From Whence Comes the Oboe?

Topic: From Whence Comes the Oboe? (Read 712 times) previous topic - next topic

From Whence Comes the Oboe?

January 23, 2014, 08:48:02 pm

We've had the same sound in our 320 and 300 Foretravels. When it's real windy, in the bedroom we hear what can only be described as something that sounds like an oboe or the low notes from a bassoon. I've climbed all over trying to figure out what's causing it but haven't had any success. Air conditioner; nope. Ladder; nope. Air intake; nope. Camera, vent cover... Any ideas? Just curious as we've gotten used to it and almost look forward to it.
jor

Re: From Whence Comes the Oboe?

Reply #1 – January 23, 2014, 08:52:32 pm

It is the semi circular roof rack.

Re: From Whence Comes the Oboe?

Reply #2 – January 23, 2014, 09:06:00 pm

Jor,

I know this sounds crazy but on both our coaches we have had that happen. What we found was the wind coming from the correct direction it would go through the vent cover over the vent line from the sewer tanks. This would result in a sound similar to blowing air over the opening of a cola bottle.

Pamela & Mike

Re: From Whence Comes the Oboe?

Reply #3 – January 23, 2014, 09:14:31 pm

That would make sense. I've seen what looks like a "T" fitting on top of the vent pipes, so if the wind is just right you could get that sound. The vent pipe is somewhere around 8' long, which would give a pitch about two octaves below middle C.

Re: From Whence Comes the Oboe?

Reply #4 – January 23, 2014, 10:09:20 pm

Quote from: kb0zke – January 23, 2014, 09:14:31 pm

That would make sense. I've seen what looks like a "T" fitting on top of the vent pipes, so if the wind is just right you could get that sound. The vent pipe is somewhere around 8' long, which would give a pitch about two octaves below middle C.

If the sound is consistent on a windy day, try adding water to the waste tanks to see if the pitch goes up.

Re: From Whence Comes the Oboe?

Reply #5 – January 23, 2014, 10:33:57 pm

Foretravel told me it was the roof rack pipes. They were rond and they would whine and that is why they eventually removed them.

Re: From Whence Comes the Oboe?

Reply #6 – January 24, 2014, 12:06:54 am

This being our first winter as Foretravel owners, we experienced the same honking sound in the recent blizzard up in St. Louis. I thought it was the funniest sound. And yes, a low bassoon is an accurate instrument of choice. Definitely a wind instrument.

Re: From Whence Comes the Oboe?

Reply #7 – January 24, 2014, 06:08:46 am

Its the luggage rack on the roof. The only reason I think I know is we installed a pod. After that in 2 years no "oboe" sounds

Re: From Whence Comes the Oboe?

Reply #8 – January 24, 2014, 08:02:34 am

Luggage Rack? Has anybody, any time, ever strapped "luggage" on top of their Foretravel? I just can't imagine that happening, for so many reasons. 1. You would look like the Beverly Hillbillies. 2. Climbing up the rear ladder carrying a heavy suitcase? I don't think so! 3. Would spoil the superb aerodynamics of our sleek coaches. 4. If anything came loose and fell off, it would probably take out the minivan right behind you, resulting in instant law suit. 5. Etc.

If you can't fit all your "stuff" in the storage bays, then you need to get rid of something. Or get a bigger coach...

Re: From Whence Comes the Oboe?

Reply #9 – January 24, 2014, 08:33:37 am

They used to have pods on top but stopped that but left the metal up there still. I nastily have seen spare tires.

Re: From Whence Comes the Oboe?

Reply #10 – January 24, 2014, 09:15:04 am

Chuck,

Insult accepted

Yes my nick name is Jed. If you have Grands and full time, no stiks or bricks their tents, swim stuff and seasonal decorations go in the pod on an 88 GV. No big bay, just little compartments. We are thankful and enjoy this simple life!

Re: From Whence Comes the Oboe?

Reply #11 – January 24, 2014, 09:28:02 am

fouroureye, you get the award for the most enticing topic subject name! I opened up Foreforums and couldn't wait to see what that was about.

Re: From Whence Comes the Oboe?

Reply #12 – January 24, 2014, 11:04:32 am

Try changing speeds to see (hear) what happens. If changing speeds does not change the pitch, then the oboe sound is coming from a very tiny oboe player on the roof you have yet to meet.

Re: From Whence Comes the Oboe?

Reply #13 – January 24, 2014, 11:14:15 am

I also thought it was the roof racks. When I unscrewed several of the screws joining the rack sections, the noise went away.

Bob

Re: From Whence Comes the Oboe?

Reply #14 – January 24, 2014, 11:16:14 am

Fouroureye,

Sorry - no offense intended! Anyway, a well designed enclosed cargo pod is a totally different deal. What I was imagining was piles of loose bags, suit cases and trunks plus assorted miscellaneous gear, piled up on the roof and held together with bungee cords, frayed cotton rope and duck tape. You know, a disaster waiting to happen.