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Topic: U280 1994 Parking height vs clearance height (Read 1269 times) previous topic - next topic

U280 1994 Parking height vs clearance height

We are looking at a 1994 U280 40' but have limited places to park it.  Foretravel gives the clearance height at 11' 1 1/2"  My question:  Can one reduce the air pressure in the air bag suspension to lower the coach significantly for parking under a roof?  How much will it lower?  Maneuvering the coach would be at very slow speeds, and it would have to go over a 2-inch pavement lip.

I searched the net and the forum, but could not find an answer.  Maybe I am searching the wrong phrases.

oldMattB
(currently a 1994 Safari Trek Isuzu)
Matt B
1998 u-320

Re: U280 1994 Parking height vs clearance height

Reply #1 –
I would think that you would get at least two inches clearance by dumping the air...... BUT.... watch out for the tilt of the coach, you may clear one end and then catch the other end as it rises if you are any kind of a slope.

Re: U280 1994 Parking height vs clearance height

Reply #2 –
Also be careful when removing the coach from under the roof.  After you start the engine to build air, as soon as you remove the parking brake the coach will begin to rise unless you take precautions not to allow that.
Paul
36' 2000 U320
Paul
36' 2000 U320
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit

Re: U280 1994 Parking height vs clearance height

Reply #3 –
Thanks Paul and Gary,

Looks like a no-go.  FT gave the clearance height at 11' 1 1/2" and the underside of the roof is....

... 11' 1 1/2".  Even with a two-inch drop, it would be too tricky, given the variables like you mentioned.  We may be looking at the "rubber band" models for the lower height.  We are coming from a 26 foot Safari on an Isuzu truck chassis, so the ride quality of 'bout anything will amaze us.

More of my drama in a later post!

oldMattB
Matt B
1998 u-320

Re: U280 1994 Parking height vs clearance height

Reply #4 –
Matt,

I'm not sure what a "rubber band" model is, but if you are wanting the quality of a FT in a lower height and aren't completely against a class C, Steve and I (and I'm sure Virginia, Jim, Cricket, and Paul and his lovely wife) all recommend Lazy Daze class C's.  They are built to order, have outstanding road manners, exceptional quality and storage, and are (IIRC) 10'6" high.

(Edited to add - their spec sheet says 10'3" http://www.lazydaze.com/FEATURES.PDF )

Lazy Dazes have even more of a "cult" following than FT.  Our first RV was a 1999 30 footer and we loved that coach.  If we ever downsized it would be back to a LD, no question about it.

And even if you don't own or are looking for a Foretravel, you are still always welcome here on ForeForums.

Michelle
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: U280 1994 Parking height vs clearance height

Reply #5 –
Also, don't forget the U225's and U240's. Both are a foot lower than the rest of the Foretravel models.
The selected media item is not currently available.Kent Speers
Locust Grove, OK
1993 U300 SSE 40' (Restored at FOT 2009) Build 4323
720 watts Solar
6V92TA DDEC Silver Engine
2014 Subaru Outback

Re: U280 1994 Parking height vs clearance height

Reply #6 –
Right. Foretravel was the first Class A and Lazy Daze was the first Class C.  Lazy Daze are GREAT RUGGED RVs. We've had two 26.5 ft Lazy Daze and two Foretravels. You'll find the specs on new LazyDaze here:
 
http://www.lazydaze.com/FEATURES.PDF
 
Heights are a bit over 10 ft.  Outside widths are 8ft 3in. Interior width of our 1997 U295 and 1999 U320 are only 1 inch more than our LDs. The LD roof is ONE PIECE of aircraft aluminum vacuum pressed and glued to plywood.  The exterior walls are also aircraft aluminum panels (with the screws cleverly hidden) apart from the storage compartment doors. LD roof leaks are virtually unknown.  NO SLIDES. Full body expensive paint looks good even after 20 years - and there are many 20 year old LD's out there.
 
The rear bath floor plan of a Lazy Daze is the most open one and the one most like a Class A in openness. With ALL LDs the driver can see all the way through the RV with the stock interior rear view mirror. I still look for it in our U320....
 
If you can sleep over the cab then the rest of the LD is available real estate at all times.  The is the most efficient use of a Class C.
 
If you are thinking about a 30/31 footer LD, note their 1,000 lb lower CCC compared to the 26.5/27 footers (which have 3K or so). The cargo we had in our 26.5 ft LD pretty much filled our 36ft U295.
 
Ask any question you want.  In the light of a recent post here, some years ago a Lazy Daze rolled (because of a problem in what it was towing).  When they righted it no side windows were broken and the over 6 ft tall owner could walk through with no problem. He wanted to drive it away but the tow folks would not allow him to do so.
 
Our LD's were a lot more fun to drive than our FT's.  Our 40 ft U320 takes more concentration than our 36ft U295.  Our FT's have more comforts than our LD's.
 
And yes, if you buy a LD you are really joining a cult. One much more rabid than us FT owners. And at least as helpful and welcoming.
 
I recommend one with the V10 engine (1997 or later, I think).  Buy a used one to start.  I sold our 1997 Rear Bath for $19.5K and it was so tricked out it was a hoot.
 
Of course, maintenance costs of a LD are much less than that of a FT.
 
And yes, if we ever downsized we, too, would get an LD.
___

best, paul
"Thriving not surviving" <(*¿*)>
Some once thought a million chimps would in time type great old works of literature
Now that we have the Internet we know that not to be true.......
 
Quote
I'm not sure what a "rubber band" model is, but if you are wanting the quality of a FT in a lower height and aren't completely against a class C, Steve and I (and I'm sure Virginia, Jim, Cricket, and Paul and his lovely wife) all recommend Laze Daze class C's.  They are built to order, have outstanding road manners, exceptional quality and storage, and are (IIRC) 10'6" high.
 
Lazy Dazes have even more of a "cult" following than FT.  Our first RV was a 1999 30 footer and we loved that coach.  If we ever downsized it would be back to a LD, no question about it.
 
And even if you don't own or are looking for a Foretravel, you are still always welcome here on ForeForums.
1999 U320 40' 1200 watts on roof. 12cf AC/DC Cold plate fridge/freezer. VMS 240 CL Honda Element

Re: U280 1994 Parking height vs clearance height

Reply #7 –
I saw someone refer to the Torsilastic suspension system as "rubber bands."  I will look at the Lazy Daze, but we are hoping to avoid the "hump" in the cockpit.  Thanks so much for all the input.

oldMattB
Matt B
1998 u-320

Re: U280 1994 Parking height vs clearance height

Reply #8 –
likely a torsilastic suspended U240
 
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: U280 1994 Parking height vs clearance height

Reply #9 –
I don't know about the ride quality in a LD but there is a difference between the torsillastic and air bags of similar vintage.  The air is better for bumps but the rubber seems to do a better job on the lean when cornering.  The later model air ride would be better all around.
Dwayne Keith
1992 U240
3116/MD3060

Re: U280 1994 Parking height vs clearance height

Reply #10 –
I too have had both suspension systems. The Torislastic is the most positive cornering coach I have ever driven. I have never driven a LD but I can't imagine that any motorhome on a standard truck chassis of any kind can compare to the Foretravel, especially in the wind. Of course Peggy reminds me I was wrong one time before but I don't remember that.
The selected media item is not currently available.Kent Speers
Locust Grove, OK
1993 U300 SSE 40' (Restored at FOT 2009) Build 4323
720 watts Solar
6V92TA DDEC Silver Engine
2014 Subaru Outback

Re: U280 1994 Parking height vs clearance height

Reply #11 –
Driving/suspension of a LD "Lazy Daze" - mine was a 2007, 27ft Rear Bath on the Ford 450 Super Duty - she handled so sweet, mainly one hand steering + towed too for a total of 43 ft - Now with FT and truck I'm at oops! legal is 65' so I won't tell  ;)

Wind resistance in an LD is great as the LD design of body style allows air flow with it's low profile. I can attest to it's handling in high winds other Class C's as well as SOB A's would be setting or rocking wishing they were setting or in a better coach.

I'd still have my LD if it weren't for us wanting to continue on into full-timing and Jim's health condition making having more living space/comfort for him to sleep and I have space.

I fell in love with FT's in summer of '05 and knew the day I could have a DP it would be a FT -

Sold my LD to a great lady from Boston without it ever going on market. Yes, I will miss my LD but I've gained a new friend and now have my lovely FT.

Can't ask for more - Yes I recommend a LD, but still don't understand the issue of height on the FT - Dang just raise the roof  ;) or build it a new barn  :))
Virginia Cunningham
Motorcader # 16992
'99 U320 40'
'06 Black Silverado 2500HD 4x4 Crew Cab

Re: U280 1994 Parking height vs clearance height

Reply #12 –
Quote from: Virginia, Jim & Ms Cricket –
... but still don't understand the issue of height on the FT - Dang just raise the roof  ;) or build it a new barn  :))

We do not own the two possible storage solutions near us, so raising the roof would not be an option for us.  Our home lot is very small, so building a barn would likely be a $50K expense including a lot.  Unfortunately the purchase of a 20-year-old Foretravel is a big expense for us right now.  (Takes a breath - stifles political rant)  I did think about putting on those tires that the kids put on cars - the ultra-low-profile.  Now that would be distinctive.  I think the answer is no airbags.

Thanks all for your guidance.  I think we are about to buy our way into the midst of a really fine group of people!

oldMattB
Matt B
1998 u-320

Re: U280 1994 Parking height vs clearance height

Reply #13 –
If you own the building check out lowering the floor in the stall where you would park the motorhome. Probably a lot less money to break up the floor in one stall, dig down 4-6 inches and pour new concrete than building new.
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD