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Topic: AC outlet in cockpit (Read 690 times) previous topic - next topic

AC outlet in cockpit

Still have not gotten our Foretravel, but we're optimistic :)
So... we have a couple of questions for the lucky ones who do have one of these awesome machines.

1. Assuming we're talking about 2000 - 2005 U295 or U320 units, is there a 120 volt AC outlet up front in the cockpit besides the one that powers the TV?  Asking because I'd like to use my existing laptop to run a Bluefire but it needs AC for the charger (so it would need too run of of the inverter too).

2. I'm 6'4".  Am I going to hate myself for buying a FT motorhome of this vintage?  I understand that the showers are pretty short but, as long as I don't hit my head when standing erect, I think I can deal with it for the 10 - 15 minutes my shower will last.  Is that possible and just how low is the ceiling at the lowest point on the "ceiling inserts" pictured below?



Thanks!
Looking for a Foretravel 
Current RV: 2009 Tiffin Allegro 32BA

Re: AC outlet in cockpit

Reply #1 –
I just went into the front middle console and ran a power strip to the passenger's side. Easy! We have the mid entry so not sure the neatest way to bring the power to your co-pilot seat.

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

Re: AC outlet in cockpit

Reply #2 –
In my 1998 U320 there is an AC outlet to the left of driver's seat near the floor.  We used to plug the laptop into that outlet and turn on the inverter when driving.  A couple years ago I bought a 300 watt inverter, plugs into one of the cigarette plug and we just use it for the laptop.  You can run the inverter if you wish

I am about 5'11" and don't have overhead clearance issues.  At 6'4" you may bump you head sometimes, or at least always be aware of the "low ceiling".  Other taller people may be able to speak from personal experience.
1998 U320 40'
2005 GMC Yukon
MC# 17609

Re: AC outlet in cockpit

Reply #3 –
Yes and probably. Talk to Roger (&susan), he's 6'4" I think and has the same ceiling. I do too and am 6' and wouldn't want to be any taller.
1987 Grand Villa ORED
2001 U320 4010

Not all that wander are lost... but I often am.

Re: AC outlet in cockpit

Reply #4 –
The outlet to the left of the driver seat runs off the same circuit breaker as the front tv outlet, fridge freezer outlet and all the outlets in the bedroom.  The outlet next to the copilot seat runs to the bathroom gfi.  For what it's worth I have my residential fridge and all those aforementioned outlets connected to a separate 800watt inverter, wired to a 3 way switch, so I can power it directly off the battery or through the normal breaker when connected to shore power or genny. 
2001 4010 U320 build #5865 "Bluto-d-Bus" since 09/18
2006 Honda Element ESP Toad
Full timing since 2016 in Western MT
Copilot: Sitka
1975 GMC 260 Avion: sold

Re: AC outlet in cockpit

Reply #5 –
Everyone has covered the AC outlets.  I run a Microsoft Surface Pro 4 on my dash for the VMSpc and bought a DC to DC charger for it off Amazon.  I plug it in and charge it as needed.  On longer trips, I just leave it plugged in all the time.

Keith
2003 U320 38' #6197

Re: AC outlet in cockpit

Reply #6 –
@Roger & Susan in Home2
I hear your 6'4", how do you do with the low ceiling and shower height of the 2000's vintage FTs?
Looking for a Foretravel 
Current RV: 2009 Tiffin Allegro 32BA

Re: AC outlet in cockpit

Reply #7 –
Quote from: BrAndT –
@Roger & Susan in Home2
I hear your 6'4", how do you do with the low ceiling and shower height of the 2000's vintage FTs?

Think we went through this problem last week.. Thread locked.. No one else thinks its important when someone doesnt post... Even for such a simple question.. you wont get the answer and if pressed the thread will get locked.. Find another person on the forum for this question.
2002 U320 36' Single axle  MOST MODED IN HISTORY SO MUCH ITS ALMOST ILLIGAL
2 slides ( living room and bedroom)
undisclosed
male
female
genderless
nonbinary
transgendered

Re: AC outlet in cockpit

Reply #8 –
BrANdT

For us it wasn't the shower or the air conditioner. It was the bookcase headboard that reaches out and grabs you in the middle of the night.....

He's 6'.
The selected media item is not currently available.
Lynn & Marilyn Sickel
Tollville, AR
1997  U320  40'
2021 Chevrolet Silverado pickup
Motorcader  17257

Re: AC outlet in cockpit

Reply #9 –
I'm 6'2" and don't have a real issue in the shower, yes it's tight but with the skylight there it gives you extra room to put your head up in. My coach is a 2003
The selected media item is not currently available.Keith & Jo
2003 U320T 4025 PBBS Designer series
Build 6203    Cummins 500hp
2000 U320 4010 WTFE / Build 5762 —Sold—
Motorcade #18070   
Pasadena, Texas
2015 Jeep Wrangler Sahara-Sunset Orange pearl coat
Don't argue with a fool, people watching might not be able to tell the difference.

Re: AC outlet in cockpit

Reply #10 –
I'm 6'3", you'll be fine.  Like Keith mentioned, the skylight gives extra space, plenty of vertical and horizontal room.

My ceilings are not like the one in you pic, that looks more than adequate.  I just gotta make sure the DW closes cabinets, she has a terrible habit of not doing that in numerous houses... but when walking in the coach, I may tilt my head slightly around the ACs, IDK really, if I do it's subconscious. I don't recall hitting my head though.

As mentioned, I plug my laptop in the 120 plug below the driver seat and run VMSpec, highly recommend that
Jason
2000 U295 36' Non-slide  ISC350

Re: AC outlet in cockpit

Reply #11 –
BrAndT, send Roger a P/M or email
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

Re: AC outlet in cockpit

Reply #12 –
Plenty of 120 AC plug ins. Lots of taller motor homes with taller ceilings you can choose from, I wouldn't want being 6'4" be my reason for parking one in my barn.
Dub McBride 1996 270

Re: AC outlet in cockpit

Reply #13 –
I'm 6'4" with a 1999 U270. Issues I have.  Stock tv located above drivers seat. Otherwise I can't think of any issues. So used to just working around issues. I do not think about it. I did watch a Utube by Andrew Steele. Showing off a group of high end used coaches. Item of intrest was comment that after year xx the interior height was raised to 7'. May enjoy watching that video. Believe they were all Country Coach units.
1999 U270 40 #5518
USN. USPS.

Re: AC outlet in cockpit

Reply #14 –
Quote from: BrAndT –
@Roger & Susan in Home2
I hear your 6'4", how do you do with the low ceiling and shower height of the 2000's vintage FTs?

Email Roger at
Roger.pdxdev@gmail.com

For reasons that I won't go into here........ he isn't posting on the forum..... for now, anyway.
If you email him, he will respond when he can.

Justin & Cathy Byrd
1995 U280 "Old Faithful"
36' Build #4673
C8.3 Cummins
Allison MD3060R 6 speed - retarder
Powertech 10KW  4cyl Kubota

Re: AC outlet in cockpit

Reply #15 –
If you are new to RVing you will not be spending 10-15 minutes in the shower. Water is a precious commodity and limited by tank size divided by number of days until you can refill or the limited quantity of hot water,
I am 6'2" and have plenty of headroom with the skylight/dome.
Have fun with your new RV
David & Emma Roche
Dino (Golden Doodle)
1999 U270 WTFE 36' Build # 5534
Xtreme "Lights, Stripes & Roof"
Motorcade# 18321
Dayton, Ohio
Towd: Jeep Grand Cherokee
Two Townie Electra Bikes

Life is made to enjoy, the Foretravel helps!
 

Re: AC outlet in cockpit

Reply #16 –
I'm 6'6",  I can stand in the shower , but I am in the skylight.  When I remodeled the bathroom, I placed a secondary bracket for the hand held shower that works better with my height.  When we have hookups, I talk very long hot showers with no issues.

The places where you need to "duck" are when going under the sliding door tracks for the bathroom. They are killers on the head. Very hard sharp corners on those track covers.

I can fully stand up in the ceiling cut outs, but do have to tip my head down to clear the AC units.

After whacking your head a few times, you learn quickly where the trouble spots are.  Definitely not a reason to not get a Foretravel in my opinion
Mark & Bev
2001 U295 36' Slide
Cummins ISC 8.3 350HP
Build #5802
Jeep Wrangler Toad