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Topic: GV U-240 questions. (Read 743 times) previous topic - next topic

GV U-240 questions.

Was 1993 the first year of the CAT 3116 six cylinder engine with the six speed Allison transmission and retarder? When did they quit making this beauty and were they all 3116s?  Holiday best to all of you!  b^.^d
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
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                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
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Re: GV U-240 questions.

Reply #1
Was 1993 the first year of the CAT 3116 six cylinder engine with the six speed Allison transmission and retarder? When did they quit making this beauty and were they all 3116s?  Holiday best to all of you!  b^.^d

I believe there were some late 1992's U240's with Cat 3116 and Allison MD3060 6 speed. Earlier ones were Caterpillar 3208 and Allison 4 speed hydraulic transmission.

1995 was the last year.

All were torsilastic suspension.

To my knowledge, there was no "supplemental braking system" as OE until 1994 when a transmission retarder was offered.

Most earlier models, starting with production late 1992 would accommodate an exhaust brake that was pretty effective (The PacBrake PRXB being the most powerful (most braking HP).
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: GV U-240 questions.

Reply #2
I have a question, did Foretravel ever use the Cummins 5.9 ?
Andy & Eileen
MONTROSE COLORADO
1992 U300  40' 6V92 TA
2016 4 Runner
1998 Jeep Grand cherokee

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee) Build # 4135 Skp# 122921

Re: GV U-240 questions.

Reply #3
I have a question, did Foretravel ever use the Cummins 5.9
Yes, in '93, I show a Cummins B5.9  230 H.P. version in the GV series. It was called a "U-225". It had the Allison MT 643 trans. I don't know if it was a four or six speed or could take a retarder. It was "cheaper" than the U-240, listing at $190,000.00. The CAT version was 10k more.
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: GV U-240 questions.

Reply #4
Yes, all U225's had the Cummins B 5.9 liter 230 HP with rear radiator and Allison 4 speed transmission, torsilastic suspension.
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: GV U-240 questions.

Reply #5
If I was looking for a U-240 to buy with the CAT six, I'd check to see what Brett discovered: the six was heavier than the Torsilastic springs were spec'd for. He had Goodrich build him some for his/mine and FT started using them, but I wonder how many 240s fell through the cracks? They are not made anymore by Goodrich, but a after market Co. makes them: Sulastic
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

 

Re: GV U-240 questions.

Reply #6
The 19k rear springs for U240's:

To my knowledge zero were OE, since my work with the B.F. Goodrich engineers was AFTER the last U240 was built (1995).

But, following my getting the 19k's installed at Foretravel factory and their driving on them, all rear springs from that time on that were ordered were 19k springs.

If on original 15k's, measure rear ride height and count number of shims.  That will give you a pretty good idea of what you are looking at.

Yes, Sulastic (Mexican company), but owner lives in San Antonio, TX does make replacements.  I have never seen one and do not know anything about their quality.  Don't read that as negative-- I just have no first hand information.  BTW, they drove over to League City and used my coach to do measurements for their replacements.
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