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Topic: New to us 1989 FT (U280 i think) (Read 552 times) previous topic - next topic

New to us 1989 FT (U280 i think)

First off I have been reading this forum for the last 4 days and I can't thank everyone enough for taking time to make your posts.  I have learned a lot from my reading. I will be picking our "Lady" up on July 2nd from the loving owner of 21 years.  It has the 3208T CAT with 171k on it. No leaks, new belts, air bags, radiator, service this past year. 4 new rear tires, front tires look good (I will check the date codes thanks to this site). It had a small roof leak 13 years ago and had a full roof replacement done by the factory. I saw no evidence of any current leaks. Since then its been stored inside for most of the last 13 years. The only thing not working is the dash A/C owner disconnected it after wasn't working properly. We have been trailer camping for the last 18 years and this will be our first MH. Since the DW is a school bus driver I figure she can now help "share" the driving responsibilities!!!

Is there anyone that has a older coach that might have any suggestions of something to  check before I hand over the rest of my cash for it? As both the DW and I still have 8-10 more years of the four letter word to deal with it will be used for week end trips and one 2 week trip in the summer.

Thanks
Jeff
Jeff & Carrie
2023 Geneva 31VA
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED "The Button Pusher" - GONE 🥺

Re: New to us 1989 FT (U280 i think)

Reply #1 –
Try this Jeff,
PDI
and congratulations
Best of Travels

Re: New to us 1989 FT (U280 i think)

Reply #2 –
Jeff,
Congratulations and welcome to the forum. The further in depth you go, the more you will appreciate the vast wealth of knowledge located here. It's the best that a newbie can ask for. I know from experience. I've been reading for about 5 months now and have learned so much about FT's  that I am much more confident as I continue my search.
I hope you enjoy your coach and travels.
Larry
Larry Warren
1996  U320 36' SBID "Lola" sold 2020
Build #4970
Motorcade #18318

Re: New to us 1989 FT (U280 i think)

Reply #3 –
Welcome. We are new here too. We purchased our "Lady" 94U225 just two weeks ago. I was looking at FT for a long time and finally found one. Folks here are awesome, they helped me so much, i hope to be able to pay it forward.
After i have done my research for me there was no other brand. If you are buying one from some one with a lot of history and he/she is able to walk around and show you those things, imo it is the best way to buy. You can also do PDI. I had to do that & it was valuable for me, it gave me list of things that I need to deal with some small, some for longevity.
4 new tires is good.
Good luck, enjoy.
Former 2003 GV U295 (6230) (2015 - 2025)
Former 94 GV U225 (2013-2016)

Re: New to us 1989 FT (U280 i think)

Reply #4 –
I had a 1990 U280 for about 50,000 miles.  Very similar, also with the 3208T.  I loved that coach.  I got a small exhaust gasket leak in Raton, NM that made it sound like it was gonna throw a rod out of the side.  When I got to the CAT service (Butler, in Rapid  City, SD), they simply replaced the gasket after verifying the surfaces were still flat.  That was the only issue I experienced in that period.

Forgot to add a hearty welcome!  This is a great bunch of folks, and the knowledge within the ForeForums is formidable.  Any issue usually gets help within the hour.  Glad you found us and your new coach!
The selected media item is not currently available.Brad & Christine Slaughter
Was:  1990 U280 36'
Was:  2002 U270 36' (With a bathroom door) Build #5981
Is:  2021 Leisure Travel Van Wonder 24RL
2015 Jeep JKU, 2003 S10 QC 4x4 or 2017 C-Max
Lake Havasu City, AZ (or Gillette, WY)

Re: New to us 1989 FT (U280 i think)

Reply #5 –
Welcome. I'm new here too, bought my FT in march. The people on this site are great! They have given me lots of help. Enjoy your coach. Mark
Mark Freeman 1995 grand villa, Brimson Mn
8.3 Cummins  G95 4709 40 WTBS U280 WE21

Re: New to us 1989 FT (U280 i think)

Reply #6 –
Jeff,

Welcome.

Besides the PDI inspection drive it on local roads, preferably rough ones, and the interstate if possible.  Listen for any unusual noises or vibrations.  A couple of quick stops to test the brakes.  Sight along the sides to see if everything is straight and that there is no delamination.  And, most important check the bulkheads (see below link).

Bulkhead Separation

Also this is a great deal of info for the first time owner:

Foretravel Motorhome technical help and information links

Keith
Keith, Joyce & Smokey the Australian Cattle Dog
1995 U320 SE Extreme 40' WTBI Build # 4780, with a Honda CR-V hopefully still following behind.
Motorcade # 17030
FMCA # F422159

Re: New to us 1989 FT (U280 i think)

Reply #7 –
Jeff, Welcome aboard.  You will find a wealth of info here.  Don't hesitate to ask about anything, someone here will have had the same question at some point.  I had an 82 ORED with the 3208 Cat and loved it, it was totaled in an accident or I would still have it.
Let us know more about the coach and your location.
Enjoy your new ride.
Gary B

Re: New to us 1989 FT (U280 i think)

Reply #8 –
Congratulations!  I hope that finalizing the deal turns out as you would hope, and that you get all of the enjoyment out of it that you are looking forward to, and then some!  As a first time buyer have the original owners give you as much information as possible in the way of service records since new, plus a complete familiarization of the operation of all systems and accessories, including the driving of it.  This, plus having a PDI (as previously noted) executed.

Good luck, Jeff!
James McBroom
1994 U280 36'