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Topic: Purchasing a 1992 U280 some advice on inspecting it? (Read 647 times) previous topic - next topic

Purchasing a 1992 U280 some advice on inspecting it?

I am purchasing a 1992 U280 and I need some experienced advice on inspecting it. It has a big cummins 6cyl and Allison 4 speed trans.
Is there any things specific to older (1992) Foretravels  that I should be aware of and look at before driving it home?  Also I know nothing about diesels, I am mechanically inclined and am familiar w/ gassers and motorhomes; I have owned about 7 or 8 different models and this is my first Foretravel.

I am a brand new member and this is my first post, love the forum. Thanks!; Pat
1994 u300

Re: Purchasing a 1992 U280 some advice on inspecting it?

Reply #1 –
Pat,

Welcome to the Forum.  To ease your transition to diesel power in general, and Foretravel in particular, I would suggest the following sequence of events:

1.  Update your profile to show your location - it often helps make answers to your questions more relevant.

2.  Read The Forum!  Seriously!  Sit down and read as many old Forum posts as time allows.  At least, read the BOLD sticky subjects at the top of each section.

3.  Use the SEARCH tool - it is your friend.  For instance, try searching "pre delivery inspection" for lots of info on "What to look at before driving it home?"

4.  Read through the Technical Help section (Yes, ALL of it) at Beamalarm:  Foretravel Motorhome technical help and information links

5.  After you've done your reading, then you wil be ready to ask specific questions here, and you will receive excellent informative answers.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Purchasing a 1992 U280 some advice on inspecting it?

Reply #2 –
Welcome to the forum, as mentioned above, read the forum.
Dennis & Martha Harrell
2000 Foretravel U320
2014 GMC 4X4 Sierra Crew Cab Pickup

Re: Purchasing a 1992 U280 some advice on inspecting it?

Reply #3 –
All of the above. If you know nothing of diesels, have a god diesel mechanic go over the engine would have saved me $7000, so if you have to pay a few $$$ for the inspection it is worth it in the long run. BULKHEADS, read everything in the forum related to them. Best thing would be to have an independent Foretravel knowledgeable person do an inspection for you as well. Can save money and grief later on down the road.

Roland
1993 U280 4341
2010 Jeep Liberty
The Pied Pipers

Re: Purchasing a 1992 U280 some advice on inspecting it?

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Roland Begin –
Best thing would be to have an independent Foretravel knowledgeable person do an inspection for you as well. Can save money and grief later on down the road.

A vote for member/moderator Brett Wolfe for that inspection if he's available.
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: Purchasing a 1992 U280 some advice on inspecting it?

Reply #5 –
Thanks; I will try to figure out how to get notified of answers to my questions. But I bought a U225 yesterday and it has a big cummins 6cyl diesel.
 I just got home after driving it 1200 miles after the purchase, and it did not miss a beat. Noow I am trying to figure out how to open the recliner, the seller never used it.

thanks for the help in advance; Pat
1994 u300

Re: Purchasing a 1992 U280 some advice on inspecting it?

Reply #6 –
Quote from: poolenglish –
Thanks; I will try to figure out how to get notified of answers to my questions. But I bought a U225 yesterday and it has a big cummins 6cyl diesel.
 I just got home after driving it 1200 miles after the purchase, and it did not miss a beat. Noow I am trying to figure out how to open the recliner, the seller never used it.

thanks for the help in advance; Pat

If it's like my recliner in my U225 (and that's a big IF) sit in the recliner and put your right hand down to a round fitting. There is a catch in the back inside this fitting. Flip the catch up (or "out"). The foot rest will pop out and you can lean back and recline. I "think" my recliner is OEM but there is no way to be sure. It matches a lot of photos, though.

Other recliners just ask you to lean back. Some brands have a lever at the bottom.

YMMV.

Welcome to the forum.

Craig
1993 U225 36' Unihome GV with PACBRAKE exhaust retarder, Banks Stinger and Solar Panels.
Toad: 1999 Jeep Wrangler 2-door soft-top.

"No one has ever had to evacuate a city because the solar panels broke."

Re: Purchasing a 1992 U280 some advice on inspecting it?

Reply #7 –
thanks; I figured it out that the leather was stuck together fron never being used! now itt works great...just push back and sleep!
1994 u300

Re: Purchasing a 1992 U280 some advice on inspecting it?

Reply #8 –
Some of the inspection and learning comes after you purchase it.  Use it and use it and use it and -------------!  The more you use it the more you learn about it and the more you will decide what you want to up-grade, change, repair, etc.  Owning and operating a machine like these is something you need to really enjoy doing so that you stay up to speed on the little things that can eventually turn into bigger things.  Have fun and enjoy.  Have a great day  ----  Fritz
Fritz & Kathy Johnson
1991 36'