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Topic: Clarification on the late 80's Grandvilla and Unihome --- re: air suspension (Read 1155 times) previous topic - next topic

Clarification on the late 80's Grandvilla and Unihome --- re: air suspension

Any help from you Foretravel Vet's is appreciated,

I'm trying to determine by model type, which of these Coaches made between 1986-1990 were actually air-bag equipped --- "high profile" Coaches. If I see a pic, I can tell right away by the "twin" stainless steel bumpers at each end, one stacked on top of the other, and the large basement bay doors. However, my search does not always reveal a picture, but only lists a model number. -- is a M-3600 or M-3800 a high profile coach? The spec sheet on a M-3800 lists it as a air suspension model.

And, then -- in what year did the designation of U280 and U300 start?

Bottom line is -- I'm about to buy a Coach, but I'm not interested in the torsilastic (sp?) models. I need the high-profile model with the much larger basement storage and the air-bag suspension.

Thanks!

Mike

Re: Clarification on the late 80's Grandvilla and Unihome --- re: air suspension

Reply #1 –
Quote from: speedrace54 –
Any help from you Foretravel Vet's is appreciated,

I'm trying to determine by model type, which of these Coaches made between 1986-1990 were actually air-bag equipped --- "high profile" Coaches. If I see a pic, I can tell right away by the "twin" stainless steel bumpers at each end, one stacked on top of the other, and the large basement bay doors. However, my search does not always reveal a picture, but only lists a model number. -- is a M-3600 or M-3800 a high profile coach? The spec sheet on a M-3800 lists it as a air suspension model.

And, then -- in what year did the designation of U280 and U300 start?

Bottom line is -- I'm about to buy a Coach, but I'm not interested in the torsilastic (sp?) models. I need the high-profile model with the much larger basement storage and the air-bag suspension.

Thanks!

Mike
Mike,
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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: Clarification on the late 80's Grandvilla and Unihome --- re: air suspension

Reply #2 –
Barry has likley directed you to your answer Mike . My 89 U280 is equipped as you describe with double bumpers, air ride and large basement 36 ft... Picture to the left under my name.
Dub McBride 1996 270

Re: Clarification on the late 80's Grandvilla and Unihome --- re: air suspension

Reply #3 –
Thanks, Guys.

I read through all your info, Barry--but I'm still wondering what the difference is between "air-ride" and 100% Air Suspension, as stated in the spec sheets.

Can I assume the latter means that the coach rides on 8 air bags (i.e.--on the U280/300), and that the former has some type of air bladders that fit inside of conventional coil springs? (i.e.-- on the M-3600/3800 GV)

Re: Clarification on the late 80's Grandvilla and Unihome --- re: air suspension

Reply #4 –
Mine has 8 bag suspension, no springs. I can't comment on any model that may offer air assist. 89 Unibody 280.
Dub McBride 1996 270

Re: Clarification on the late 80's Grandvilla and Unihome --- re: air suspension

Reply #5 –
The low profile Grand Villa's with the 3208 CAT built in this era were on an Osh Kosh 4 air bag chassis. If it had an 8.2 Detroit it was not air ride. Unihomes (U-280 and U-300) were 8 air bag.
Hope this helps

Brad

Re: Clarification on the late 80's Grandvilla and Unihome --- re: air suspension

Reply #6 –
Quote
but I'm still wondering what the difference is between "air-ride" and 100% Air Suspension, as stated in the spec sheets

I don't think there is any difference, just marketing jargon. 

Some things you might want to know:  1991 they did away with duel stainless bumpers and replaced them with a single plastic one, 1991 was also the last year of 8' wide Unihomes (U280, U300), in 1992 they molded the bumper shape into the front and rear fiberglass caps and also made the Unihome coaches 102" wide.  I believe the Unihome chassis has remained largely unchanged from it's introduction in 1987(?) until the introduction of slides in 2000.  When they introduced the bus style in 1995 they changed the name to Unicoach.  Obviously changes like electronic air leveling (intro'ed in '92) and engine/transmission changes have been made but the basic suspension and monocoque construction remained the same for those years.
John Fitzgerald
1991 U300 (SAI) Side Aisle Island Bed 40'
Detroit 6V92 with Allison Retarder
Meridian (Boise), Idaho

Re: Clarification on the late 80's Grandvilla and Unihome --- re: air suspension

Reply #7 –
Perhaps if anyone knows the models with the Torsilastic where it was properly engineered and not almost certain to fail or certain to sag...they could be mentioned because as Brett has pointed out, properly done with the right shocks, etc...it would be a very good suspension without the headaches of airbags.  I'm not as up on the various models so perhaps it never was properly executed in any of the coaches but I think Brett mentioned that some of the coaches had the 19000 lbs. springs in the rear rather than the 15000 lbs. ones.  I've been doing some research and asking some local truck / bus suspension people and I had a very good question put to me: what makes you think that because you are under spec on the ride height that the suspension is or has "failed?"  I don't know the answer.  As far as I can tell it rides just the same, it just sits a little (actually imperceptibly) lower.  I mean, I've been considering spending nearly $5000 for parts/shipping/labor to beef up the torsilastic suspension on a 20 year old coach because I'll end up with a permanent trouble-free suspension nearly as good as the airbags.  I hate to see someone pass on a great coach with torsilastic done right in favor of 4 or 8 almost certain to eventually leak airbags.  I feel a little guilty tarring the torsilastic here lately.  Foretravel deserves a black eye for the inadequate springs on some coaches but perhaps they should get kudos on the good ones.  I just wish mine was one of the ones that came with the 19000 lbs. spring because I think I am one of the people who would be glad to give up a little with regard to smoothing out the bumps in favor of the tighter feel and greatly reduced leaning effect while turning and cornering typical of an airbag suspension. 
Dwayne Keith
1992 U240
3116/MD3060

Re: Clarification on the late 80's Grandvilla and Unihome --- re: air suspension

Reply #8 –
Dwayne,

I can understand your frustration.  I had an 89 SOB with leaf springs that sagged.  I installed helper air bags front and rear that brought it back up to the correct ride height.  Each air bag had a hose connected to a schrader valve mounted near the edge of the wheel opening to adjust air pressure.  The bags didn't need a lot of pressure about 25 in front and 40 in the back if I remember correctly.  I doubt if new torsilastic springs would improve the resale value of your coach very much.  Very few buyers would be knowledgeable enough to appreciate the change and even then might not spend the extra bucks.  If helper air bags can be fitted on your coach, that should be the most economical solution.  FWIW.
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: Clarification on the late 80's Grandvilla and Unihome --- re: air suspension

Reply #9 –
All coaches with Torsalistic suspension (U225 and U240) came from the factory with 15,000 springs-- the 19,000 pound springs did not come until well after they were out of production.  So, only coaches fit with replacement springs after about 1999 would have the stronger springs.

And if a suspension shop asked what harm there is in lower ride height, you don't want them working on your coach!  With that very short drive shaft found on all diesel pushers , even 1" out of spec dramatically changes drive line angles and can lead to transmission damage.  Were this a truck or front engine motorhome with 20' drive shaft, that would be a non-issue.

Brett
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: Clarification on the late 80's Grandvilla and Unihome --- re: air suspension

Reply #10 –
Thanks for the elaboration and details provided by all of you. Yes! -- I have it figured out now. The GV is an air-ride, but just not an eight-bag system. For me-- it looks like a high-profile Unihome U280 or, better yet-- a U300 -- is the way to go.

Re: Clarification on the late 80's Grandvilla and Unihome --- re: air suspension

Reply #11 –
Good luck Speedrace.  Even considering my issue, these are the best value MH period.  Probably more so the older the coach.  I agree that new springs won't increase my resale value.  Air might as it is an expected component and no explanation about the "other" suspension would be required. 
Dwayne Keith
1992 U240
3116/MD3060

Re: Clarification on the late 80's Grandvilla and Unihome --- re: air suspension

Reply #12 –
Quote from: speedrace54 –
Thanks for the elaboration and details provided by all of you. Yes! -- I have it figured out now. The GV is an air-ride, but just not an eight-bag system. For me-- it looks like a high-profile Unihome U280 or, better yet-- a U300 -- is the way to go.

You probably already know this but the U280 and U300 are also Grand Villas as well as a Unihome. The Gran Villa means the sloped front end and side entry door. I was new to all of this just a short time ago and remember how confused I was at first.
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: Clarification on the late 80's Grandvilla and Unihome --- re: air suspension

Reply #13 –
Kind of continuing along this same line, when would have been the last 8' wide coach, with air, and 34-36 long?
Dave W. (AKA Toyman )
'03, 270, 36', Build 6095, Pulling whatever I hook it to.

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