Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Looking at a 93 Unihome (Read 942 times) previous topic - next topic

Looking at a 93 Unihome

Brand new here, but not to RVing.  Presently have an Alpenlite fifth wheel, that I pull with a Volvo 610 semi, prior to that I had a 79 35 foot Prevost - Liberty Conversion.  Looking at simplifying a bit and going back to a diesel pusher.  I live in Stillwater Mn, and near me listed on the Minneapolis Craig's list is an1993 Uniflite with fairly low mileage.  The gentleman who owns it used it for the past 3 years to take his wife to Arizona.  She has passed and he is selling.  So when he gets it out of storage going to look at it.  It has 8.3 Cummins, diesel gen set at all.  My compass is broken, so I ski down hill and cross country in the winter.  Foretravel's are known for their ride, reliability, and quality.  This coach has 2 propane furnaces not the aqua hot. 

I have lots of general check lists, but are their foretravel specific items I should be looking for.

If you get a chance to look at it on the craigslist site, give me your first impression.

Thanks. Chuckd
Chuckd
1995 U295C  36 foot
Amery Wi

Re: Looking at a 93 Unihome

Reply #2 –
1993 GV is a great year, with a reliable all-mechanical 300hp Cummins 8.3L engine.  And I say that in a totally unbiased way.  :thumbsup:

Hard to tell much from one photo.  Don't see anything that screams (to me) "RUN AWAY!".  Low mileage can be good or bad - it all depends.

History will be important.  Since it is being sold in the Snow (rust) Belt...has it lived there all it's life?  Check underside metal for corrosion.

If it does actually have new tires (check DOT date codes on sidewalls) and new batteries (what brand/type) then that's a big plus.

Curious about the added on protuberance at right front corner, on the lower air dam, in front of reflector.  Possibly a camera housing?

Keep us posted with more photos when you get to see it.  Then we can offer more O-pinions (everbody got one).

1993 U280 specs:    Foretravel Motorhome 1993 Foretravel U280 Specifications | All Things Foretravel
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Looking at a 93 Unihome

Reply #3 –
Thanks for the link and responses.  Since I posted I have been given a heads up on potential bulkhead issues, and found the pic showing where to check.  I also found 50 things to check on this site, and have printed it out.  It is a Florida coach, hence the decal fading.  The owner bought it so he could take his wife to Az, she has passed and it is for sale.  He only took 3 trips, which means there was less than 60k miles when he bought it, which is not always good.

It has a diesel gen set but the specs only reference a propane gen set.

I will check the date code, and hope the tires are a brand I recognize.

When I looked at the specs, they are impressive, Foretravel did not scrimp on their construction, running gear, and amenities.  Reminded me of the specs on my Prevost conversion, but upgraded a lot even from those specs.

Thanks again
Chuckd
1995 U295C  36 foot
Amery Wi

Re: Looking at a 93 Unihome

Reply #4 –
That coach has been for sale for several months. I seen it back when I was looking for a 1994-1996.
Jimmy Freytag,  Ardmore, Ok
1999 36ft U320. — -SOLD—-
1988 40ft GV        1990 36ft U280
1993 40ft U280      1996 36ft U280
  TRAVEL WHILE YOU CAN THE TIME WILL COME
            WHEN YOU NO LONGER CAN.

Re: Looking at a 93 Unihome

Reply #5 –
Jimmy, good to know, the owners wife died in November and it is still in storage, so a bit of a mystery.

Chuckd
Chuckd
1995 U295C  36 foot
Amery Wi

Re: Looking at a 93 Unihome

Reply #6 –
Excellent year. 36 foot is our favorite for traveling. Should have the carpet type headliner. Watch for corrosion underneath. Low mileage not a big deal. Our was lower and has cost just about nothing in about 12 years of ownership. Insurance and fuel have been our biggest expenses.

Don't know about prices since Covid but I would normally expect this coach (unless corrosion underneath) to sell for perhaps $14K.

Don't buy any older coach unless you can work on it yourself. There will be a million cheap but labor intensive projects like decals, roof paint, batteries, tires, etc.

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

Re: Looking at a 93 Unihome

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Chuckd –
It has a diesel gen set but the specs only reference a propane gen set.
It is not unusual when Foretravel coaches vary from the published "standard equipment" list, especially in the early 90's.  You could order pretty much any modification, and the factory was happy to oblige.  Some coaches were totally custom, 1-of-a-kind.  Don't be surprised if you find some other custom features.  For example, our '93 U280 has a 10Kw diesel generator which is still completely original (except oil and filters) and it purrs like a Timex.  (Mixed metaphor)

Another example:  the "spec sheet" lists a Allison MT647 transmission, which is a 4-speed.  You may luck out and find it actually has a Allison MD3060 (6-speed) like my coach.  Might depend on the build number - whether it was a early or a late '93 build - don't know about that.

See photo below for where to find the build number (very important info for every Foretravel owner).  Metal plate on wall next to driver seat.


1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"
 

Re: Looking at a 93 Unihome

Reply #8 –
I don't see the higher air intake above the radiator so probably the 4 speed. The late 1993 models made the welcome change and had a tube going across the bottom front of the radiator and then a 90 degree turn up a couple a feet and out the side of the coach.

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