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Differences

When we visited MOT earlier this year, Stewart Canty suggested that we focus on the U280/300 models, as they are the best fit for our purposes. That agreed with what I had already decided, so that's where the research has been focused the last couple of months. Barry Beam's weight chart tells me that a U300 can tow much more than a U280. I know that there is a different engine (Cummins in the 280, Detroit in the 300). What other major differences are there? We're looking at 92-95 coaches primarily.

We're still discussing the difference between a 36' coach and a 40' coach. What is the weight difference between them? I would expect the 40' to be heavier, but how much? What about the NCC for the U280 and the U300? Are they about the same, or does the U300 have an advantage?

Thanks to all of you who have so generously answered my many questions and shown us your coaches. We really appreciate it.

Re: Differences

Reply #1 –
David,

You might start by trying a line-item comparison of the models using the spec sheets listed at Foretravel Specifications, Floor Plans, Photos & Brochures by Year

A quick check for a few items in 1994 as an example:

the U280 is on a 28,000 lb GVWR chassis and has a 6.5 kW propane generator as standard equipment, and a 50 amp converter. 

The U300 is on a 30,000 lb GVWR chassis and has a 10 kW diesel generator standard, plus a 100 amp converter/charger and a 2500 kW inverter standard.

These won't answer the more detailed weight questions you have, like CCC, but making up a comparison chart should give you some other comparison info.  And of course an individual coach may have been optioned differently than the standard spec sheet.

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: Differences

Reply #2 –
Thanks, Michelle. I have such a chart, covering 10 or so models from 93-97. I've found some differences between what's on Barry's site and the coaches. For example, Barry's information says, as you do, that a U280 has a propane=powered generator. Stewart Canty and others have said they have never seen a U280 with one - they are all diesel-powered. The 95 U280 I saw today has a diesel-powered one. Perhaps that was one of those options that everyone took, or maybe a "mandatory option." I'm looking for such details as side/rear radiator, carrying capacity, anything to help us narrow the choices.

For example, I saw Gary Bouland's 95 U280 today. His coach has the driver/navigator seats up on pedestals with a sliding cover over the space between the seats. MOT has a 92 U300 1992 Foretravel Grand Villa 40' Motorhomes of Texas that shows the raised area up front goes all across. Details like that may help us narrow a year range.

We're still a year or so out from actively looking to buy, but every bit of information that forum members share with us helps. Thanks again for all the good information.

Re: Differences

Reply #3 –
David,

Have been trying to find out the weight differences between the 36 and 40 myself. I figure about 3 to 4% but just a guess. The Detroit has an excellent Jake brake. We live in the mountains where flat roads don't exist and have about a 3300 lb. RAV4 behind us most of the time. It's either pedal to the metal or Jake 90 percent of the time. We never heat the brakes but use the transmission to keep rpm high when descending where the Jake works best.

If you stay in state parks or visit National Parks, the 36 footer will fit into a lot more campsites, especially in the west. Better off pavement where the turns are tight.

Our floorplan has a large flat wall that takes up to a 46 inch HDTV. 40 footers don't have the flat wall as I remember. The head/bathroom is like a hotel. Great layout.

A washer could be installed in a 36 but would take half the space in one of the closets.

The rear subframe in any Foretravel is pretty beefy. I have seen a U300s pulling a large flatbed with a backhoe plus a lot more gear. Must have weighed more than the U300. Was on the flat. Don't notice the RAV back there down low. At higher altitudes, the extra weight is felt.

Towing capacity is limited by the cooling in most Foretravels. More HP means more heat and watching temps and shifting down in hot weather in the hills. In other words, sometimes we can't use all the HP it has. Never comes off the thermostat at any speed on the flat.

We are limited to 82 mph at 2100. Could use a little taller final drive but it is vibration free, sewing machine smooth at all speeds.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Differences

Reply #4 –
"We are limited to 82 mph at 2100." I don't drive anything that fast (anymore)! I'm more a 60 mph guy, at least on the ground. Give me an airplane, though, as I like to see 200 mph.

We do like the walk-through bath arrangement since it seems more spacious. We're still discussing the washer/dryer idea. Most likely that won't be a big deal one way or the other.

Re: Differences

Reply #5 –
Only mentioned the 2100/82 as it would be nice to turn lower rpm at 60 mph. Can't afford to drive that fast with fuel prices now.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Differences

Reply #6 –
Quote
For example, I saw Gary Bouland's 95 U280 today. His coach has the driver/navigator seats up on pedestals with a sliding cover over the space between the seats. MOT has a 92 U300 1992 Foretravel Grand Villa 40' Motorhomes of Texas that shows the raised area up front goes all across. Details like that may help us narrow a year range.

If it's a U300 or U280 the raised area will be open between the seats like Gary's. 

I have an old RV.org book and it shows "average curb weights".  It shows 1000 lbs difference between U300 and U280. And 500 lbs difference between a 36 and 40 footers. 
Weight shouldn't be an issue with any of these U280/U300 coaches.  My coach has 4341 lbs. of payload.  Loaded up for fulltiming (with my tools) we still had about 2400 lbs left.
The smallest payload I see is 2168 lbs. for a '95 U280 - 40 ft.
The largest: 5669 lbs. for a '92 U300 - 36 ft.
(weight always seems to grow with each new model year as manufactures add new features)

I'm pretty sure all U280/U300s in the year range you are looking at have a side radiator.
John Fitzgerald
1991 U300 (SAI) Side Aisle Island Bed 40'
Detroit 6V92 with Allison Retarder
Meridian (Boise), Idaho

Re: Differences

Reply #7 –
Thanks, John. That's very helpful information. Those numbers make the search a bit easier.