Bought! (was WTB Foretravel w/ 350hp 6V92TA)

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Re: Bought! (was WTB Foretravel w/ 350hp 6V92TA)

Reply #25 – May 14, 2012, 07:28:06 pm

I'm in Saint Petersburg FL now. I looked at the Foretravel today and got to drive it around the city streets a little. It's in beautiful condition and at $20,000 it's the lowest priced U300 I've found yet.

It has a 6V92TA silver version with cast aluminum valve covers that runs and sounds great, and doesn't smoke or leak. Unfortunately he's been running it on Rotella 10W40 I think. It has the rear radiator. The coach does have some problems that need to be repaired right away. At least one of the airbags is rotten and coming apart on the outside. We drove around today and it held okay. I'll look at it again tomorrow. Some of the others may be equally bad in places where I can't see. I'm told the airbags are readily available and not difficult to change.

There's a small crack in the roof between the shower skylight and the rear air conditioner. He said it's been sealed. I looked carefully inside but didn't find any evidence that water has been leaking there or anywhere else in the entire coach. The tires appear to be new, even though he said they're not. A new spare tire and matching Alcoa aluminum wheel is included along with a heavy duty hydraulic jack capable of lifting the coach to change a tire I'm told. This coach has a retarder on the transmission, which I'm told may be a rare and expensive option.

He's including the full set of owner's manuals. The engine and generator have very low hours and the entire coach appears to have very little use. It has a gas oven as well as a convection oven. It has the built in central vacuum cleaner. The cabinets and upholstery are all intact and don't appear to need any repairs at all. The carpet is even in good shape and so is the headliner and window curtains and most of the interior lights work well. The dash air conditioning doesn't work and probably has a refrigerant leak somewhere. There are some strange electrical problems that come and go, perhaps from lack of use. It appears to be mostly switches and bulbs that need to be wiggled to make a good connection and stuff like that.

The seller has been pointing out things to me that have been problems in the past and how he has taken care of these things when they come up. This is not his first Foretravel and he appears to be quite knowledgeable and helpful. There doesn't appear to be any bulkhead issue at this time. All the bolts appear to be in place. There's a little rust on the rear bulkhead but none on the front.

The seller has repaired a few things in preparation for this sale including replacing all three batteries. I looked at them and they do appear to be new. The paint is in good condition even though the back decals are noticeably faded and cracked. All it would need is new decals or perhaps even just the back part of the decals to make it look nice from a distance. The awnings appear to be intact and functioning properly, but I'll probably need one of you to give me some instructions, at least with the big side awning.

The water heater may have difficulty lighting sometimes. Perhaps the ignitor needs to be cleaned or adjusted? I'll check on that tomorrow. I also need to check the rear air conditioner. He only ran the front one today. It probably works though or else he would have told me. He's been pointing out much smaller problems than that. I drove the coach around the city a little and it's very quiet with no squeaks or rattles. It's much quieter than my car in fact and it rides super smooth, which I'm sure all of you knew, but it surprised me as a newbie. I'm glad it's not the newer wide body coach and I'm glad it's the 36' version...

I think I'm gonna buy this U300 tomorrow morning and drive it to Dallas. The problems seem to be well worth dealing with for a coach this nice at this price. I'm gonna sleep on it tonight cuz I'm exhausted after driving down here... What will happen if the coach blows an airbag on the highway driving to Dallas? I'll still be able to drive it carefully to a truck service station won't I? The airbag I saw was rotten is in the extreme left rear. The others have weather cracks but nowhere near as bad. Thanks so much for your help my friends.

Scott

Re: Bought! (was WTB Foretravel w/ 350hp 6V92TA)

Reply #26 – May 14, 2012, 07:44:42 pm

Quote from: RRadio – May 14, 2012, 07:28:06 pm

The tires appear to be new, even though he said they're not.

Scott,

Just look for the DOT code to see how old the tires are. It should be a 4 digit number and will be on one side of the tire on the sidewall, first 2 digits are the week, second 2 digits are the year. For example 1610 would be the 16th week of 2010.

Once tires are approximately 5 years old, they should be inspected by a professional "because so much is riding on your tires".

Good luck "sleeping" on it tonight - I'd have insomnia, brain racing trying to process all the details

Michelle

Re: Bought! (was WTB Foretravel w/ 350hp 6V92TA)

Reply #27 – May 14, 2012, 08:21:33 pm

Scott, I'm pretty sure that it's not a U300 - to my knowledge ALL U300's are 40', I looked at his add; "1991 FORETRAVEL U300 Grandvilla Unihome, in ST PETERSBURG, FL 33702" and the coach appears to be in good condition by looks. I would be skeptical as to the crack in the roof! Foretravel roofs just don't crack something had to give. The air bag issue could be a problem, however they are 14 plys or more and built to withstand overloads. It should be replaced but you should be able to get it home if the coach is not fully loaded. Does this coach have the 8 air bag suspension? I see his asking price was $ 19,900.00 I would shoot him an offer of less, because of the work needed and the market today. (you could just ask him what's the bottom line?)P.S. I would get that oil out of that engine before I drive it back to TX or anywhere else... It will spin a bearing, Detroit recommends straight 40 or 50 weight oil in their two cycle engines. Delo or Rotella would work.

Q. What oil should I use, and do the two strokes tolerate synthetic oil?

A. Detroit two cycles demand the right oil if you expect them to last.
straight weight oil is a must.
I understand that Chevron Delo 100 is first choice with Shell Rotella T a very close second. Personally I use Shell Rotella T SAE40.

Re: Bought! (was WTB Foretravel w/ 350hp 6V92TA)

Reply #28 – May 14, 2012, 09:13:18 pm

Scott,

First, make sure this is a 9 liter 6V-92TA two cycle Detroit, NOT a 8.2 V8 4 cycle Detroit Diesel. Worth THOUSANDS less if it is. Have someone check if there is ANY doubt. My U300 is also a 36 footer but don't know about models for your year.

Crack on the roof, worn bags, non working air and outside storage with bad decals should bring the price down. Almost no one gets asking price on a 21 year old motorhome. Roof cracks are a sign of sun damage so expect further cracks soon in hot Texas weather without roof work. A real issue when talking price.

That was the same bag that went on ours. Some looked terrible when we bought it but lasted 2 years. Super easy to change once you have the coach SAFELY jacked up and BLOCKED. Only special tool needed is a 1 1/8" box end wrench that has been cut to about 6 inches long. Slide a short piece of pipe down it, use it like a regular wrench and off she comes. It's the nut that goes on the stud with the air supply line into it. Only other tools are several 1/2" medium long extensions to remove the 3/4" nuts on the bottom of the air bags while lying on the ground. No need to remove the tire as once the bag nuts are off, it's a two minute job to R&R it. Once the old bag is off, put your knee on the new one to compress it, put the vinyl cap back on so air can't get back in and stick it in place. I have R&R photos so email and I will send them. Bag is about $157 delivered. I bought three so I would have spares. Cracked bags will probably leak a bit before it becomes undriveable but could go out suddenly. If the air pressure builds to pop-off and then down to the compressor kick in in 3 to 5 minutes while driving without using the brakes, spray the bags with water/soap solution.

Takes only a few miles to get used to 102 inches. A non-issue.

Rotella multi is not the end of the world but change to Delo 100 SAE 40 (or 50) before heading home.

Have the owner drive is some distance so you can see it does not heat, no sticking thermostat, etc. Check calipers for sticking after long storage. Don't want to find out on the freeway.

Don't idle it for any length of time. Shut it down.

Pierce

Re: Bought! (was WTB Foretravel w/ 350hp 6V92TA)

Reply #29 – May 14, 2012, 09:35:28 pm

One other point, my 93 U300 has a retarder button but it really is to activate the two stage Jake Brake. To my knowledge, Allison did not offer a transmission retarder for our 4 speed transmission and the 6V92, 350 hp engine had too much torque for the 6 speed that would accommodate the Retarder.

The cracks in the roof starting at the openings such as the sky light were not unheardoff in the 90'S Grand Villas. To avoid long term water problems the should be reglassed not just patched or caulked.

Re: Bought! (was WTB Foretravel w/ 350hp 6V92TA)

Reply #30 – May 14, 2012, 10:04:29 pm

As for the retarder, get under the coach and read the data plate. If it has an R at the end (like B500R, MT647R) then there is a trans retarder. Also the trans will have a separate rounded section extension between the main body of the trans and the output shaft with large hoses going to it.

Sounds like a nice unit at a decent price. I would make a side trip to Nac to have it looked over if MOT or FOT could fit you in.

Re: Bought! (was WTB Foretravel w/ 350hp 6V92TA)

Reply #31 – May 15, 2012, 12:19:24 am

I'm having trouble sleeping even though I'm completely exhausted! (laugh)... so I'm back on here.

The tires don't bother me at all. If he had told me they were new I'd believe him. They look that good, and he's giving me a new spare mounted on a new matching Alcoa wheel.

I think I'll ask at some truck stops along the way and if I find one that has Delo 100 in straight 40 weight I'll have them change the oil. I believe he's giving me some new oil filters and a bunch of Rotella 10W40. I'll keep the Rotella for the generator. That's probably the correct oil for it and it'll be a lifetime supply for that little engine.

I'm absolutely sure it's a silver 6V92TA. That's the major selling point for me. I work with Detroit Diesels every day and I really like 2 stroke diesels.

I checked carefully for leaks and double checked the area near the crack but I see no evidence of leaking. I'll show the crack to someone who knows about this stuff as soon as possible. I doubt it's leaking now but I don't want it to start leaking later.

The retarder is not a selling point for me. I had to look it up to find out what it was because I'd never even heard of it before.

I think I'm gonna go for it in the morning and buy this coach. I'm thinking if I blow an airbag I'll still be able to limp to a truck service station for repairs won't I? Do truck shops keep those air bags in stock? Do I have to close an air valve to stop the leak or will the system do that automatically to save the air brakes? Thanks so much for your help my friends.

Re: Bought! (was WTB Foretravel w/ 350hp 6V92TA)

Reply #32 – May 15, 2012, 12:41:25 am

RRadio

Tires age on an RV not by tread wear, but UV and environmental stress, followed by overloading due to low air pressure. Good looking tires can be just that, or bombs waiting to go off. 5 years or less in age is fine, I would easily go 10 years on the rear tires on an older coach (assuming I had a tire inspection by someone who knew his stuff). You won't want old tires, no matter how much the tread, since new tires are about $600+ each, so six tires is a lot of $$$ compared to the value of the coach. Other places to spend money include:

Air Conditioners

Batteries

Refrigerators

Leaks in plumbing and leaks/delaminations anywhere

generator, but if diesel, they are pretty bulletproof. Fuel lines that age seem to cause more problems than engies/gennies

Airbags are $200 each or less plus install, and I think and generally available. Search the forum and you will find info on bag replacement and finding the parts. If you can't sleep, search on refrigerators, batteries and tires, will keep you up most of the night, but you will learn a LOT! FT's are great machines, but if it is old, and if it ha been sitting, you will spend a bit to get it all working. They seem to like being used more than sitting, so once you get it all working, keep using it and it will probably serve you well.

My advice

Take your time,

know the date codes on the tires,

Offer what you can afford, but assue you will spend $5,000 first year in repairs plus any tires and batteries you may need. You may need more or less, just depends

Factor the repairs into your price and budget, don't be affraid to offer what you can afford and makes sense to you.

Re: Bought! (was WTB Foretravel w/ 350hp 6V92TA)

Reply #33 – May 15, 2012, 01:38:58 am

You may or may not be able to limp to a service station. If the tires start to hit on the top of the wheel well, stop. You can pull the air hose off the top of the air bag and install a threaded fitting and a cap or unscrewing the 90 degree fitting where the black hose goes in and putting a cap on the end. Can't remember the exact size but any ACE hardware store will have both in stock. Other option would to be squeezing the line with a pair of vice grips. Would have to change it later because of possible damage. Others have had luck limping along on the remaining air bag after closing off the line but I could not get my tires to clear the wheel well so jacked it and changed it where it was.

If it's holding air now it will probably make the trip OK. Several different suppliers have the bags in stock now and can overnight if necessary. Source and price in the Foretravel tech section.

Rotella 40 or other SAE 40 would be fine for the trip if you can't find Delo 100. Any Chevron distributor or marine supplier should have lots of it. Almost 75% of the sport fishing boats have the 6V-92TA or other DD two cycle in them so Delo 100 very common at marine docks.

Pierce

Re: Bought! (was WTB Foretravel w/ 350hp 6V92TA)

Reply #34 – May 15, 2012, 09:46:48 pm

Count on replacing all 8 air bags. Two years ago I replace the ones on the rear axle and just a month ago I replace the ones on the front axle. Found a place on-line at $150/ea including shipping. I removed the fenders and it made them easy to get to.
My '91 U300 does have a 4 speed with a retarder, model MBT-648 (no R) but the '91 is only 300hp. '92 is when they went to 350hp and the 700 series tranny - maybe those don't come with retarders.
It sounds like a solid coach if you think the engine is OK and you haven't seen any bad rust in the bulkhead area or anywhere else. It's hard for me to believe what a great coach you can get for $20k. Yesterday we just arrived in San Diego in our '91 traveling 925 miles from Boise, ID with no problems, smooth ride and managed 9 mpg on the highway and a great view sitting up high on the Unihome Grand Villas - a little scary a first but you'll come to enjoy it later. Use your mirrors to get centered in your lane!
Best wishes to you.

Re: Bought! (was WTB Foretravel w/ 350hp 6V92TA)

Reply #35 – May 15, 2012, 10:25:08 pm

Don't leave us hanging Scott.
Are you on the way home with it ??
Bring it by and let Dave & I look at it!!!

bill

Re: Bought! (was WTB Foretravel w/ 350hp 6V92TA)

Reply #36 – May 16, 2012, 04:06:01 pm

I'm halfway home now and I can't find straight 40 weight oil anywhere. I'm sitting here at a TA / Petro truck service center now. The manager called all over the place and only found 3 gallons, which isn't enough of course. He even called ahead to the next location down the road and that manager can't get it either. They both said almost all the Detroits they service are running 15W40 and doing just fine. They said I have outdated information. I just added a gallon of Rotella 15W40 and I guess I'll continue on to Dallas and change the oil there after I find straight 40 weight. I know Stewart Stevenson has it.

The tires are fine and the air bags have held up okay so far. There may possibly be a tiny pinhole in the radiator but it's not leaking whenever I go looking for it. I can see some antifreeze spots around one certain area. There's still plenty in the radiator and the engine is running cool. I'm watching the gauges of course.

Thanks for your help and prayers my friends... (smile)

Re: Bought! (was WTB Foretravel w/ 350hp 6V92TA)

Reply #37 – May 16, 2012, 04:17:12 pm

Bars leak is your friend - Foretravel allows a certain amount as a one time treatment - some had had to use more the the allocated amount and still had good reuslts.

Good luck!

Re: Bought! (was WTB Foretravel w/ 350hp 6V92TA)

Reply #38 – May 16, 2012, 04:35:42 pm

call me when you get home. I'll have the number where I bought 10 gallons. Only comes in Gallon's now. Could not get quarts for adding.

Re: Bought! (was WTB Foretravel w/ 350hp 6V92TA)

Reply #39 – May 16, 2012, 06:23:50 pm

I know for a fact that you can get Delo 100, 40W from Orielly's. Just bought some at $12.99 per gallon but they had to order it from the warehouse. You have to make sure the send Delo 100. I have gone to pick it up and found that the warehouse sent Delo 400. I sent it back. I think that Delo 400 may be OK since I saw Foretravel filling a U300 with it today in their shop. But I will still use Delo 100, 40W because I know it's OK and I am told the engine will use less oil when using Delo 100.

I'm confident that you will enjoy your new ride. I know I love my U300. Keep us informed on your adventurers.

Re: Bought! (was WTB Foretravel w/ 350hp 6V92TA)

Reply #40 – May 16, 2012, 06:54:48 pm

Here is the link to the official Chevron bulletin on Delo 400 and 100. Read the last paragraph on the first page continuing on the second page: Delo 400

The following boat discussion group is more informative on just why to avoid Delo 400 and other high ash content oils: DD 6-71 TIBs and Delo 100 vs Delo 400 lube oil. - Page 3

Pierce

Re: Bought! (was WTB Foretravel w/ 350hp 6V92TA)

Reply #41 – May 16, 2012, 07:36:14 pm

Quote from: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart – May 16, 2012, 06:54:48 pm

Here is the link to the official Chevron bulletin on Delo 400 and 100. Read the last paragraph on the first page continuing on the second page: Delo 400

The following boat discussion group is more informative on just why to avoid Delo 400 and other high ash content oils: DD 6-71 TIBs and Delo 100 vs Delo 400 lube oil. - Page 3

Pierce

Well done, Pierce. This leaves no doubt as to which oil spec should be used on the 2 stroke Detroit.
Ata- boy to you!
Peter

Re: Bought! (was WTB Foretravel w/ 350hp 6V92TA)

Reply #42 – May 16, 2012, 08:25:29 pm

Quote from: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart – May 16, 2012, 06:54:48 pm

Here is the link to the official Chevron bulletin on Delo 400 and 100. Read the last paragraph on the first page continuing on the second page: Delo 400

The following boat discussion group is more informative on just why to avoid Delo 400 and other high ash content oils: DD 6-71 TIBs and Delo 100 vs Delo 400 lube oil. - Page 3

Pierce

That says it plain and simple, Delo 100 for the 6V92 if you want it to last for two more decades.

Re: Bought! (was WTB Foretravel w/ 350hp 6V92TA)

Reply #43 – May 16, 2012, 09:40:30 pm

Scott,
Congratulations on your purchase of a U300. I hope your trip home will be trouble free and a pleasant experience as mine was in march. I only had to travel about 250 miles and I was a little nervous the first time.

Pierce,
Thanks for the valuable info on the oil that should be used in our DD6v92. I'm not sure what oil is in mine now but I will find out from the PO
and make sure Delo 100 goes in there from now on. There also is a Detroit service center here and I will find out what they recommend.

Re: Bought! (was WTB Foretravel w/ 350hp 6V92TA)

Reply #44 – May 17, 2012, 07:15:44 pm

My new / old Foretravel made it back to Plano TX. The 6V92 used about 1 gallon of oil for the 1,100 mile journey. It has 72,000 miles on it now. The Onan diesel genset ran much of the trip because the dash air conditioning isn't working so I ran the roof air. I'll figure out the fuel efficiency as soon as I fill up the tank. I kept track of the miles. I'm sure the genset will reduce fuel efficiency. The radiator does leak, but it's a tiny leak that probably only amounts to about a gallon every 1,000 miles or so. I'll check into that more when I get the oil changed and the entire chassis serviced, possibly at Stewart Stevenson here in Dallas unless some of you have better suggestions. The tires did fine. The airbags seem to be okay but the coach wasn't level this morning for some reason. It was sagging to the right rear. The airbag I thought was bad is on the left rear so go figure. It's parked now and plugged in to electric power at a campground and it's level. I didn't make any adjustments to level it out. I'm told this 1991 model U300 doesn't level itself automatically, so my campsite must be perfectly level or something. After I got all the way back here and got a campsite the engine died on a street here in Plano. The red warning light to the upper right of the transmission selector panel came on. I coasted over to the right lane, put the transmission in neutral, turned the ignition key off for a moment, then back on again, waited the usual few seconds before starting a diesel, and then started the engine right up again. I had rolled to a complete stop by then. I tested it for a moment to see if it was going to stay running, it did and I drove it back to the campsite. The seller mentioned something about this as one of the weird electrical problems that comes and goes. I'll call him and see what he says. Apparently the Allison transmission has a rear pump, like the Aluminum Powerglide transmission in my old Chevrolet, because the engine kept turning even though it wasn't running. Do all Allisons have a rear pump or is it just because this one has the retarder on it? I need to fix a bunch of light bulbs, including the right front turn signal, then I need to get it inspected, pay the taxes on it, get it registered, and mail the Florida license plate back to the seller. It was really nice of him to allow that. I only have to stand in line at the DMV in one state instead of two... and thanks so much for all your help my friends. I really appreciate you...

Re: Bought! (was WTB Foretravel w/ 350hp 6V92TA)

Reply #45 – May 17, 2012, 07:32:18 pm

Scott,
So far so good. Now you can fix what you know how to, and have the professionals fix the stuff you don't. This is part of that "repair/upgrade" budget we talk about. This expenditure will make your ownership experience much better. Keep learning about your coach, and don't let just anyone work on it. If it were me, I take it to the mothership or a very good shop for the stuff you can't do.

Peter

Re: Bought! (was WTB Foretravel w/ 350hp 6V92TA)

Reply #46 – May 17, 2012, 08:26:53 pm

Scott,

Congratulations again on you new U300 and your trip home without incident. Nice to have you new home in it's campground site.

Biggest tip I can give is to get really familiar with all the information available on this site. The search feature will find the answer to almost any problem that members have come across. Tech section is great for how to do it as well as part numbers.

Jerry,

Very welcome.

Detroit Diesel service center should have the latest brand numbers on ultra low ash content 40 (50) weight oils. They are CF-2, SAE 40, Sulfated Ash 1.0% max, Alkalinity (ASTM D 2896) 7.0 Min Not all CF-2 oils meet all these specs that Detroit wants.

A lot of logging trucks in our area so when I call, the Chevron distributor just throws on a few cases of 100 when they come up the hill from Sacramento.

Pierce

Re: Bought! (was WTB Foretravel w/ 350hp 6V92TA)

Reply #47 – May 17, 2012, 08:57:12 pm

Quote from: RRadio – May 17, 2012, 07:15:44 pm

My new / old Foretravel made it back to Plano TX.

then I need to get it inspected, pay the taxes on it, get it registered, and mail the Florida license plate back to the seller. It was really nice of him to allow that. I only have to stand in line at the DMV in one state instead of two... and thanks so much for all your help my friends. I really appreciate you...

Congrats on a safe journey home!

The tax office here in TX will also require certified weights to determine your registration fee. If you don't already have something from the seller showing weights, if there's a vehicle weight plate in your coach that shows VIN number and unladen weight (UVW) they might accept a photo of that. If not, unload as much possible (including tanks) and find a truck scale (like CAT) that will give you a weight slip.

Michelle

Re: Bought! (was WTB Foretravel w/ 350hp 6V92TA)

Reply #48 – May 17, 2012, 09:08:03 pm

...I forgot to mention that the Allison transmission hunts up and down between 3rd and 4th gear on some hills when on cruise control. If I step on the accelerator it will choose a gear and stay in that gear though. It seems to be a problem that only happens when it's on cruise control, which was most of this trip. It never happens when I'm using the accelerator pedal.

Re: Bought! (was WTB Foretravel w/ 350hp 6V92TA)

Reply #49 – May 17, 2012, 10:14:43 pm

Hunting between gears on a grade is REALLY hard on any transmission. Use the gear selector to lock the transmission in the lower gear until the grade allows for it to stay in the higher gear.

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