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Topic: Transmission Retarder Questions (Read 654 times) previous topic - next topic

Transmission Retarder Questions

Will coaches with transmission retarders always have a joystick?  Forum searches show some people adding them so maybe not, eh?
I've been looking at early 90s coaches and when a seller doesn't mention a retarder I'll check the photo of the driver's compartment for a joystick. But I was wondering if some don't have one.

Will transmissions with a retarder always show in the specs with a model number with an "R"?

Thanks.

Re: Transmission Retarder Questions

Reply #1 –
If there is no joystick there is a rocker switch on the pad where the boost switch is,it turns the retarder on and off,as the brakes are applied the retarder has 3 progressive steps,this is the setup we have works fine,you can convert to the joystick to get a finer degree of control,Foretravel has the parts.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Transmission Retarder Questions

Reply #2 –
Early 90 coaches will be GranVillas, few ... if any came with the joystick. We have added them, it's a easy upgrade.

The transmissions with the retarder feature will have the "R" in its model number. (3060 vs 3060R)
Justin & Cathy Byrd
1995 U280 "Old Faithful"
36' Build #4673
C8.3 Cummins
Allison MD3060R 6 speed - retarder
Powertech 10KW  4cyl Kubota

Re: Transmission Retarder Questions

Reply #3 –
Quote from: FourTravelers –

The transmissions with the retarder feature will have the "R" in its model number. (3060 vs 3060R)

I agree with this of course.  Do not depend on a seller's description to be accurate, though.  Ask to be sure.  Might save a trip to look.  Might get a (IMO) an essential bonus that the owner was not aware of.
Matt B
1998 u-320

Re: Transmission Retarder Questions

Reply #4 –
Quote from: John44 –
If there is no joystick there is a rocker switch on the pad where the boost switch is...

Ok, thanks. Good to know that just because I can't see a joystick doesn't mean it doesn't have a retarder.

Re: Transmission Retarder Questions

Reply #5 –

As you are shopping, hope that you are looking at the "All Things Foretravel" site.  There you will find specs, and floorplans and more.  But if you read the year in question, with the correct model #, you can find in the sales spec list whether the coach has a retarder listed.
Dave Cobb
Buckhorn Lake Resort The Club, #6202, Kerrville TX
check the map.  I do rent it out when I am traveling!
2001, U320, 36' #5887, in Kerrville, FT Club #17006, (7/23 to present)
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Summit, white
EX: 98 U295, 36' #5219, (mid door), (4/13-10/23)
EX: 93 U225, 36' (4/11 to 4/13)

Re: Transmission Retarder Questions

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Dave Cobb –
As you are shopping, hope that you are looking at the "All Things Foretravel" site.  There you will find specs, and floorplans and more.  But if you read the year in question, with the correct model #, you can find in the sales spec list whether the coach has a retarder listed.

Yes, I've been looking there. I was wondering if a model would always have an "R" if it had a retarder or if sometimes they didn't.

Re: Transmission Retarder Questions

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Dave Cobb –
As you are shopping, hope that you are looking at the "All Things Foretravel" site.  There you will find specs, and floorplans and more. 

Or better yet, stay on Foreforums and find that info (and much more) in the Wiki

start [ForeForums Foretravel Motorcoach Wiki]
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