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Topic: For looks or value? (Read 1536 times) previous topic - next topic

For looks or value?

Came across this pic the other day and it got me to wondering... 

The rail on each side of the roof is not original equipment as far as I know - infact I've only see it on the late model coaches and none of this vintage (2003-2005).  Does it serve a purpose or is it just for appearances?  Has anyone on this forum done this upgrade and if so please share the particulars. 
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Mark & Mary Benko
Former coach: 2005 U295 3823
Jeep Cherokee, Honda Fit

Re: For looks or value?

Reply #1
It's interesting as they have the patio awning below the roof rail.  My thought was that the reason for the roof rail was for the patio awning mounted on the roof.  So this doesn't make any sense.  I'll be interested in hearing what others have to say about it!
Tom & Bill

2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Re: For looks or value?

Reply #2
I think this is just an expensive ego boosting modification for those who can't come up with a better way to spend modification dollars.
Peter & Beth Martin
No Forrest? What have you done?
MC# 15890 until Dec 2016; FMCA #F329677
Cincinnati, OH

Re: For looks or value?

Reply #3
Sorry for the provious post.  It was very obvious that I was just kidding.
 
These added roof rails are sensors so the driver can tell when he has exceeded the height limit while transversing an overpass... :o
Peter & Beth Martin
No Forrest? What have you done?
MC# 15890 until Dec 2016; FMCA #F329677
Cincinnati, OH

Re: For looks or value?

Reply #4
Oh, I thought that was what the Satellite Dome was for!    :o

Tom & Bill

2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Re: For looks or value?

Reply #5
Could it be intended some kind of safety rail for someone working on the roof?  Really only good if you're on your hands and knees and not walking (where it would be a trip hazard).

-M
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: For looks or value?

Reply #6
Hah...These are meant to hide the plasmaraetor supersplendius guns used to take down alien ships when entering the earth's atmosphere if these ships are sensed to be carrying silicone/plastics melting twackagig thingimabob guns.
 
(edit) Okay, so I'm bored... ;D
Peter & Beth Martin
No Forrest? What have you done?
MC# 15890 until Dec 2016; FMCA #F329677
Cincinnati, OH

Re: For looks or value?

Reply #7
You guys missed the who picture, using my iPad and expanding that pix, it is very clear, the rails are for the quick attach heliocopter to attach and pick it up or park for the night. Or for Santa to park for a rest. 
Very clear to me  ;D
And a Merry Christmad to all

Re: For looks or value?

Reply #8
That is for the co pilot to operate the mini gun.  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
The selected media item is not currently available.Bill&Doris 97 U270 36'
University of Parris Island Class of 66
Semper Fi  Build# 5174 MC#17094

Re: For looks or value?

Reply #9
My guess is that it conceals the view from the ground of the roof air conditioners, antennas, vents, domes and other stuff.  I am always surprised that expensive coaches have beautiful, sleek sides and tops that look like a redneck's front yard.

I wouldn't likely bother with such, but I can understand the appeal.

oldMattB
Matt B
1998 u-320

Re: For looks or value?

Reply #10
I think it makes the coach look like Flash Gordon's space ship. Kinda cool!!! Needs sparky thingies coming out the back to complete the illusion.  :P

Craig
1993 U225 36' Unihome GV with PACBRAKE exhaust retarder, Banks Stinger and Solar Panels.
Toad: 1999 Jeep Wrangler 2-door soft-top.

"No one has ever had to evacuate a city because the solar panels broke."

Re: For looks or value?

Reply #11
... Needs sparky thingies coming out the back to complete the illusion.  :P
Just hook a couple of big chains on the back and drag them on the pavement to add the "sparky thingies."  :P
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX

Re: For looks or value?

Reply #12
Came across this pic the other day and it got me to wondering... 
The rail on each side of the roof is not original equipment as far as I know - infact I've only see it on the late model coaches and none of this vintage (2003-2005).  Does it serve a purpose or is it just for appearances?  Has anyone on this forum done this upgrade and if so please share the particulars. 
Mark,
I'm familiar with the coach and know the owner.
oldMattB has it exactly right.  (A+) to oldMattB!
The owners did not care for the appearance of all the roof mounted components and, having their own in-house "where-with-all" to modify the roofline, they did just that.
(F-) to those that didn't notice that the Girard awning leading edge is "faired-in", the bottom profile is embellished with stainless steel armor and the steer wheels and tires are non-stock. 
The owner did not care for the tracking characteristics of the coach and changed the steer axle to considerably wider-track wheels and wider tires. He's highly pleased with the "resulting improved handling".  I have no idea how accurate his assessment is, but the coach is very, very nice, inside and out.  It has many other upgrades and personal touches beyond the few mentioned above. 
Is it up for sale?  Is that where the picture came from?
Neal
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Neal (& Brenda) Pillsbury
'02 U320 SPEC, 4200, DGFE, Build #5984
'04 Gold Wing
'07 Featherlite 24'
'14 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit
MC #14494
Exeter, NH & LaBelle FL
Quality makes the Heart Soar long after Price is Forgotten

Re: For looks or value?

Reply #13
Neal, Good info, I did not notice the front wheel appearance, also wonder if that idea might have been the spark that Foretravel had when on on 2006 up, have the roof view blocked.  Neat stuff.

Re: For looks or value?

Reply #14
Kind of wonder if you could put the awning covers in the can and then you could use that instead of the all in one on the side... but as it is on one side only I would be willing to bet it was a proposal shot  prior to installation and they will take off the girard on the side.
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: For looks or value?

Reply #15
After reading Neal P's post I took a closer look at the front wheels.
They look very much like the SUPERWIDES that are put on some trucks, flat with projecting lugs, width of tire is not visible .
My Brothers new Peterbilt has these superwides on all axles, looks weird but he says that eventually all truck tractors will go to it.  You are dead in the water with a flat but apparently tire shops are now able to handle them nationwide. If they are available for the trucking industry it won't be long til MH's have them.  Main use in trucking is weight reduction.
Gary B
On Edit, Should have said SUPER SINGLES instead of superwides.  DUH....

Re: For looks or value?

Reply #16
Quote
Is it up for sale?  Is that where the picture came from?
Neal - it is for sale.  Here is the link:

2004 Foretravel U295 w/2 Slides listed on RVOnline.com
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Mark & Mary Benko
Former coach: 2005 U295 3823
Jeep Cherokee, Honda Fit

Re: For looks or value?

Reply #17
I can't believe that the couple on House Hunters RV bought a new 32' coach with a cramped bedroom for $208k when there are coaches like this available! Just boggles my mind!!!

Craig
1993 U225 36' Unihome GV with PACBRAKE exhaust retarder, Banks Stinger and Solar Panels.
Toad: 1999 Jeep Wrangler 2-door soft-top.

"No one has ever had to evacuate a city because the solar panels broke."

Re: For looks or value?

Reply #18
Nice coach, decent price...
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: For looks or value?

Reply #19
I can't believe that the couple on House Hunters RV bought a new 32' coach with a cramped bedroom for $208k when there are coaches like this available! Just boggles my mind!!!

Craig

I started to watch it, but couldn't continue ... knew it was going to end badly.  As Bugs Bunny would say, "What a maroon!!"
Carol & Jeff Savournin
Usta have a '93 U225 36', Usta have a '95 U320 40', Usta have a '02 U320 40'
Usta have a 2006 Born Free, Usta have a 2011 Phoenix Cruiser
Usta have a 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4dr
"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life."  Steve Jobs

gypsy0john

Reply #20
Neal, before you responded to all these totally off the wall comments with Flash Gordon leading the way, I would have thought those railings were someone's idea of a wind deflector. 

Now I know many of you aliens probably think I'm nuts-oid, but in all honesty I was trying to find a solution to a problem that I created when at my request, MOT removed my TV dome and installed a MotoSat Automatic 5 head antenna system in its place.  Spending two days with a top notch DataStorm & TV tech in Eugene OR, we were able to cut down the wind circulation problem by about 60%.  Oddly and interestingly this very type of railing was a strong suggestion by the three techs I had been working with about this problem.  I know the railing would not have gone the length of the coach, but I truly think the seller of this coach was on the right track for solving the problem I had.


Just my opinion from where I sit...and I quite agree...whatever one can do to make something that will resolve a problem in the owners eyes....by all means, make it look nice rather than some sloppy looking add-on, with parts out of some junk heap.


BTW, I think the price is right on--especially if that coach is not one of those 2004 Lemons! :not:
John Christman

Re: For looks or value?

Reply #21
but a front engine diesel, an unproven diesel at that!  Time will tell.  I looked at one of the Monacos and also at the Tiffin Breeze.  Did not like either.
1994 U225
build #4514

Re: For looks or value?

Reply #22
but a front engine diesel, an unproven diesel at that!  Time will tell.  I looked at one of the Monacos and also at the Tiffin Breeze.  Did not like either.
I could be wrong, but I think Dave was referring to the 04' U295 with edge rails pictured at the beginning of this thread...
Don
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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: For looks or value?

Reply #23
I could be wrong, but I think Dave was referring to the 04' U295 with edge rails pictured at the beginning of this thread...
Don
Oh, thought he was talking about that Monaco -  oops!
1994 U225
build #4514