Wanabee decisions. Smart Wheel

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Wanabee decisions. Smart Wheel

May 27, 2014, 09:58:49 am

Good Morning

I suspect most wannabees were like me when searching for their first Foretravel. Trying to decide which options or standard features I would like to have. Then finding if it was available for the particular model year. Asking myself the question "Do I really need that?"

My question to the group today is about the smart wheel. Does anyone know if any of the features on the smart wheel are located elsewhere if the coach does not have a smart wheel. For instance if a 1996 unicoach (270, 295, 320) does not have a smart wheel does it have cruise control located somewhere else on the dash? The same question for the lights etc.

In other words can I live without a smart wheel and still have those functions available, just not all grouped together on the wheel. $:-\$

Thanks
Ed

Re: Wanabee decisions. Smart Wheel

Reply #1 – May 27, 2014, 10:34:47 am

I have the Smart Wheel on my 98 U295, and enjoy the functions close at hand, but they seem to need to be looked at to find them to operate.

But I had all the same functions on my 93 U225 just somewhere else, most on the stalks like in many trucks and cars I have driven. On the stalks they don't need to be looked at to touch the correct button. High beams was a stalk pull, cruise was the stalk end switch, wipers was the on the dash.

Since you still have all the features somewhere handy, neither would matter to me, on a purchase. I might rate them a total non issue. I had many more things that mattered when we wanted to upgrade.

Things that mattered, were: condition, service records, upgrades, location, hp power, retarder, mid door, floor plan, and even color.

Re: Wanabee decisions. Smart Wheel

Reply #2 – May 27, 2014, 11:37:45 am

The older and more complex a RV is, the more problems you will have. Nice to have all the records, etc., but even with the most meticulous previous owner, from time to time you will still encounter little things that need attention. With much of the most scenic parts of the U.S. and Mexico out of cell range, the more basic the rolling cabin is the better it is as far as I'm concerned. I want to be able to enjoy the sights I came to see without the stress of worrying about all the things that might go wrong and cause a great deal of inconvenience. If I wanted all the comforts of home, I would have stayed home. I'm a big believer in the old saying, "less is more."

Pierce

Re: Wanabee decisions. Smart Wheel

Reply #3 – May 27, 2014, 11:39:26 am

Smart wheel is nice, but everything is still there without a smart wheel. Our cruise control is on the turn signal stalk, headlights on dash.

Smart wheel can introduce its own problems. Sometimes simple is better, sometimes complex is more fun.

Aggregating features like smart wheel and central lighting switches can be very convenient, make life safer, be more enjoyable, but it brings more complexity to simple functions. And over time the original manufacturer may go out of business with parts not available and the more complex parts may be more prone to fail. Sometimes for popular parts, someone else makes replacement parts for obsolete parts, keeping us going for decades.

Re: Wanabee decisions. Smart Wheel

Reply #4 – May 27, 2014, 11:39:41 am

Yup, even after almost four years I have to look before I push buttons. Cruise control is pretty automatic but the wiper controls still need a look. It would be nice if they were illuminated like they are in my car so you could see them at night without turning on a light. But then I try to not drive at night. Eventually i will figure it all out.

Roger

Re: Wanabee decisions. Smart Wheel

Reply #5 – May 27, 2014, 11:55:37 am

Gee, I love my smart wheel(and my centralized lighting system too). When I bought my coach the lettering had mostly worn away. I tried to replicate it with an artist brush and paint. Then by chance I checked the manufacturer. I was surprised I could buy a new one, with the Foretravel logo no less. Maybe it's just that if you don't have a feature you don't miss it?

Re: Wanabee decisions. Smart Wheel

Reply #6 – May 27, 2014, 12:13:00 pm

Quote from: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart – May 27, 2014, 11:37:45 am

I'm a big believer in the old saying, "less is more."

He says after complexifying his coach with solar panels and the most futuristic (and comples) of solar charge controllers available on the planet.

I'm probably worse... ham radio, cell phone amp, Ubiquiti long-range WiFi system and solar panels with the same futuristic controller. We'll both have to write up tech manuals for any future owner.

My U225 has a headlight knob on the dash that I pull - one click for marker lights and another click for headlights!!! And a wiper knob that I twist for wipers and push for washer. Just like my first cars. I was looking for the dimmer switch on the floorboards the first day I bought it!

Cruise control is easy on the left stalk (turn signals and headlight dimmer). Nothing but a horn button on the steering wheel. Just as the Creator intended.

Craig

Re: Wanabee decisions. Smart Wheel

Reply #7 – May 27, 2014, 12:26:06 pm

Make sure your knee clears any turn signal control.

Smart wheel was not illuminated until 99 as far as I have read. Very convenient either way.

Re: Wanabee decisions. Smart Wheel

Reply #8 – May 27, 2014, 12:32:34 pm

Never had it, don't miss it, but maybe it would be fun to have one. Everything I need is within easy reach from my normal driving position.

In the whole scheme of things, it would be at the bottom of my list of priorities if I was searching for another coach.

Re: Wanabee decisions. Smart Wheel

Reply #9 – May 27, 2014, 12:41:31 pm

Let's hear from someone who had it but doesn't want it!

Re: Wanabee decisions. Smart Wheel

Reply #10 – May 27, 2014, 12:51:55 pm

Smart wheel is not lit on our 99' Dave Katsuki has done an interesting upgrade on the smart wheel on his 99'. It looks like a nice unit with Better tactile feel on the buttons and more logical grouping of the functions. It is by VIP and not quite plug-and-play... but that doesn't matter when you're Dave K

it is another one on my list... Which I believe, is actually getting shorter?
Don

Quote from: Caflashbob – May 27, 2014, 12:26:06 pm

Make sure your knee clears any turn signal control.

Smart wheel was not illuminated until 99 as far as I have read. Very convenient either way.

Re: Wanabee decisions. Smart Wheel

Reply #11 – May 27, 2014, 01:02:22 pm

Our 95 doesn't have the Smart Wheel. I'm sure the features would be nice to have, but I also have a lot of experience with older vehicles with nice-to-have features, and those features aren't so nice when the break. Therefore, for me it's a non-issue. I wouldn't mind having it, but I wouldn't be happy if it broke. Therefore, I'm pleased with the less complex controls on our 95 model. They nicely meet my needs.

Re: Wanabee decisions. Smart Wheel

Reply #12 – May 27, 2014, 01:35:08 pm

My 2001 has a non lighted wheel. I think I changed out my 99 wheel and it was lighted I wonder if I should do so again. Now I have to find out what Dave K did first. I know where the buttons are though and the dark is not an issue for two reasons: one I know the layout after 350k miles and two I no long want to drive after dark if I can help it.

Re: Wanabee decisions. Smart Wheel

Reply #13 – May 27, 2014, 02:28:08 pm

Quote from: amos.harrison – May 27, 2014, 12:41:31 pm

Let's hear from someone who had it but doesn't want it!

You got me there, Brett.

Re: Wanabee decisions. Smart Wheel

Reply #14 – May 27, 2014, 05:47:37 pm

Quote from: acousticart – May 27, 2014, 12:51:55 pm

Dave Katsuki has done an interesting upgrade on the smart wheel on his 99'. It looks like a nice unit with Better tactile feel on the buttons and more logical grouping of the functions.

I've seen Katsuki's Smart Wheel. I am waiting for him to demonstrate, on my coach, how to exchange our '97 Smart Wheel for his "Smarter Wheel." (It may be a long wait.)

Our '97 Smart Wheel is pretty good, but the buttons are a bit hard to push. Marilyn has to make very deliberate moves to use the buttons on the Smart Wheel.

The Smart Wheel was not a big factor in our choice of coaches. Features important to us included dual pane windows, ducted flow for air conditioners, hinged cabinet doors, and bus style basement doors.

Re: Wanabee decisions. Smart Wheel

Reply #15 – May 27, 2014, 07:09:36 pm

Quote from: Lance Camper – May 27, 2014, 09:58:49 am

In other words can I live without a smart wheel and still have those functions available, just not all grouped together on the wheel. $:-\$

Thanks
Ed

One feature that I think I might like having is being able to adjust engine rpm's. I looked at a 98 U295. The owner was able to increase the idle by pressing a button on the wheel. Is this something that can be done without a smart wheel?

Re: Wanabee decisions. Smart Wheel

Reply #16 – May 27, 2014, 07:28:21 pm

Quote from: Lance Camper – May 27, 2014, 07:09:36 pm

The owner was able to increase the idle by pressing a button on the wheel.

That is a function of the cruise control. It will depend on whether the cruise control will implement fast idle.

On our 1997 U295, the cruise control is managed on the smart wheel. Steps are: start engine, turn on cruise control, set cruise control, raise idle speed with Accel/Resume. Release the fast idle by engaging the service brake or turning off the cruise control.

Re: Wanabee decisions. Smart Wheel

Reply #17 – May 27, 2014, 07:42:29 pm

Yes increasing idle speed is a function of the cruise control system, and turn single stalk cruise control has idle speed increase feature and can be invoked without look down.

Re: Wanabee decisions. Smart Wheel

Reply #18 – May 27, 2014, 08:50:18 pm

I had a smart wheel on the 99 but don't have it on our current coach, a 95. Can't say it makes any difference to me. Might even give the edge to the dumb wheel as I don't have to look down. Like Barry said, you can go to fast idle with either one. On the stalk cruise, just tap the little slider and up she goes.
jor

Re: Wanabee decisions. Smart Wheel

Reply #19 – May 27, 2014, 09:25:52 pm

The early Smart Wheel that FT used was the BK series and can be changed to the PC series wheel that is not backlit.
I changed mine three years ago.

Re: Wanabee decisions. Smart Wheel

Reply #20 – May 27, 2014, 10:35:18 pm

FWIW,
I don't have the smart wheel. I did have the headlight switch/dash illumination rheostat go out. This switch was easily replaced from local auto parts store. It is a Chevrolet van or truck switch and was inexpensive. It was also easy to replace. This may a benefit for the non smart wheel?

Re: Wanabee decisions. Smart Wheel

Reply #21 – May 27, 2014, 10:58:36 pm

Quote from: Bill Willett – May 27, 2014, 09:25:52 pm

The early Smart Wheel that FT used was the BK series and can be changed to the PC series wheel that is not backlit.
I changed mine three years ago.

Did you need to change the controller box. Plug and play?

Bob

Re: Wanabee decisions. Smart Wheel

Reply #22 – May 27, 2014, 11:15:02 pm

Quote from: drcscruggs – May 27, 2014, 10:35:18 pm

FWIW,
I don't have the smart wheel. I did have the headlight switch/dash illumination rheostat go out. This switch was easily replaced from local auto parts store. It is a Chevrolet van or truck switch and was inexpensive. It was also easy to replace. This may a benefit for the non smart wheel?

Our Smart Wheel has a button to flash the headlights and a button to flash the clearance/marker lamps. If the lamps are off, the buttons flash them on as long as the button is activated. If the lamps are on, the buttons flash them off as long as the button is activated. The primary On/Off switch is on the dash.

Re: Wanabee decisions. Smart Wheel

Reply #23 – May 27, 2014, 11:37:29 pm

I think I used every single button on my Smart Wheel today. I mostly really like it. For some reason I just can't remember the order of the buttons for the wipers. I definitely wish it was illuminated, but I try not to drive at night.

So I'm curious...two of the buttons I use most often are the headlight "flash" and markerlight "flash". For those without the Smart Wheel...do you have a head light flash and marker light flash buttons somewhere?

Personally a Smart Wheel is a nice option, I wouldn't pass on a coach because it lacked a Smart Wheel.

Re: Wanabee decisions. Smart Wheel

Reply #24 – May 28, 2014, 12:48:34 am

It took me two years to figure out how the intermittent wipers work. We don't get much rain here'bouts.

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