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Topic: So many questions about my 1996 U270 (Read 946 times) previous topic - next topic

So many questions about my 1996 U270

I am a newby in Houston with a new to me 1996 U270. It is getting a going over now so I will hopefully an uneventful maiden voyage. After reading many posts here I have many questions. I put them all in one post; hopefully not too many. Here goes.

What electrical devices do not play well with the generator/alternator? Specifically laptops, PCs and monitors, electric blankets, rice cookers, and induction cooktops.

I need to update the small original TVs. How large is practical? Where is a good place to mount it about eye level?

The combo washer/dryer can shake the whole coach. Included in the purchase was a used spare. They are really heavy. Probably too heavy for me to lift solo. Is replacing it with a residential stackable a better idea?

What does FOT stand for?

How often/long does the generator need to run to charge the batteries?

If plugged into AC do I need to run generator?

When should I turn off the converter switch?

Will the coach fit underneath most gas station overhangs?

I have the original satellite in motion system. There are satellite numbers on a card nearby. Is this old tech or still usable
today?

The water filter cartridge is missing. Is it worth replacing?

How do I turn on the water to the ice maker?

I am still trying to figure out the monitor system. The original CRT was replaced with a Jensen DVD player with camera inputs. In the bottom position the backup camera is active. In the up position I can see a level monitor display for about 1-2 seconds. The water levels is pretty erratic. Is something or everything broken?

Are dogs generally happy foretravelers? Do they like Quartzite?

Do you recommend buying a spare tire?

Thanks,
David in Houston
1996 U270
2003 Element
1996 U270 36'
build number 4944
2003 Honda Element

Re: So many questions about my 1996 U270

Reply #1 –
Welcome, David. I can answer some of your questions, but others will need to wait for someone with a similar coach.

I believe that most things will work just fine when running the generator.
The location of the television is going to be pretty specific to the coach. We have a 39" flat screen that we put up in front of the windshield when we're parked. It travels on the bed.
We decided against a washer/dryer, so I can't help you too much there. Yes, they are probably too heavy for one person to safely handle.
FOT = Foretravel of Texas, the factory. MOT = Motorhomes of Texas, a dealer down the street from FOT.
No, you don't need to run the generator if plugged in.
You will probably fit under the canopies. Some people prefer to go to truck lanes. I'd suggest that one of these days you get your coach in travel mode and then measure how tall it is. Guess for the stuff on the roof, or crawl up there and measure. Add a few inches to a foot to your total (depending on your comfort level) and you will have a good idea of what bridges you can go under. If you travel with someone else you can have that person go out and spot as you slowly go under the first few canopies. It won't take long for you to get used to an eyeball measurement as to whether or not you will fit.
Many have replaced the old Audit monitor/level system with others. You should be able to check your fresh water level by actually going out and looking, but the waste water tanks aren't so easy. Tank measuring systems are notoriously inaccurate.

You will have many more questions, and this is the place to ask.

Re: So many questions about my 1996 U270

Reply #2 –
Foretravel Motorhome technical help and information links would be a great resource for you to spend some time pouring through.  That, along with the search functionality of this forum will yield tons of help in familiarizing yourself with the new coach.
1996 U295 36' WTBI

Re: So many questions about my 1996 U270

Reply #3 –
bogeygolfer x2.
Dub McBride 1996 270

Re: So many questions about my 1996 U270

Reply #4 –
Welcome David. Our first Foretravel was a 1996 U270. A great and generally trouble free coach, I hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed ours. On the subject of a spare tire. Ours had a spare when we bought and at the time I was glad, but as time went on I found it took up a lot of valuable space and I would often take it out and leave it at home. I finally built a plywood cover that fit over it and covered it with the same fabric as the bays. That way I could at least stack things on top of it and keep them clean. My thinking being that as long as I had it I might as well have it with me. Having said that I do not have a spare for my current coach and do not plan on buying one.  That was my experience, I'm sure there are any number of opinions on this subject. Enjoy the forum, there is a wealth of knowledge here.
2002 U320 40Ft  MC # 15759
Coach # 5995
Previous coaches
2002 U320 coach  #5941
1996 U270 coach #4808

Re: So many questions about my 1996 U270

Reply #5 –
We don't carry a spare, either, although many do. One option is to carry an unmounted tire of the proper size. Some people have reported that they have had difficulties in finding the proper size. I suspect that price may also have something to do with it. Buying a new tire using the FMCA Michelin discount program may cost $600, while that same tire delivered by CoachNet may cost $800 or more.

Re: So many questions about my 1996 U270

Reply #6 –
The washer dryer needs service.  It shouldn't vibrate noticeably.  If you don't run the batteries down below half-12.2v, 4 hours should be enough to re-charge your batteries.  You should turn off the convertor when the coach is in storage once the batteries are charged.  Otherwise it will boil the batteries.  Turn it on once a week to  for 24 hours to top up the batteries.  The satellite system is obsolete.  The water filter is excellent when combined with chlorinating the tank water.  Most Foretravelers have pets.  Dogs are most popular.
Regards,
Brett

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

Re: So many questions about my 1996 U270

Reply #7 –
@David My washer got the coach a rockin' whenever it went into spin mode. Installed shims between the washer and the shelve above and calmed it down a little bit. The fan for the heater element finally died and no replacement was available. Ended up buying a new unit. I removed and replaced by myself. It was a pain but is possible. New washer is much, much nicer than the old one. Well worth the money.

A stackable would be the best way to go but the dryer is still only 120v which == long drying times. The trick way to go would be to install a propane powered dryer. If I were to do it again I would go that route. Don't know what I'd do with all the crap we have stored in that space currently. :)

see ya
ken
The selected media item is not currently available.ken & dori hathaway & Big Agnes
🍺1992 U300 GrandVilla WTBI #4150 FOT FBP 2011
✨6V-92TA DDEC Parlor Coach 350HP Series 92
🏁2011 Nissan XTerra Pro-4X

Re: So many questions about my 1996 U270

Reply #8 –
Hi David,

I have a 96 U270.  It doesn't have a washer/dryer or an ice maker.  We have never felt the need for either, but a lot of folks like having one.  We have extra storage by not having them.  I wouldn't get rid of a good washer, but maybe the ice maker, again it's a personal choice.  The reason that the coach does not have a spare tire is that the lug nuts are torqued to 400 ft. lbs.  which is more than most of us can undo without a geared wrench or a very long bar, plus the wheel weighs a lot.  The inner rear wheel is steel and the outer rear and front are aluminum but polished on opposite sides.  If I was going to Alaska, I would take a spare tire unmounted.  Make sure your tires are not too old, they never seem to wear out but will fail from old age.  Beamalarm.com has articles of what some of us have done to replace the TV's. 
Jerry Whiteaker former owner 96 U270  36' #4831 Austin,TX-Owner Mods LCD TV w/front cabinet rebuild - LCD TV bedroom - Dual Central AC, either can cool coach w 30 amp - Skylights at roof AC openings - Drop ceiling for ducting of AC - Shower skylight white gelcoat/wood/epoxy frame - Air Springs/Shocks replaced - 2014 CRV - 8K Home Solar - Chevy Volt

Re: So many questions about my 1996 U270

Reply #9 –
Ice maker will not get water without the filter.  Water from the filter go to the ice maker.  Ck for leaks as you install there may be more than one reason it is not there.
Dan & Shirley Stansel
2002 U295 4020 AGDS Build#6054
Towing Buick Enclave & M &  G Braking
Emerald Bay, Lake Palestine, Texas
MC# 16650

Re: So many questions about my 1996 U270

Reply #10 –
Quote from: dkoeberle –
I am a newby in Houston with a new to me 1996 U270. It is getting a going over now so I will hopefully an uneventful maiden voyage. After reading many posts here I have many questions. I put them all in one post; hopefully not too many. Here goes.
Welcome,
I have a 96' 295 and might be able to help on some of these.
I'll preface with a couple of comments..
I assume your 270 is equipped like mine with an inverter/charger, 2 8Ds as a house bank , and 2 start batteries.
We don't boondock. I use to in a boat but we try to find a plug these days.
From the tenor of your questions, you are thinking you will (or at least want to)
 
Quote
What electrical devices do not play well with the generator/alternator? Specifically laptops, PCs and monitors, electric blankets, rice cookers, and induction cooktops.

The question should probably "play well with the Inverter?". The power from the generator will "look" just like the power from shore power. The Inverter (at least the original) provides a Modified Sine Wave and some devices don't like that. I have never found one - but don't use an electric blanket or the cooking gear. All my computer gear on the boat did fine but that was 5 years ago.
Quote
If plugged into AC do I need to run generator?
No.  A  transfer switch will choose between generator and shore power feeds but Forum wisdom says not to run both at the same time.
Quote
The combo washer/dryer can shake the whole coach. Included in the purchase was a used spare. They are really heavy. Probably too heavy for me to lift solo. Is replacing it with a residential stackable a better idea?
I have never been a fan of combination washer/dryers. There are stackables that fit the footprint. I had a pair on the boat, a 110 washer and a 220 vented dryer. You probably can find 110 dryers but venting will make all the difference.
Think about the wash water. You will want to be connected to a sewer line and if that probably shore power.
 
Quote
I need to update the small original TVs. How large is practical? Where is a good place to mount it about eye level?
Lots of installations documented on the Forum
Quote
When should I turn off the converter switch?
For me, when on generator or shore power.
 
Quote
Will the coach fit underneath most gas station overhangs?
Your coach is listed at 11'6".  I work with 12' for mine
 
Quote
I have the original satellite in motion system. There are satellite numbers on a card nearby. Is this old tech or still usable today?
No, DirecTV does not support the Sony receiver any more. I installed a Winegard Travler system.

HTH
Elliott & Mary Bray
ex. 1996 36' U295 - Build 4879
ex. 2018 Coachmen Leprechaun 319MB
 

Re: So many questions about my 1996 U270

Reply #11 –
+1 on Traveler from Wineguard
Tim Fiedler    2025 LTV Unity MBL on Order
2000 Chevy Tracker 2 Door Convertible 4WD Now lifted 4.5"
1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston
Murphy Rebel on wheels with 175HP Titan
Cessna P337
1980 48' Westport MY (!/4 Share)

Re: So many questions about my 1996 U270

Reply #12 –
The Audit tank monitor system was inaccurate (measured in increments of a quarter tank), and was intermittent to boot. The SeeLevel system is far superior and allows for multiple displays (i.e., one in the utility bay, and one inside the coach for instance). Installation is not too bad depending on where you locate the display('s). A good upgrade... If you want the inside display near or on the dash, you can easily repurpose the original audit wire harness. I felt like it is more useful to have the tank levels display where it is visible from the kitchen or bathroom. The only level I care about monitoring while driving is the fuel! Well, other than coolant, oil, etc., but there are indicators in the dash for that already.
Don
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: So many questions about my 1996 U270

Reply #13 –
Quote from: dkoeberle –
I need to update the small original TVs. How large is practical? Where is a good place to mount it about eye level?
Thanks,
David in Houston
1996 U270
2003 Element

1996 U270 Front and Rear TV Replacement
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

Re: So many questions about my 1996 U270

Reply #14 –
Nice job!

best, paul

Quote
1996 U270 Front and Rear TV Replacement
1999 U320 40' 1200 watts on roof. 12cf AC/DC Cold plate fridge/freezer. VMS 240 CL Honda Element

Re: So many questions about my 1996 U270

Reply #15 –
Quote from: dkoeberle –
I have the original satellite in motion system. There are satellite numbers on a card nearby. Is this old tech or still usable
today?

It is not possible to answer this question without knowing the actual make and model of the satellite system.

Are you sure it is the original system? It may have been installed at a later date and not when the coach was originally built.

It appears from reading the forum that a lot of members have replaced their satellite system with newer models.

We however, have a Tracstar and like it. If you have a Tracstar and it is a later version, it can be upgraded to receive HD tv with Dish. The Tracstar will not receive HD with DirectTv.

Larry
Larry and Terry
Ex 2004 U270 36'

Re: So many questions about my 1996 U270

Reply #16 –
Thanks to everyone that answered my questions!

The satellite system was upgraded. The model is a Tracstar SV260D. Can that be upgraded to HD?

I want to mount the TV at about eye level and maybe use it as a computer monitor also. For now I will probably store it on the bed while traveling and put it on the dash when anchored. But being the klutz that I am, the journey from front to back might be disastrous.

David
1996 U270 36'
build number 4944
2003 Honda Element
 

Re: So many questions about my 1996 U270

Reply #17 –
David,

I cannot say with certainty but I do not believe the SV260 can be upgraded to HD. But, before you swap it out you can call tracstar and they will be able to tell you.

We have the SV360 and Tracstar sent us a software upgrade that allows up to get HD using Dish. Tracstar will not receive DirectTV HD. DirectTV discontinued the HD satellite that Tracstar would receive. 

Larry
Larry and Terry
Ex 2004 U270 36'