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Topic: Strange Weights found - boxes of concrete by U280 front axle? (Read 2283 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Strange Weights found - boxes of concrete by U280 front axle?

Reply #25 –
I got it!  The extra weight is to improve steering control when the snow plow is attached.  At least that's what I have on my tractor.

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

Re: Strange Weights found - boxes of concrete by U280 front axle?

Reply #26 –
   OK guys here is my evidence. I'm not crazy, well at least about the concrete.
Any ideas how to get them down with out killing me? Glad this has m
1994 U280
Build #4451
"If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody isn't thinking"

Re: Strange Weights found - boxes of concrete by U280 front axle?

Reply #27 –
That sure looks stock.  I'd check with James T.  It may indeed be for weight balance.
Regards,
Brett

'99 42' Foretravel Xtreme
'14 Brown Motorsports Stacker
'05 Chevy SSR
'02 BMW R1150R

Re: Strange Weights found - boxes of concrete by U280 front axle?

Reply #28 –
Mike thinks that looks like a Mass Dampener. Helped to keep the van from rockin' so no one will come knocking.

Where does my DH come up with this foolishness?

Pamela
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

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

Re: Strange Weights found - boxes of concrete by U280 front axle?

Reply #29 –
Run it over some scales and check axle weights-- inquiring minds want to know.
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: Strange Weights found - boxes of concrete by U280 front axle?

Reply #30 –
Just leave them in place. They serve an important weight and balance issue.

Back in the early days of mass produced diesel pushers, manufacturers had serious handling issues due to the weight of the engine far behind the rear axle. Like a teeter totter, that weight makes the front end light, often too light for good steering control.

This is why manufacturers got away from shorter lengths, put safes and generators as far forward as possible, and in some cases added concrete ballast. I don't know if Foretravel added the concrete, but I do know other manufacturers did.
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer

Re: Strange Weights found - boxes of concrete by U280 front axle?

Reply #31 –
Now I am not an Engineer (remember!) but I would not think those angle supports would hold up much in the long run but they must have. If it was me I would remove them and see what happens when driving. If you need to put some weight back then use cast iron pieces, a bit at a time.
You may get better mileage without all that weight??
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: Strange Weights found - boxes of concrete by U280 front axle?

Reply #32 –
Quote from: Tom Lang –
Just leave them in place. They serve an important weight and balance issue.

Back in the early days of mass produced diesel pushers, manufacturers had serious handling issues due to the weight of the engine far behind the rear axle. Like a teeter totter, that weight makes the front end light, often too light for good steering control.

This is why manufacturers got away from shorter lengths, put safes and generators as far forward as possible, and in some cases added concrete ballast. I don't know if Foretravel added the concrete, but I do know other manufacturers did.

I remember a customer upset with me that Foretravel would not build him a 3176 short coach.  34-35 feet.  I mentioned weight balance to him and said it would drive poorly.

A year later I ran across him at an Rv show and he mentioned Hmc had built him that short 3176 coach. 

"How do you like the steering wander" I asked.  Very upset.  "But why can't they fix it" he asked me. 

I remember my answer now that this has come up here. "They were stupid to have built it and you were stupid to have bought it.

Their engineering department was a laptop computer I remember.

Careful what you ask for.  You might get it..,.,
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Strange Weights found - boxes of concrete by U280 front axle?

Reply #33 –
Bob,

Not so sure I'm buying the bad handling on a 34 or 35 footer. Ours is only a foot longer at 36 feet, has the heaviest engine and transmission available with three start batteries against the back bumper. Since we live in the mountains, we carry only enough fuel to get to the Sierra campgrounds and home again (22 gallons as it sits), less than a quarter tank of propane, no water or waste, no front generator. Ours never wanders or exhibits any poor handling traits and we have one corner after another up here in the clouds (should say thick smoke now). Nice and straight down the road with no harmonic front end bounce (original shocks too). I have locked up all six several times to avoid wildlife. I would not hesitate to buy a 33 foot version.

As far as a cement block goes, I would not drive around the block without first removing the parasitic cement ballast if I found any underneath. With it there, all I would be able to think about was how much extra fuel it was taking to go up a grade or how much extra braking to stop it. No free loaders allowed! Sounds like someone or something lacking in the alignment department to me.

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

Re: Strange Weights found - boxes of concrete by U280 front axle?

Reply #34 –
The short wheelbase makes it very difficult to build a 34' diesel pusher motorhome with good handling.  To my knowledge, Foretravel, thanks to eight wide-set airbags, is the only one to pull it off.  It also helps that these 34 foot Foretravels all have the generator all the way up front and much of the heavy stuff as far forward as possible.
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer

Re: Strange Weights found - boxes of concrete by U280 front axle?

Reply #35 –
It appears that they have been there for some time. I would as suggested contact Foretravel. I think it was done to improve steering and better tire wear. I am old car guy and when the 56 Thunderbird came out they installed a Continental Kit for the spare to give more room in the truck. When they put that weight to the rear it increased tire wear on the front tires and screwed up the steering. It may be for better balance. Check overall weight like Brett suggested. 
1995 U320 40', 2013 chevy sonic toad, my real love are corvettes have owned 30

Re: Strange Weights found - boxes of concrete by U280 front axle?

Reply #36 –
Quote from: Tom Lang –
The short wheelbase makes it very difficult to build a 34' diesel pusher motorhome with good handling.  To my knowledge, Foretravel, thanks to eight wide-set airbags, is the only one to pull it off.  It also helps that these 34 foot Foretravels all have the generator all the way up front and much of the heavy stuff as far forward as possible.

My axle weight on my 34(lbs): front: ~9,500 rear: 18,000. Mostly full water, full fuel, full propane.
1998 U270 34'

Re: Strange Weights found - boxes of concrete by U280 front axle?

Reply #37 –
I've been thinking about adding some weight to the front of my coach.  It rides much better with full tank of water and full tank of fuel. There is a lot of empty space up under the front of a U240.
Dwayne Keith
1992 U240
3116/MD3060

Re: Strange Weights found - boxes of concrete by U280 front axle?

Reply #38 –
Quote from: Dwayne –
I've been thinking about adding some weight to the front of my coach.  It rides much better with full tank of water and full tank of fuel. There is a lot of empty space up under the front of a U240.

I filled every tank in the ORED's I sold in the 80's.

When customers asked  why it rode and drove better full than empty I explained it unlike my competitors was made to be used not sold.

The SOB's were sold twice.  Once to the dealer and the second time to the customer.  Both empty. 

Better acceleration empty.

Foretravel had only factory stores and 50% repeat business so they could be set better for the fully loaded use
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Strange Weights found - boxes of concrete by U280 front axle?

Reply #39 –
Quote from: Dwayne –
I've been thinking about adding some weight to the front of my coach.  It rides much better with full tank of water and full tank of fuel. There is a lot of empty space up under the front of a U240.


  Dwayne Come by my place on Saturday and help removing the two I have, bracket included. They are already to go. But bring something to load them with, also heard they maybe worth a Million.
1994 U280
Build #4451
"If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody isn't thinking"

Re: Strange Weights found - boxes of concrete by U280 front axle?

Reply #40 –
Just finished removing the weights and crossmember from my U280.
They were about 850 pounds and a litte bit difficult to weight. I just got called out to work but will road test Sunday. I can't wait. I think it Will drive better. ;D
1994 U280
Build #4451
"If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody isn't thinking"

Re: Strange Weights found - boxes of concrete by U280 front axle?

Reply #41 –
Hammer,

When you take your coach out for a drive, you might check the brake bias. If the factory placed the weights up front, they may have installed a proportioning valve or changed front brake can size. The front can size would have been larger for more effective front braking with more weight up there.

Always fun to see which end locks up first in a wet parking lot.

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

Re: Strange Weights found - boxes of concrete by U280 front axle?

Reply #42 –
Quote
Always fun to see which end locks up first in a wet parking lot.
Doesn't that coach have an Anti-lock Braking System?
jor
93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320