, roadside assistance, and a debit card.  What fun your trip is going to be, surely there are just more than a few of us that would love to ride along with you.

Quote Selected

Re: New Member Introduction and First Question

Reply #27 – February 17, 2013, 10:33:10 am

As you said, you only have one furnace, you also most likely don't have the water shut off valve for the water heater.  In lieu of a 9 v fan, I use a 110 volt, runs fine off the inverter.  Was a life saver when my windshield froze over, just laid it on the dash.  There is an outlet beside the drivers seat, hard to see if you don't know it's there.  The switch for the engine block heater is on the base of the bed.  Any added insulation you can do to the bays will be your friend.

Quote Selected

Re: New Member Introduction and First Question

Reply #28 – February 17, 2013, 11:20:51 am

For 2002 a 10 gallon 3way hot water heater was standard on all u270. So I think you should have the coolant shut off valve in the area of the water heater. Gam

Quote Selected

Re: New Member Introduction and First Question

Reply #29 – February 17, 2013, 01:00:40 pm

I haven't said it yet so "Thanks everyone for the welcome."

I am familiar with diesels.  I've had a Ford diesel for the last 14 years, so that a good start.  There is a lot to learn.

We took a lot of supplies when we flew out to inspect the coach and left them.  We're taking a lot more on the next trip (we get 3 checked bags each) but will still have to do a lot of shopping when we arrive.  Lots of good suggestions on things to have for the trip home.  Then we get to move all the rest of our belongings from the 5th-wheel to the coach.

Rich

Quote Selected

Re: New Member Introduction and First Question

Reply #30 – February 18, 2013, 02:00:16 pm

Another good thing to do for cold weather camping - get a roll of Reflectix and cut pieces to fit each side of the windshield opening (tapers out at the bottom.)  Put them in behind whichever windshield shade you have.  Makes the coach much easier to heat at night.  ( Not recommended for driving, though .)  You will need the 48" wide roll of Reflectix.  Each piece will be roughly 40" tall, 57" wide at the base, and 50" wide at the top.  We also use Reflectix in the bedroom windows at night (usually leave it in when it's cold,) and in one or two of the living room windows if it's really cold.

Quote Selected

Re: New Member Introduction and First Question

Reply #31 – February 18, 2013, 06:48:12 pm

You will find that there is a difference between a Ford PSD and a Medium Duty 8.3.  You have to watch your temps and your RPMs a bit more.

Quote Selected