Foretravel Owners' Forum For owners and Fans of Foretravel Motorcoaches September 17, 2025 ...

Grand Villa Grill

October 16, 2013, 12:16:13 pm

Since my wife and I are still in the "Hunting For..." mode, I spend a lot of time online looking at photos of Foretravel coaches.  Ran across this photo in the MOT "Sold" section.  Knowing nothing about the Grand Villa models, I have up till now assumed the "grill" on the nose was just decoration.  This photo would indicate otherwise.  So my question is: does the grill on the Grand Villa serve a functional purpose?  Also, (while I have your attention) what is located behind the 2 access doors below the wind screen?  Thanks for furthering my education!

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Re: Grand Villa Grill

Reply #1 – October 16, 2013, 12:56:14 pm

Radiator for the air conditioning.

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Re: Grand Villa Grill

Reply #2 – October 16, 2013, 02:27:39 pm

Yes, dash A/C condenser behind it.

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Re: Grand Villa Grill

Reply #3 – October 16, 2013, 06:38:15 pm

Thanks, Guys.  I learned something today, which makes it a good day.  So the Unihome has condenser in front, and the Unicoach has it on driver side in the rear.  Any thoughts on which location is most effective/efficient?  Or do they both work just as well?  Seems like the rear side mount (behind the rear tires) would accumulate more dirt, road grime and rain water trash, plus it is in close proximity to the (very hot) stock muffler?  But behind the front grill it would be subject to bug buildup, so perhaps it all evens out?  Just wondering...

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Re: Grand Villa Grill

Reply #4 – October 16, 2013, 06:41:54 pm

All current DP coaches have the dash ac condenser in the rear.  Probably quieter with the fan motors in the back. 

Generator in the front so its at the other end when sleeping.

Engine in the back for less noise when driving.

Bob

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Re: Grand Villa Grill

Reply #5 – October 16, 2013, 07:08:13 pm

Chuck, No bugs or dirt in condenser behind GV grill, the grill has a mesh screen behind it that traps the bugs and condenser stays clean. Much easier to access AC ports than the ones in the rear. Also cooler in this location than in rear.  Also behind grill on frame is Vacuum pump for HVAC dash controls and access to wiper motors and headlites.
Gary B

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Re: Grand Villa Grill

Reply #6 – October 16, 2013, 07:19:33 pm

I do collect bugs on the front of the U295. I don't see a collection bugs, trash, or grime on the condenser near the rear on the driver side. I won't suggest which is better. The dash air works moderately well for us. We turn on the generator and supplement cooling with "house air conditioning" when outside temperatures get above about 85F.

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Re: Grand Villa Grill

Reply #7 – October 16, 2013, 11:30:23 pm

Behind my grill sit a Ford 460 with all it's gear. 

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