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Topic: 1996 unihome U295 40' (Read 906 times) previous topic - next topic

1996 unihome U295 40'

Howdy. Glad I found this group. Just acquired this coach knowing of this problem. Coach was towed on lowboy, and somehow, was pulled/pushed by rear axle, cracking the front upper structure that holds/contained rear axle in place. I have found a shop in Oregon that has fixed them before, some Monacos have this issue during normal operation. Anyone else experience this?

Re: 1996 unihome U295 40'

Reply #1 –
Quote from: Oregon Jack –
Coach was towed on lowboy, and somehow, was pulled/pushed by rear axle, cracking the front upper structure that holds/contained rear axle in place.

Welcome to the forum!

Are you referring to the Monaco trailing arm problem?  Haven't heard of it on a Foretravel.  Be sure you aren't talking about bulkhead separation as discussed in the Sticky topic: Bulkhead Repair-- A Comprehensive Look

You may want to contact James Triana at Foretravel and send him some photos before signing off on having someone other than the factory attempt repair on the coach, just to be sure it's understood what's failed and what the proper repair is.

ETA also post photos of the issue here on the forum so folks here can help as well.
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: 1996 unihome U295 40'

Reply #2 –
It is not clear from your description what the problem is. If you posted some pictures of the issue, it would help clarify. Is the rear axle assembly behind where it is supposed to be and the top of the air springs not directly above the bottom mounts? How about the bulkhead joint, is it separated?
Don
Quote from: Oregon Jack –
Howdy. Glad I found this group. Just acquired this coach knowing of this problem. Coach was towed on lowboy, and somehow, was pulled/pushed by rear axle, cracking the front upper structure that holds/contained rear axle in place. I have found a shop in Oregon that has fixed them before, some Monacos have this issue during normal operation. Anyone else experience this?
The selected media item is not currently available.
Don & Tys
1999 U270 3602 WTFE #5402
Xtreme Stage 1 w/Headlight, Step Conversion, etc.
2009 Honda Fit Sport with Navi
Freedom is NOT "just another word for nothing left to lose"... with apologies to Kris Kristofferson

Re: 1996 unihome U295 40'

Reply #3 –
OregonJack you found the right place but we do need more info. And pics! Always need pics!

see ya
ken
The selected media item is not currently available.ken & dori hathaway & Big Agnes
🍺1992 U300 GrandVilla WTBI #4150 FOT FBP 2011
✨6V-92TA DDEC Parlor Coach 350HP Series 92
🏁2011 Nissan XTerra Pro-4X

Re: 1996 unihome U295 40'

Reply #4 –
Monaco had a different rear subframe design as their engineering vp Enoch told me when they copied the unihome design that he would change it enougn that foretravel could not sue them for possible patent infringement.

So the reversed the trailing beam rear axle locating arms and structure to face forward.  Into the forces. 

Every square edge jams the rear arms into the structure.  Worn bushings. Broken welds.  Rough ride on a square bump road surface. 

I doubt if any of that has happened to your unicoach. You have both ends underneath that are trailing beam. 

Bulkhead bolts I assume is it.
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: 1996 unihome U295 40'

Reply #5 –
Thanks all. The bulkhead issue appears to be the concern, but would that cause rear axle movement? The rear drive axle, moreso on the rt side moves rearward almost 2 inches, and the driveline slides rearward thru yoke and almost touches output shaft. Pictures will come as I can. I have seen it on a lift, and to the best of my memory, arms going forward from axle to frame appear to be cracked. In storage right now, a spring/summer project. Jim Triana of Foretravel has given me some info, however Foretravel does not release drawings to help. So I bite the bullet and trust a very well known and respected local shop, or have coach flat bedded to Texas. As I am still working, need to weigh all options. Thanks again for all the advice, without flaming me as a newbie. ;D. Photo shows how rear axle is rear of center of wheel well.

Re: 1996 unihome U295 40'

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Oregon Jack –
Thanks all. The bulkhead issue appears to be the concern, but would that cause rear axle movement? The rear drive axle, moreso on the rt side moves rearward almost 2 inches, and the driveline slides rearward thru yoke and almost touches output shaft. Pictures will come as I can.

I'm sure Roland will chime in, not sure if Christie's Dream is still actively monitoring the forum, but here are some threads with their info on repair of catastrophic bulkhead failure (keep in mind these were both U280's and may have slightly(?) different rear framing).  CD did have axle movement, IIRC

Christi and Ray's frame separation issue (was Calamity Jane strikes again!)

Has this happened to anyone?

bulkhead blues

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: 1996 unihome U295 40'

Reply #8 –
Read this: Bulkhead Repair-- A Comprehensive Look

Take photos of the rear bulkhead area-- look for separation between the 1/4" angle and the white fiberglass that forms the floor for the basement (center part of coach).
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: 1996 unihome U295 40'

Reply #9 –
Quote from: Michelle –
I'm sure Roland will chime in, not sure if Christie's Dream is still actively monitoring the forum, but here are some threads with their info on repair of catastrophic bulkhead failure (keep in mind these were both U280's and may have slightly(?) different rear framing).  CD did have axle movement, IIRC

Christi and Ray's frame separation issue (was Calamity Jane strikes again!)

Has this happened to anyone?

bulkhead blues
Michelle, this is exactly the concern with mine. The prior owners ordered this coach new, and at the time they noticed issues was right after a tow. Bulkhead issues were most likely already there, but the tow pulled framing apart. Was not noticed for about a 1000 miles, when they got to Oregon. And they were towing a mid size SUV. This was home to them for 18 years, but they took exceptional care of it. I think Oregon Motorcoach will be getting a call today. (They are less than two miles from my home.) Thanks all. Will let you know what happens.

Re: 1996 unihome U295 40'

Reply #10 –
Quote from: Oregon Jack –
I think Oregon Motorcoach will be getting a call today. (They are less than two miles from my home.)

Good deal!  Oregon Motorcoach is a Foretravel-authorized service center, and given their background from Country Coach, should have good knowledge of frame/chassis construction.
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: 1996 unihome U295 40'

Reply #11 –
You should read the bulkhead threads before you or anyone else does the repairs. That way you will understand the issues with bulkhead seperation.  Although you are dealing with a major rear bulkhead issue you should also check the front bulkhead before proceeding. Easy to check the front bulkhead IF you understand the issue. It is not a pleasant experience to have the front bulkhead fail when you are on the road, I speak from personal experience.

Roland
1993 U280 4341
2010 Jeep Liberty
The Pied Pipers

Re: 1996 unihome U295 40'

Reply #12 –
Quote from: Roland Begin –
You should read the bulkhead threads before you or anyone else does the repairs. That way you will understand the issues with bulkhead seperation.  Although you are dealing with a major rear bulkhead issue you should also check the front bulkhead before proceeding. Easy to check the front bulkhead IF you understand the issue. It is not a pleasant experience to have the front bulkhead fail when you are on the road, I speak from personal experience.

Roland
I plan on OMC doing a complete survey on the coach before repairs begin. Several posts here tells me they are more than competent. And some extra reinforcement to the rear is in order to facilitate towing car trailer for longer trips and horse trailer for coast trips. Wife loves riding on the beach and I want to do some prospecting for beach gold. Won't get rich, but it keeps me busy and active.

Re: 1996 unihome U295 40'

Reply #13 –
Quote from: Oregon Jack –
I plan on OMC doing a complete survey on the coach before repairs begin. Several posts here tells me they are more than competent.
Not questioning the competency of OMC, but I believe it is important for all older Foretravel owners to have an understanding of the bulkhead issue. And knowing the issues will help you when you talk to the service person at OMC. There are several ways to approach the repair of a failed bulkhead or failed rolloks. Ergo my suggestion to read previous bulkhead posts. Knowledge can help prevent failures. I never would have had the failure had I known to check the bulkheads and test torque the rolloks.

Roland
1993 U280 4341
2010 Jeep Liberty
The Pied Pipers

Re: 1996 unihome U295 40'

Reply #14 –
Only had minor work done at OMC but was impressed by the operation. Would not hesitate to return. Also they have great wifi!

Good luck with you bulkhead issues. It's an easy fix and should only be a coach buck or 2. :)

see ya
ken
The selected media item is not currently available.ken & dori hathaway & Big Agnes
🍺1992 U300 GrandVilla WTBI #4150 FOT FBP 2011
✨6V-92TA DDEC Parlor Coach 350HP Series 92
🏁2011 Nissan XTerra Pro-4X