1993 U295 Engine/Trans Combinations

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1993 U295 Engine/Trans Combinations

August 30, 2010, 03:00:28 pm

What are the engine and transmission combinations that were used in the 1993 U295?
Would a 40' U295 easily pull a full sized pickup?
Are there any known weaknesses to look for in the 1993 U295?

Thanks

Re: 1993 U295 Engine/Trans Combinations

Reply #1 – August 30, 2010, 03:56:03 pm

Kent,

In 1993, there wasn't a U295. They built a U-225, U 240, U 280, and a U-300. I believe that the U-295's were first built in 1995. The U-225 had a Cummins 5.9 L, 225 hp diesel. The U-240 had a CAT, abut 250 hp (Brett Wolfe will verify). The U-280 had the Cummins 8.3 L, 300 hp, while the U-300 often had a 300 hp Deteroit Diesel. I can't speak for the 225 and 240, but the 280 and 300 can most definitely pull a full sized pickup.

Re: 1993 U295 Engine/Trans Combinations

Reply #2 – August 30, 2010, 03:59:42 pm

first year for the 295 was 1995. in 1993 the Unihomes were U-240, U-280, U-300

Re: 1993 U295 Engine/Trans Combinations

Reply #3 – August 30, 2010, 04:13:12 pm

Quote

On 8/30/2010 3:00 PM, Kent Speers wrote:
What are the engine and transmission combinations that were used in the
1993 U295?
Would a 40' U295 easily pull a full sized pickup? Are there any known weaknesses to look for in the 1993 U295?
Thanks

The U295 wasn't built until 1995. U225, U240, U280 and U300 were the available Unihome models that year. Plus (I think) ORED Grandvillas. I think by then they weren't doing
OREGs, OFEGs, or OFEDs...

Re: 1993 U295 Engine/Trans Combinations

Reply #4 – August 30, 2010, 06:22:52 pm

That agrees with what I thought. The model # is G94442640WTBSU300WE11 which I thought was for a U300. Would you agree?

What was the typical engine/trans combo for the U300 in 93?

Is there any particular weakness to look for? Its showing 118XXX miles.

Did all the U300s have a trans retarder?

Re: 1993 U295 Engine/Trans Combinations

Reply #5 – August 30, 2010, 06:35:14 pm

That unit should have a 6V92 Detroit w/ an Allison 4 speed trans. Retarders worked better on 6 speed transmissions. Generally, starting in 95 model coaches

Re: 1993 U295 Engine/Trans Combinations

Reply #6 – August 30, 2010, 07:24:21 pm

Trans should be an HT746. B500s were also used as I recall - both 4 speeds. Trans retarders were an option ($10K!) and rarely ordered since the DD 6V92 came with a Jake brake.

Quote

On 8/30/2010 6:35 PM, Vista Brad wrote:
That unit should have a 6V92 Detroit w/ an Allison 4 speed trans. Retarders worked better on 6 speed transmissions. Generally, starting in 95 model coaches

Re: 1993 U295 Engine/Trans Combinations

Reply #7 – August 30, 2010, 08:34:34 pm

According to the model number you listed, that unit was built just ahead of mine (#4466) a U300, I have a Detroit 6V92 350 HP, with a "Jake Brake" & Allison 4 speed, lots of power and it pulls my Dodge Dakota 4x4 with no problem....

That model # =
G = Grandvilla 94 = 1994 4426 = build number 40WTBS = 40 ft walk through Bath Bed side U300 = U300
WE 11 = Washer ( not sure of this last number)

Re: 1993 U295 Engine/Trans Combinations

Reply #8 – August 30, 2010, 09:55:02 pm

Thanks everyone, thats exactly the kind of info I was looking for.

I have no experience with a Jake Brake. Gerry, how good does the Jake Brake work on a motorhome? Are there any quirks in the U300 I need to know about before purchase? What kind of mileage do you get on your coach and what speed do you typically drive?

Re: 1993 U295 Engine/Trans Combinations

Reply #9 – August 30, 2010, 10:28:47 pm

Quote

On 8/30/2010 9:55 PM, Kent Speers wrote:
Thanks everyone, thats exactly the kind of info I was looking for.

I have not experience with a Jake Brake. Gerry, how good does the Jake Brake work on a motorhome? Are there any quirks in the U300 I need to know about before purchase? What kind of mileage do you get on your coach and what speed do you typically drive?

Kent Speers
1993 U225

I have a jake in my 95 320, and it works great in the mountains. Helps a little slowing down getting off the freeway on level ground, but not like a trans retarder. Mountains are the key... You will just glide right on down.
The Detroit 2 stroke is a 'drive it like you stole it' style - flat to the floor most of the time. They tend to mark their spot. Don't over heat them and they will run about forever. 30 weight oil only. Figure 7-7.5 mpg mostly over the long run.

Re: 1993 U295 Engine/Trans Combinations

Reply #10 – August 30, 2010, 10:45:32 pm

I actually think the W stands for wide body - I believe it was the first year (I always get confused - it was either 92 or 93). Don Hay always corrects me...

Re: 1993 U295 Engine/Trans Combinations

Reply #11 – August 30, 2010, 11:14:00 pm

Dave, what if you drive like it's your bosses? Would it get better mileage? Also,
does leaving it's mark mean they drip a little oil? The photo of this engine looks pretty dry. I haven't actually seen it yet? Is there any way to tell if it has been run too hot when I go to see it? Do all U300s have ducted A/C?

Re: 1993 U295 Engine/Trans Combinations

Reply #12 – August 31, 2010, 12:05:42 am

Check to see what work has been done on it - any radiator work, rebuilds, etc. I'm not sure what data is retrievable from the DDEC (Detroit Diesel Electronic Control) system - but any Detroit shop can tell you.
They usually leak via their slobber tubes. Remember this is a two stroke engine - the technology goes back to the 30s. They don't develop low end torque.
Its an engine you love or hate. Drive it and you'll know which side of the fence yer on...

Quote

On 8/30/2010 11:14 PM, Kent Speers wrote:
Dave, what if you drive like it's your bosses? Would it get better mileage? Also,
does leaving it's mark mean they drip a little oil? The photo of this engine looks pretty dry. I haven't actually seen it yet? Is there any way to tell if it has been run too hot?

Kent Speers
1993 U225

Re: 1993 U295 Engine/Trans Combinations

Reply #13 – August 31, 2010, 08:23:56 am

Thanks again. It sounds like the torque curve is similar to my Cumins 230.

Re: 1993 U295 Engine/Trans Combinations

Reply #14 – August 31, 2010, 10:40:53 am

I average about 6.5 mpg towing. I love a "Jake Brake" no heat issues, and it works. I have driven many heavy trucks that use the "Jake Brake" system to control down hill speed while loaded with very heavy loads and they work.... I would recommend that when approaching a down grade you have your motorhome at or near the speed you want to descend that hill/grade. That may mean driving with your 4-way flashers on and approaching at 40 to 50 mph. I drive between 60 mph to 70 mph on interstate highways, and near the speed limit on other roads...

Where is this coach located? Possibly one of our members close by could pre-inspect it for you and give you a heads up on any concerns.. We love our 1994 U300 40' Grand Villa Unihome.

Re: 1993 U295 Engine/Trans Combinations

Reply #15 – August 31, 2010, 11:26:32 am

Quote

I actually think the W stands for wide body - I believe it was the first year (I always get confused - it was either 92 or 93).

1992: Foretravel proudly introduced the luxurious 102;' wide-body Unihome and at the same time, celebrated their 25th year in business with the introduction of the Silver Anniversary Unihome U300.

Re: 1993 U295 Engine/Trans Combinations

Reply #16 – August 31, 2010, 06:36:07 pm

Only have 3K miles experience with our '91 U300.

MPG from AZ to VA towing a 12x6 cargo trailer was 8.8 for the total 3K. Speed was set @ 63 MPH and used the Cruise control 99%. !st 200-300 miles I tried 58MPH and found that to be too close to the downshift point for the 4 speed. 63MPH seems ideal though MPG drops approximately 1MPG. Not enough data to fully support that assumption.

Our U300 has the DDEC 6V92 w/ retarder & it is great in the TN-VA mountains from Chattanooga to Richmond. The retarder takes very little getting used to... haven't driven anything with a Jake or other type engine brake so. can't compare them. We'll probably try the Rockies in the spring and will give a better account of engine/retarder performance then.

We've made a couple of runs to Shenandoah NP (Skyline Drive), to escape the summer heat. and climbing/descending Afton Mountain on I64 gave the DD and Retarder a good workout. Very pleased with how the U300 is performing.

HTH

John

Re: 1993 U295 Engine/Trans Combinations

Reply #17 – August 31, 2010, 07:02:44 pm

Thanks to all.

I did not win the auction so it looks like I will be driving my U225 for the foreseeable future. At least now I know a lot more about the U300. I'm not sure I'm ready for a Detroit but who knows. I sure don't have any love for my local Cumins shop.

Once again, you guys were extremely helpful. I trust I can return the favor at some point in the future.

Kent

Re: 1993 U295 Engine/Trans Combinations

Reply #18 – August 31, 2010, 07:04:12 pm

Opps, Best reread the DDA Factory owners manual, they recommend SAE 40 engine oil, down to about
-20F.
You can get away with SAE30 on a 71 series, but even there DDA recommends SAE40.
On a 8V-92, if you run high hp, you best be running SAE50 oil.
Using 15W-40 in a DDA 2 stroke, is begging for disaster.
Ben there-Done that.
Dave

Re: 1993 U295 Engine/Trans Combinations

Reply #19 – August 31, 2010, 07:22:44 pm

Next, 1989 U300 40' with 6V-92 @300 HP 4 speed with retarder is a wonderful setup, the only possible problem area seems to be the radiator across the back of coach, is hard to clean, hard to get to and if not clean will have a heat issue.
The DDA is a great engine, and you can drive it like you stole it or drive it like you have some sense.
The computer is a no problem engine, gets reasonable fuel mileage and has a 3.07 rear gearing, so even with the 4 speed Allison, it runs along at a nice lower rpm and yes the retarder is very effective compared with the Jake Brake on a DDA.
FWIW
Dave

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