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Topic: 1996 36' max angle on a driveway before I start rubbing stuff off? (Read 818 times) previous topic - next topic

1996 36' max angle on a driveway before I start rubbing stuff off?

I searched pretty hard and didn't find an answer so...

I am going to Colorado in a couple of weeks to pick up a well used 96 36' U270.  One of the questions I have is if I am going to be able to get it into my driveway.  I was able to get my 26.5 gas class A in it but I am pretty sure I will have to raise the front and back end of the 36' to deal with the slope at the transition from road to driveway.   

Does someone have a good idea of how much angle I can overcome with the air bags?

I have an alternative place to park the coach but it's going to get a bit ugly if I can't get it up the driveway to my house so I can turn around.
1999 U320 3600
CAI floorplan
Build #5466
M11 - HD4060R
Name ?..  working on that

Re: 1996 36' max angle on a driveway before I start rubbing stuff off?

Reply #1 –
It depends on your situation, Regular aprons are no problem and you don't have to raise the coach. Some crowned streets might make it where you have to raise it. A more common problem for me is width of street and width of apron, I have to go over the curb with my left front wheel to enter my driveway. I use some wood to make it a 2 step. Nothing drags though.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: 1996 36' max angle on a driveway before I start rubbing stuff off?

Reply #2 –
Quote from: mattschilds –
I am going to Colorado in a couple of weeks to pick up a well used 96 36' U270.  One of the questions I have is if I am going to be able to get it into my driveway.  I was able to get my 26.5 gas class A in it but I am pretty sure I will have to raise the front and back end of the 36' to deal with the slope at the transition from road to driveway.   
Does someone have a good idea of how much angle I can overcome with the air bags?
Super tough question to answer without actually trying it. My neighbor had the same problem with a fifth wheel. If it's close, a couple of planks might be enough to make the difference. How about a photo? Not saying anyone could give an answer but it might be good for guesses. :) The ten foot difference in lengths is a lot.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: 1996 36' max angle on a driveway before I start rubbing stuff off?

Reply #3 –
add picture of drive entry...
Tim Fiedler    2025 LTV Unity MBL on Order
2000 Chevy Tracker 2 Door Convertible 4WD Now lifted 4.5"
1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston
Murphy Rebel on wheels with 175HP Titan
Cessna P337
1980 48' Westport MY (!/4 Share)

Re: 1996 36' max angle on a driveway before I start rubbing stuff off?

Reply #4 –
If I knew how high off the ground the front and back of the coach will get I can figure it out.

The sloped part of the driveway is about 45' and the elevation change is about 12'. 

The attached picture shows the driveway and the old 26.5' gas coach.  It is a pretty old shot as none of our landscape work over the last 8 or 9 years is in it.
1999 U320 3600
CAI floorplan
Build #5466
M11 - HD4060R
Name ?..  working on that

Re: 1996 36' max angle on a driveway before I start rubbing stuff off?

Reply #5 –
I need to know how far the back end hangs out past the rear wheels as well.
1999 U320 3600
CAI floorplan
Build #5466
M11 - HD4060R
Name ?..  working on that

Re: 1996 36' max angle on a driveway before I start rubbing stuff off?

Reply #6 –
Give Joe a call, I'm sure he will measure for you
Old Phart Phred, EIEIO
89 GV ored 36' #3405 300 hp cat 3208 ATAAC side radiator, mountain tamer exhaust brake

Re: 1996 36' max angle on a driveway before I start rubbing stuff off?

Reply #7 –
Like others, suggest boards at the transition to lessen the angle. 
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: 1996 36' max angle on a driveway before I start rubbing stuff off?

Reply #9 –
"I need to know how far the back end hangs out past the rear wheels as well." I think our previous 94/U225 from center of the rear tire to edge of the bumper was 11,5". I had struggled with the same issue. I had to build a ramp. Picture attached. 
http://www.foreforums.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=3312
Former 2003 GV U295 (6230) (2015 - 2025)
Former 94 GV U225 (2013-2016)

Re: 1996 36' max angle on a driveway before I start rubbing stuff off?

Reply #10 –
Using 11.5 feet as the overhang and doing some measurements on the driveway I will need to be able to get the lowest point in the back 42" off the ground for it to not rub going in the driveway.  My guess is there won't be enough height adjustment to get there though I don't know that yet.  I sent my calculations off to an engineer friend to see if he agrees with my math.

Once I know how much I need to add to the height of the rear wheels I will build a stepped ramp to add the extra height to the rear wheels. 
1999 U320 3600
CAI floorplan
Build #5466
M11 - HD4060R
Name ?..  working on that

Re: 1996 36' max angle on a driveway before I start rubbing stuff off?

Reply #11 –
So my engineer friend who tends to have a lot of common sense suggested I just build a quick jig to test if the coach would get in the driveway.  I got the ride height, and length past the rear wheels from the current owner.  The wheel base came from the specifications page.

I put one cement block with enough wood on top to match the ride height in the front and set it on the driveway.  I measured off the wheelbase and put another one set to the rear ride height there.  Took a string and pulled a straight line past the bottom block as far as the coach hangs over the rear wheels.  Not even close to hitting.  Checked it in a few other positions with the same result. 

Things are starting to line up.  Got a good insurance quote today, bought a plane ticket, started making a list of what I need to bring with me.  I talked to the local DMV about a temporary plate, they said it was easy

Friday the 26th can't come soon enough.

1999 U320 3600
CAI floorplan
Build #5466
M11 - HD4060R
Name ?..  working on that

Re: 1996 36' max angle on a driveway before I start rubbing stuff off?

Reply #12 –
Long ago i installed heavy duty roller wheels under the rear of most ftx's
"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

Re: 1996 36' max angle on a driveway before I start rubbing stuff off?

Reply #13 –
Quote from: mattschilds –
I searched pretty hard and didn't find an answer so...

I am going to Colorado in a couple of weeks to pick up a well used 96 36' U270.  One of the questions I have is if I am going to be able to get it into my driveway.  I was able to get my 26.5 gas class A in it but I am pretty sure I will have to raise the front and back end of the 36' to deal with the slope at the transition from road to driveway.   

Does someone have a good idea of how much angle I can overcome with the air bags?

I have an alternative place to park the coach but it's going to get a bit ugly if I can't get it up the driveway to my house so I can turn around.

I am a new foretravel owner and I need help learning about the coach. The one I just purchased in a 1994. I am responding here i n hopes to get some direction because I am also learning this forum stuff.

Thanks,

Steve
 

Re: 1996 36' max angle on a driveway before I start rubbing stuff off?

Reply #14 –
Be careful when turning into a sloped surface you don't get too much of a twist. Front windshields can crack and or pop out. Easy does it.
91 GV U300 Unihome 40' Build 3811
6V92TA Detroit