87 Grand Villa

Topic: 87 Grand Villa (Read 2267 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: 87 Grand Villa

Reply #25 – May 18, 2014, 10:05:35 am

TAS69, Go by Tennessee RV in Knoxville and say hello to James, he has a classic and would probably be glad to show it off, or drop him a PM here, I think JAHOLDER is his handle.
Gary B

Re: 87 Grand Villa

Reply #26 – May 18, 2014, 04:35:37 pm

TAS69, this is also handy;

Hottest Craigslist Deals on Motorhomes

Re: 87 Grand Villa

Reply #27 – May 19, 2014, 02:40:48 am

Try, RVZEZ.com,, They have heaps of Foretravels for sale, Under 20 Grand, Pre 1990, and in very good condition,

There might be one near you, So you can take the wife along to see one in the flesh, She wont be dissapointed,

And the curtains are always the wrong colour, any way, Hahahahaha.

Re: 87 Grand Villa

Reply #28 – May 19, 2014, 11:32:59 am

Quote from: DaveLarose – May 18, 2014, 04:35:37 pm

TAS69, this is also handy;

Hottest Craigslist Deals on Motorhomes

We found our coach on craigslist but I have to say that it can be frustrating. Amazing how many people trying to sell their used motor home will put every single brand in the listing in order to pull in searches. Like that one above, someone selling a Bounder showed up.

Craig

Re: 87 Grand Villa

Reply #29 – May 19, 2014, 12:18:25 pm

No Bounders here: Google Custom Search

Covers Craigslist well.

Pierce

Re: 87 Grand Villa

Reply #30 – May 20, 2014, 10:34:21 pm

Thanks for the advice ! RVEZE Turned up a nice 89 36' in Knoxville are with 113,000 miles and Detroit V8 215HP with 4 spd 545 Allison. Seems like a low power yet relatively low stress powertrain. Owner claims everything is tip top except ice maker. Asking $25,000.00 OBO Only has one picture? Anyone familiar with this powertrain? Gentleman says if no one makes serious offer in 4 weeks or so he'll contact me willing to finance with decent down payment!

Re: 87 Grand Villa

Reply #31 – May 20, 2014, 10:48:13 pm

I think you can find something better. And cheaper.

Craig

Re: 87 Grand Villa

Reply #32 – May 20, 2014, 10:57:37 pm

Quote from: TAS69 – May 20, 2014, 10:34:21 pm

Thanks for the advice ! RVEZE Turned up a nice 89 36' in Knoxville are with 113,000 miles and Detroit V8 215HP with 4 spd 545 Allison. Seems like a low power yet relatively low stress powertrain. Owner claims everything is tip top except ice maker. Asking $25,000.00 OBO Only has one picture? Anyone familiar with this powertrain? Gentleman says if no one makes serious offer in 4 weeks or so he'll contact me willing to finance with decent down payment!

Spring coach, hydraulic disk brakes.

Re: 87 Grand Villa

Reply #33 – May 20, 2014, 11:39:41 pm

Quote from: TAS69 – May 20, 2014, 10:34:21 pm

Thanks for the advice ! RVEZE Turned up a nice 89 36' in Knoxville are with 113,000 miles and Detroit V8 215HP with 4 spd 545 Allison. Seems like a low power yet relatively low stress powertrain. Owner claims everything is tip top except ice maker. Asking $25,000.00 OBO Only has one picture? Anyone familiar with this powertrain? Gentleman says if no one makes serious offer in 4 weeks or so he'll contact me willing to finance with decent down payment!

Do some more research on the engine, etc. Lots of info here on the forum if you use the search box. You can find a 1992 or later side radiator U280/U300 for less money with outstanding Cummins or Detroit 2 cycle engines. Lots of improvements in a short time. Just don't be in a hurry.

Pierce

Re: 87 Grand Villa

Reply #34 – May 21, 2014, 07:37:36 am

TAS69, PM Me for more information on this coach.
It belongs to a friend of mine.
James

Re: 87 Grand Villa

Reply #35 – May 21, 2014, 07:45:07 am

Quote from: Caflashbob – May 20, 2014, 10:57:37 pm

Spring coach, hydraulic disk brakes.

How often would I be dealing with air bag repair/ replace?

Re: 87 Grand Villa

Reply #36 – May 21, 2014, 10:21:42 am

The ones on our coach are OEM. I have a spare in the basement, and I bought 2 more to replace the 2 that are in the worst shape, but none of them look as bad as some shown on this forum. Not bad for 25 years I think. I suspect that the very first time you go from springs and juice brakes to riding and stopping on air, you will find your question to be a non-issue!

Re: 87 Grand Villa

Reply #37 – May 21, 2014, 10:49:24 am

TAS69, for what it is worth, I bought our '89 GV 36' almost four years ago for $19,500 plus tax. It has the DD 8.2, 215hp, and had 63,000 miles on it. It has a custom paint job, no decals, new refrigerator, new microwave, new LED TVs, one new AC, and a large storage pod on the roof. We have put 14,000 miles on it since, bought one new circuit breaker for the block heater, one new valve extension, one new inside dual, and now are getting the alternator rebuilt 'cause a dumbass (no names please) hooked the batteries up wrong and caused a BEAUTIFUL spark display. Everything has now been labeled.

My point, I guess, is the price might be high but the Foretravel quality is there. The DD is quite comfortable running around 55-58 MPH and 2500 RPM. A great cruising speed for scenic viewing and around 9 MPG with a 3700# toad. the ride is not air ride quality, but comfortable with the tires set at 85 rear and 95 front. The height of the older GVs make them look like just slightly oversize class Bs when sitting at a rally. And people do come up and ask about the "Neat looking" class A

Re: 87 Grand Villa

Reply #38 – May 21, 2014, 01:29:28 pm

Quote from: nitehawk – May 21, 2014, 10:49:24 am

TAS69, for what it is worth, I bought our '89 GV 36' almost four years ago for $19,500 plus tax. It has the DD 8.2, 215hp, and had 63,000 miles on it. It has a custom paint job, no decals, new refrigerator, new microwave, new LED TVs, one new AC, and a large storage pod on the roof. We have put 14,000 miles on it since, bought one new circuit breaker for the block heater, one new valve extension, one new inside dual, and now are getting the alternator rebuilt 'cause a dumbass (no names please) hooked the batteries up wrong and caused a BEAUTIFUL spark display. Everything has now been labeled.

My point, I guess, is the price might be high but the Foretravel quality is there. The DD is quite comfortable running around 55-58 MPH and 2500 RPM. A great cruising speed for scenic viewing and around 9 MPG with a 3700# toad. the ride is not air ride quality, but comfortable with the tires set at 85 rear and 95 front. The height of the older GVs make them look like just slightly oversize class Bs when sitting at a rally. And people do come up and ask about the "Neat looking" class A

Does that DD w 4spd handle Mountains with your Toad? My Father lives in Taos NM and I enjoy heading up to Estes Park area from there.

Re: 87 Grand Villa

Reply #39 – May 21, 2014, 08:35:29 pm

Don't know, as we haven't been in the mountains. But, saying that, it does slow down on steep hills.

Re: 87 Grand Villa

Reply #40 – May 21, 2014, 10:43:53 pm

Been reading on tractor. net and other forums that this isn't a very easy powerplant to work on or get parts for. Late 80's turbos were the best of the series but very difficult to time in regards to injector pumps and very few and far between are mechanics that know how to if a pump has to be rebuilt. Maybe the cummings mechanical is as close to a do it yourself /shade tree mechanic friendly Diesel out there. Or go the 460 route and accept 5 miles per gallon with potential overhaul or two.

Re: 87 Grand Villa

Reply #41 – May 21, 2014, 10:49:05 pm

I would for sure stay away from the rear engine 460, worked on many of them and they had many issues. I would go for a 5.9 or 8.3 cummins. We had an 84 ored with the 250 hp 3208 cat and that was a good unit. Some of the later 80's oreds had a 300 hp 3208 cat and they would really run, made a good unit.

Re: 87 Grand Villa

Reply #42 – May 21, 2014, 11:01:44 pm

Quote from: red tractor – May 21, 2014, 10:49:05 pm

I would for sure stay away from the rear engine 460, worked on many of them and they had many issues. I would go for a 5.9 or 8.3 cummins. We had an 84 ored with the 250 hp 3208 cat and that was a good unit. Some of the later 80's oreds had a 300 hp 3208 cat and they would really run, made a good unit.

I know you're right about that. Have heard some nightmares about truck stops literally seizing DPRV's in lew of 6and7thousand dollar repairs. Having built an aluminum headed stroked 460 or 385 series ford I kinda know what to expect and alot of those older 80's models had lousy exhaust ports and worse cam timing as much as 4degrees retarding by design. Having said all that a late 80's through mid ninety's Cummings 6 cylinder might near the perfect platform with preventative maintenance and some homework. Heard of truckers carrying lots of spare parts up to injectors and the like and wrenching on the side of the road!

Re: 87 Grand Villa

Reply #43 – May 21, 2014, 11:17:29 pm

Quite a few to pick from out there, hard to beet that 300hp Cat 3208T with a side radiator. We love ours up and down mountains, in the heat, in the cold with a 4000 lb toad. As previously stated, it is a runner. Don't see many advertised, mostly the Cummins. Happy hunting ---- Fritz

Re: 87 Grand Villa

Reply #44 – May 21, 2014, 11:28:33 pm

Would like to thank each and everyone of you again! having been on multiple motorcycle and Ford Big Block forums this is by far the most responsive and helpful group I've met. We are traveling through Atlanta on Friday and will visit Gary and his 95 U280. Convinced my better half will understand all of the excitement she see's in me over these 20 and 25 year old homes after the 30 or so other newer junk units we have looked at and could be financing. No contest , 2012 models with headliners loose, leaks and and doors that won't shut or open!

Re: 87 Grand Villa

Reply #45 – May 22, 2014, 08:18:26 am

Run from a 460 OREG. Any diesel better.....any one

Re: 87 Grand Villa

Reply #46 – May 22, 2014, 08:51:35 am

For those who don't know, the Oshkosh Truck chassis designs for the older models was sold to Freightliner (this from Mike Grimes at FOT) and we have been able to get good service from our Kenworth Truck sales here in central Wisconsin. Chassis parts and information are still available, but don't bother trying to get anything from Oshkosh Truck.

I do have a complete manual for the Oshkosh Truck Chassis if anyone is seeking information and they don't have a manual.

Re: 87 Grand Villa

Reply #47 – May 22, 2014, 10:16:42 am

Quote from: TAS69 – May 21, 2014, 11:28:33 pm

We are traveling through Atlanta on Friday and will visit Gary and his 95 U280.

Good luck and fingers crossed for all of you - Gary's U280 is a very nice coach

Re: 87 Grand Villa

Reply #48 – May 22, 2014, 05:22:17 pm

I will also chime in on how easy I have found it to get my Oshkosh and Detroit serviced at big truck shops...

Dave

Re: 87 Grand Villa

Reply #49 – May 22, 2014, 05:48:25 pm

When you look at a coach remember that fabrics and rugs can all be easily changed. So don't focus on the color of anything or the design of the curtains or valences or whatever. Try to focus on the underlying basics.

Craig

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