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Topic: Difference between U270 and U295 (Read 1640 times) previous topic - next topic

Difference between U270 and U295

Can someone tell me the difference between a 2000 U270 36 ft and a 2000 U295 36 ft.

Don / Mystic, CT
Don

Re: Difference between U270 and U295

Reply #1 –
Options, or more specifically option list...
A U295 could be optioned up to be equal to a U320, but with the smaller engine/trans package. It could also be had in a 40 footer. Engine and trans were the same, chassis and construction also. Aquahot was optional on a 295, not optional on a 270 as I recall (for example).
The selected media item is not currently available. Dave Head & Megan Westbrook
Titusville, FL - The Great Outdoors
'98 270 buying this month
Toad is a 2018 F150 XLT

Re: Difference between U270 and U295

Reply #3 –
Thanks for all the help

Don
Don

Re: Difference between U270 and U295

Reply #4 –
Brett,
Thanks for the link, I checked on the equipment listed for a '97 U295 vs. a '98 and my coach is equipped and fitted as a '98.  I have not understood why the "title" says '97 while the vin. is clearly a '98.  The sticker on the side near the entry door notes that it was manufactured on Sept. of '97.

Thanks!!!
Fred, Dawn and Bandit
1998 U295, 36', build # 5233, Motorcade # 16961
2007 Black Saturn Vue

Re: Difference between U270 and U295

Reply #5 –
Funny you should ask that... Just last night I was going through some hardcopys of the 1999 U270, U295, and U320 spec sheets with a highliter. Having just bought a U270 (3602 WTFE), but now in the stage of impatiently waiting to take possesion, I was curious to see what I would be missing out on. Sounds morbid I know... but since I know the chassis and construction essential bits are the same, and we definitely bought the best we could afford just to get into a Foretravel at all, I am quite happy with the feature set of our Foretravel. Many of the differences we be negated by the time we finish tinkering... but not all.

In the order they are listed...
Under standard chassis features;
U295 & U320 has 6 Alcoa aluminium wheels instead of 4. The inners of the rear axle are steel on the U270.
U295 & U320 has  a 160 amp vs. 130 amp alternator on the U270.
U295 & U320 has chrome mirrors standard, option on the U270.

Under Exterior features;
Air hose for tire service. Missing on the U270...
Door bell. (this once I can live without!)
Keyless remote entry on door and storage bay. (this one hurts a bit, having been spoiled my a two paging alarm system on my now departed car)
Parallel Storage bay doors (bus style). I wish ours had this! It was one of the things that had me lusting after an American Eagle for awhile... not needing any clearance to open the cargo doors is a nice plus, not to mention giving more wide open access.
Shelf in fresh water bay and LP compartment. (no biggie to me)
Slide out cargo tray standard. (fortunately ours has a full size Joey bed that comes out either side, perhaps added later or as an option when new)
Under cockpit features;
Audit 8t8 system monitor with Electronic outdoor thermometer and compass, vs.  Audit 9T6 system monitor on the U270 (no therm. or compass)
Cell Phone antenna & connection
Illumination on the dash panel and shifter panel instead of just the dash on the U270.
Under Livability Features;
Bedroom alarm clock. (this I can also live without!)
Bose Companion Surround Sound System (U295), Bose Lifestyle 25 Home Theater System with CD changer (U320)
Built in Safe
Chandler at dining table
Concealed Cabinet Door Hinges
Dometic 12 cu.ft. Side-by-side refer with built-in in ice maker, or 10 cu.ft. model with separate ice maker depending on floor plans.
Extra wide co-pilot seat, with electric foot rest on U320
Floor level accent lights
Generator Switch in bedroom
Gourmet kitchen faucet w/spray
Leather seats and sofa in U320
Recessed Gaggenau 2-burner cooktop (U320)
Slide out Shelf under kitchen sink
Solid Surface 2 compartment sink
Solid Surface Lavatory sink
Tip-out storage below sink
VCR eye
Window accent lighting
Under Heating/Cooling/Electrical Features
Aqua-Hot Hydronic heating, standard on U320, optional on U295, not available on U270
Freedom 25 heart interface on U295 vs. Freedom 20 Heart Interface on U270 (though ours has a Freedom Heart 10, what's up with that???), Freedom 2S Heart Interface on U320 (not sure if the "s" is a Typo in the Freedom 2S... maybe supposed to be a 5?)
Link 2000 battery monitor
10kw Powertech Diesel generator, vs 8kw in U270
22,000 BTU Automotive A/C vs 17,500 BTU in U270
42,000 BTU Automotive Heater/Defroster vs. 35,000 BTU in U270
Under Standard Weight Ratings;
GVRW U320 34,880lb., U270 33,000lb., U270 31,000lb.
GCWR is 10,000lbs higher than GVRW in each case.
Same capacities except that units with Hydronic heating have 194 gal. diesel instead of 148 gal., and they have a smaller 17 gal. Propane vs, the 42 gal standard propane furnace units.

The popular options look to be the same for all units, except hose and shoreline reels are not available for the U270. What is a Smart Visor anyway?
I have only listed the differences from the 1999 brochures off of Barry's marvelous site. I think I got them all, feel free to correct me if I am wrong!
These are the 1999 brochures and the other years may differ somewhat...
Don


Quote from: Donmystic1 –
Can someone tell me the difference between a 2000 U270 36 ft and a 2000 U295 36 ft.

Don / Mystic, CT
The selected media item is not currently available.
Don & Tys
1999 U270 3602 WTFE #5402
Xtreme Stage 1 w/Headlight, Step Conversion, etc.
2009 Honda Fit Sport with Navi
Freedom is NOT "just another word for nothing left to lose"... with apologies to Kris Kristofferson

Re: Difference between U270 and U295

Reply #6 –
Don, Your comparisons made me think about my 95 U280, I have always thought that I had a coach with better than average amenities.  In checking your list I found that on my old 280 I have the following options that are not on a 270 according to your listing:
6 Alcoa wheels
160 AMP Alternator
Door bell, Hey this is a luxury item that will never wear out as no one ever uses it.
Cell Phone antennae
Audit system with Therm and Compass
Illumination of dash and shifter panels
Bedroom alarm clock, Worth its weight in gold if you can get your bifocals close enough to read the little numbers to set it.  ( still useful to be Able to reach up and see what time it is.)
Built in safe Not much use for this as FOT and MOT and Extreme have all our money anyway
Generator switch in bedroom , again, nice on cold morning, turn on genny and fire up heat strips in AC unit.
Freedom 25 Heart Interface
Link battery monitor
10 KW PT Genny with 4 cylinder Kubota

Guess I will have to keep this list if I ever sell it.
Gary B

Re: Difference between U270 and U295

Reply #7 –
Sounds like your 95' 280 is very well appointed indeed! Now I can be jealous of vintage Foretravels as well! Planned updates for ours, not in order, bigger pure sinewave inverter, upgrade on the Link monitor, extra coach batteries, Solar Panels, Computer system with Silverleaf monitoring, new LCD Back-up camera and monitor, built in computer workstation/recording desk, 2 more Alcoa's (next tire change on the rears perhaps (they are only a few weeks old, so it should be awhile...), upgrading the Pilot's and copilots seating... oh the list goes on and on! But first, Bamboo flooring throughout. Don't ask me yet how I plan to accomplish all that, but it is fun to dream! Truth is, we love this coach and it has all the important stuff for us; like the washer/dryer hookups, the Trans retarder and the Air Disc brakes, monocoque construction, and just a nice feeling when you sit inside it. We just can't wait to get her home! I guess I better get back to the sticks and bricks renovation that is eventually going to free me of a mortgage and being owned by all the stuff that fills it up!



Quote from: Gary Bouland –
Don, Your comparisons made me think about my 95 U280, I have always thought that I had a coach with better than average amenities.  In checking your list I found that on my old 280 I have the following options that are not on a 270 according to your listing:
The selected media item is not currently available.
Don & Tys
1999 U270 3602 WTFE #5402
Xtreme Stage 1 w/Headlight, Step Conversion, etc.
2009 Honda Fit Sport with Navi
Freedom is NOT "just another word for nothing left to lose"... with apologies to Kris Kristofferson

Re: Difference between U270 and U295

Reply #8 –
Don, I would not think too hard about replacing the inner steel wheels with Alcoas unless someone gives them to you.  The only gain would be a few pounds lighter weight.  It would not make rotation any easier as only the visible faces are polished. Sounds like you have enough in mind to keep you busy for a few months.  :)
Gary B

Re: Difference between U270 and U295

Reply #9 –
Don:  I have unit 5219, listed as a 98 model, build date of Aug 97, mid entry u298 with C8 mechanical engine    Norm 
Norm H.
2002 U320 3602
PBDS
Build # 5941
MC# 16699


1997 Gulfstream Tourmaster, Cummins 8.3
2000 Country Coach Magna, Cat C-10
1998 Foretravel U295, Cummins 8.3
 

Re: Difference between U270 and U295

Reply #10 –
Hi Norm,
Oursbis a model year 1999, built apparently built in July 98' (according to the vin plate). I had no idea they made a mid entry that late. Is it the Bus style?

Don
[q uote author=nlh1250 link=topic=13544.msg75802#msg75802 date=1315608788]
Don:  I have unit 5219, listed as a 98 model, build date of Aug 97, mid entry u298 with C8 mechanical engine    Norm
[/quote]
The selected media item is not currently available.
Don & Tys
1999 U270 3602 WTFE #5402
Xtreme Stage 1 w/Headlight, Step Conversion, etc.
2009 Honda Fit Sport with Navi
Freedom is NOT "just another word for nothing left to lose"... with apologies to Kris Kristofferson