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Topic: New owner with a few questions (Read 1100 times) previous topic - next topic

New owner with a few questions

    Howdy Foretravel folks, we just bought our first RV, a 2003 U320, 38T #6197.  Man this thing is sweet.  It drives great, the retarder is fantastic and we're ecstatic to get out and do some camping soon.  After bringing it home, I did some poking around and basically flipped every switch to see what did what.  The previous owners also had a full set of manuals, as well as good records of maintenance and repairs/upgrades since 2013 (2nd owner).  The 3rd owner only owned the coach about a year, and this is who we bought it from.  He also tracked maintenance and repairs, so I have a darn good list of what's been done.  I was able to read through all of the manuals in the past few days prior to picking up the coach, so I think I'm fairly informed on the basics.

    During my poking around, I came up with a few questions some of you seasoned veterans may be able to help shed some light on.  We'd appreciate any info or direction you can share.

      • The front slide seal has a leak.  With the slide in, I found a leak about 1/3 of the way up the seal.  With the slide out, it seems to have stopped leaking.  Can these be fixed/patched or is this something that needs to be replaced?  If so, how hard is that job?

      New topic here
    Slide bladder leak (split from New owner with a few questions)

    • The electric steps don't go in an out when the key is off.  They go out and stay extended.  Is there a switch to power these without the key?

    New topic here How to make steps operate with door (split from New owner...)

    • My main awning goes out using the remote but will not retract.  I had to manually run it in this afternoon.  Ideas on where to look?  I assume the controls are behind the front, right panel above the steps, where the remotes are.

    New topic here:  Girard awning won't retract (split from New owner with a few questions)

    • There is a switch by the drivers leg that is unmarked.  When turned on, there is a LED light, but I don't see anything happening.  Picture attached.

    • In the bedroom there are two switches that don't seem to work.  The valence switch doesn't do anything.  I suspect these are for the 4 lights above the window as no switches make these turn on.  There is also a switch marked CAB that doesn't seem to do anything.
    • In the kitchen there is another switched marked valence that doesn't seem to do anything either.

    New topic here New-to-us coach - what do these switches do? (split from New owner...)

    • I have a key fob that is supposed to lock and unlock the entry door and basement doors.  The previous owner shows this to me but while I hear the solenoids pulling the locks, none of them are unlocking.  I had to unlock them all with the key.

    New topic here Key fob doesn't lock bay doors (split from New owner with a few questions)
    [/list]

    Any insights would be appreciated!  We are looking forward to getting out and exploring with our new coach!

    Keith & Faith


    [created new topics for each question.  Links provided above - Michelle]
    Keith
    2003 U320 38' #6197

    Re: New owner with a few questions

    Reply #1 –
    Quote from: WS6_Keith –
    • My main awning goes out using the remote but will not retract.  I had to manually run it in this afternoon.  Ideas on where to look?  I assume the controls are behind the front, right panel above the steps, where the remotes are.

    • In the bedroom there are two switches that don't seem to work.  The valence switch doesn't do anything.
        (A). I suspect these are for the 4 lights above the window as no switches make these turn on. 
        (B)There is also a switch marked CAB that doesn't seem to do anything.

    Keith,
    3. Depending on the awning this could be an air issue as some awnings require air pressure to open/close. The small 12VDC compressor is marginal at best to run this type awning. If you do have a slide seal leak (#1) then the compressor sure won't have enough pressure/volume to work an air operated awning.

    5.a Yes
    5b. This switch should operate the lights that are hid in the overhead cabinets in the bedroom.

    Mike

    Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

    "It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

    Re: New owner with a few questions

    Reply #2 –
    Hi Keith and Faith, welcome to our community. You are starting out with a nice coach.

    Slide seals generally leak or don't leak.  And usually cannot be patched, maybe for a short while but not long term. Seals have a life of 7-10 years, some shorter, some longer. It will need replacement in Nacogdoches TX at Foretravel or Motorhomes of Texas or at the HWH service center in Moscow, Iowa.  It is a day long job, usually around $4,000.  There are others that can do this depending on where you are.

    Electric steps are controlled by ignition on and the magnetic switch on the screen door.  If ign is off the steps extend when the door is opened and stay open until the ign is turn on and the door is closed and then the steps retract.  You can add an override switch so thet when the ign is off the steps retract when the door is closed and extend when the door is open.  It is nice to do if you want the steps retracted while you are away.  Not hard to do, just find the correct wires.

    The switch in the driver's footwell looks like an add on.  Check for outside lights perhaps?

    Valence lights are in the window valences at the top of the windows, hard to see unless it is dark. Accent lights are most often under the edges of counter tops of in the step well of cabinets, again hard to see in daylight.  The Cab switch should turn on lights in the bottoms of overhead cabinets.  If it is not working make sure the wires are connected at the back of the switch as a starting point.

    The electric door motors have plastic gears inside that strip out sooner or later, all but one on my coach have been replaced for that reason.  If you hear the actuator whirring instead of clucking it is toast.  You can buy actuators at Amzon or other places, make a mounting plate, bend some rods to make a connector, and splice wires to make it work.  Or call Foretravel, they will know what you need and a have a kit that comes with everything you need, ready to mount, connect and plug in. Maybe a bit more money but saves time.  Shipping is always a bit of a pricey part of buying from Foretravel.  It is going to cast about the same if you buy 1 kit or 10.  Motorhomes of Texas might have them too.

    Brass keys for the bay doors are fragile and easy to twist off.  Take your keys to a hardware store or lock shop and get several steel copies made.

    If you are a Motorcade Member you get 10% off at both places.  First year might still be free.

    Start using your coach, fix first what has to be fixed. Most everything else can wait a bit, there will be more as you find out how the coach works and what you would like to make it better for you.

    Roger
    Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
    2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
    Hastings, MN

    Re: New owner with a few questions

    Reply #3 –
      Quote from: WS6_Keith –
      Howdy Foretravel folks, we just bought our first RV, a 2003 U320, 38T #6197. 

      The front slide seal has a leak.  With the slide in, I found a leak about 1/3 of the way up the seal.  With the slide out, it seems to have stopped leaking.  Can these be fixed/patched or is this something that needs to be replaced?  If so, how hard is that job?[/li][/list]

      Not a DIY; cannot be patched.  You need to remove interior bits, disconnect slide, push it in.  Scrape old air bladder out "carefully".  Install new air bladder.  Likely replace slide manifold block (new bladders require a different pressure).  Reverse process.  Best to have a shop that has done a FT slide bladder before.  The slide bladder is probably around $1600-$2000 plus 16 hours shop labor.

      Quote
      The electric steps don't go in an out when the key is off.  They go out and stay extended.  Is there a switch to power these without the key?

      There should be an unmarked switch on the panel in front of the passenger seat that will allow the steps to operate with the door.  There is not normally a switch to keep the steps in when the engine is running due to safety concerns (but it can be done).

      Quote
      My main awning goes out using the remote but will not retract.  I had to manually run it in this afternoon.  Ideas on where to look?  I assume the controls are behind the front, right panel above the steps, where the remotes are.

      Girard?  Yes, the current limiter (which is likely what failed) is behind that panel.

      Quote
      In the bedroom there are two switches that don't seem to work.  The valence switch doesn't do anything.  I suspect these are for the 4 lights above the window as no switches make these turn on.  There is also a switch marked CAB that doesn't seem to do anything.

      Val is the rope lighting behind the valance.  The bulbs do burn out.  CAB is probably under cabinet lighting - the puck lights on either side of the bed.

      Quote
      In the kitchen there is another switched marked valence that doesn't seem to do anything either.

      Rope lighting behind dining valance.

      Quote
      I have a key fob that is supposed to lock and unlock the entry door and basement doors.  The previous owner shows this to me but while I hear the solenoids pulling the locks, none of them are unlocking.  I had to unlock them all with the key.

      Lock actuators have possibly failed.  There is a plastic part in them that can wear out OR the batteries got low enough (in the coach, not the remote) that the actuators all chattered and failed.

      Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

      2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
      2003 U320

      Re: New owner with a few questions

      Reply #4 –
      Congratulations on your coach purchase. Very nice coach. Your leaking bladder seal will need to be replaced if it is damaged. Any rubber product is life limited. Your coach is much easier to replace the seal, the slide can be pushed in several inches to be changed it.
      There is a air dryer in your Pneumatic system  that requires regular maintenance and if overlooked will cause havoc on your entire pneumatic system by contamination caused by a old dryer desiccant decomposition.
      Scott

      Re: New owner with a few questions

      Reply #5 –
      FYI, as you get into each of these items, it's best to start an individual topic, rather than having several unrelated technical discussions going on in the same topic.  It makes for better information flow and future search results.
      Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

      2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
      2003 U320

      Re: New owner with a few questions

      Reply #6 –
      Welcome to the Fore family!  You have a beautiful coach and a learning curve, but with the help on this forum, you will enjoy your new to you ride.  Again, safe travels and great to have you!
      Joe & Dottie Allen
      Sold!  December 2023.      2000 U320; build # 5645
      Our coach " Maxine"
      Motorcade #  15922;  Escapee 150950; FMCA F330833; Boondockers Welcome;  Harvest Hosts;  Thousand Trails
      '98 U320 from 2000-'06
      USAF '62-'66

      "Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for." ―Epicurus

      Re: New owner with a few questions

      Reply #7 –
      Welcome Keith & Faith,

      You have taken two important steps towards happy coach ownership.  First, you bought a great coach, and second you joined this Forum.  The accumulated Foretravel knowledge available for free here could not be purchased anywhere else for any price.

      You are also off to a good start by posting photos with your questions.  Since almost all our assistance must be by definition "long distance" it really helps us help you when you post photos of the item in question.

      And, like Michelle says, try to keep each "question" thread limited to one subject.  In the future, some other new owner will search the Forum looking for an answer to the exact same question.  Limiting your threads to one single topic will make future searches more successful.

      When we bought our Foretravel 8 years ago, it was our very first RV of any type.  We never even had a tent camper.  I seriously don't think we would have survived the experience without the support of the many fine members of this Forum.  From the very first day of our ownership, when 3 Forum members showed up in person to help us take possession, they have always been there 24/7 to answer our many questions and provide guidance.  The initial learning curve is steep, but it won't take long for you to get comfortable with your new ride.

      Good luck with your adventure!

      PS:  Keith, are you a Pontiac Trans Am fan by any chance?

      1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
      C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
      960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
      Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
      "Nature abhors a vacuum"

      Re: New owner with a few questions

      Reply #8 –
      One thing I might add to Chuck & Jeannie's comments is: Once you have solved the problem you presented to the Forum, please post the solution and results so the information can be added to the great information vault contained on this Forum.
      All to often we never hear from a poster after their first inquiry re a problem.
      Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
      1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
      Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
      2006 Saturn Vue AWD

      Re: New owner with a few questions

      Reply #9 –
      Hi guys from BC Canada.
      By any chance did you buy this coach from people in Connecticut. Reason I ask is because it looks like the one I drove from here to that owner and they only kept it for around a year as they found out it was too big for their use. If itmis thismone Imcan,put you in touch with the second owners here that had a nu,ber of changes,done and this may help you.  I was impressed with the,one I drove and it ran great for over 3000 miles.
      JohnH
      Coachless, now use aircraft. 2003 Ford Travelair TC280 class C. Super shape. Just for 1 yr .
      1994 Ford E350 ClassC,total renovation inside and out. Now sold.
      2000 U295  36' Cummins 350 c/w Banks Stinger, Resonator upgrade,Solar, LED lites.Residential fridge with slide out pantry. Build 5674. Sold
      ex 92 GV 022C ored Cummins. Sold
      ex 95 GV240 cat 3116. Sold
      2017 Mini cooper s & 2016 land Rover LR2 HSE  LUX.
      jhaygarth@aol.com    SKP #130098
      treat everyone as you would like to be.

      Re: New owner with a few questions

      Reply #10 –
      Welcome Keith & Faith,
       We have the same coach as you and I have known the 2nd owner for quite some time. And he did keep meticulous records.
      Everybody else has already answered your questions pretty much so I'll just say Hi and welcome to the club!
       PS, I'll ask him what that switch is by the drivers side
      Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
      2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
      Build # 6215
      MC # 16926
      2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

      Re: New owner with a few questions

      Reply #11 –
      Temporarily locked so I can split this into separate question topics - Michelle
      Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

      2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
      2003 U320

      Re: New owner with a few questions

      Reply #12 –
      Topic has now been split into multiple separate ones.  Please answer specific questions in those topics.  General responses can stay with this one
      Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

      2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
      2003 U320
       

      Re: New owner with a few questions

      Reply #13 –
      Quote from: rbark –
      Welcome Keith & Faith,
       We have the same coach as you and I have known the 2nd owner for quite some time. And he did keep meticulous records.
      Everybody else has already answered your questions pretty much so I'll just say Hi and welcome to the club!
       PS, I'll ask him what that switch is by the drivers side

      Thanks to everyone that has responded in this thread.  I've gone ahead and moved my responses to those individual threads as well.

      rbark - we did find that the switch has some interactions with the window awnings. 
      Keith
      2003 U320 38' #6197