Foretravel Owners' Forum For owners and Fans of Foretravel Motorcoaches September 11, 2025 ...

You couldn't be in a much better position to tackle a big project like this.  The '93-'94 U280 was one of the best coaches ever built by Foretravel (totally unbiased opinion).  You are starting out with a cash basis of ZERO, so no matter how far you go or where you stop in the restoration process you will most certainly be able to recoup your expenses.  If you decide to go the professional route, everything you need done can be done close by in Nacogdoches (FOT, MOT, Xtreme Paint and Graphics, Infinity Custom Interiors, Berndt Ramspeck).  Or, you could turn it into a (expensive and time-consuming) HOBBY, and do some of the stuff yourself.  You are relatively young, so you can afford to take your time with the project.  I guarantee you will learn something, and make interesting new friends, as you gradually get that fine old coach whipped into shape.

Deal with the basic running gear first, and get it SAFELY back on the road - tires, brakes, suspension, lights, wipers, and air horns (horns are high priority item, because they are so much FUN).  Then prioritize all the other stuff, and tackle one thing at a time.  That way it won't be so totally overwhelming, and you can spread out the expense.  Almost ANY problem you might encounter along the way has likely been dealt with by one or more Forum members, so you will have lots of help available.  All you have to do is ask!

Good luck with the project!  Take (and post) many photos - we LIKE photos!

When I bought mine, it had been sitting for a while.  The gaskets in the shureflow pump itself were the source of the leak.  I replaced the pump, problem solved.

Yes get it up and running then drive it down to Mexico ( I gether Laredo is close to you but get past there by a couple hundred KMs and let them do all the replacing of materials etc as it will be a LOT cheaper there than even you doing it)
These coach's are pretty simple to work on and any fix's are very reasonable. I have done 3 now so if you need some ideas give me a pm or just ask away on this forum
JohnH

Karl,

As you get into this project, you will probably have lots of questions.  It will help if you get into the habit of taking photos, and posting them along with your question.  Then the Forum members will know exactly what you are talking about, AND have a better idea how to help.  For instance, you have a water leak.  Because you mention the electric cord storage and the faucet, it sounds to me like the leak is coming from somewhere in the utility bay, on the driver (street) side of the coach.  If you could snap a photo of the area, and then explain where you see the leak, we would have a much better idea of the possible sources.

On our '93 GV, the water pump is located on the passenger (curb) side of the coach, directly below the water heater.

You are already ahead with the 6 speed. Put on a PRXB exh brake (your engine should have already had the upgraded exh valve springs). If you really want some power add a Banks kit. The rest is busy work. I loved my 93 U280 with a rare pecan interior.

Your refrigerator is acting just like mine did before catching fire. The cooling unit is clogged and will overheat and then leak hydrogen gas and ammonia, both flammable. Don't try running it any further. You should be able to replace the cooling unit yourself with a rebuilt one. I'm told the Amish ones are very good, and reasonably priced.

And also from a safety standpoint, replacing the tires needs to be done right away. Get a mobile truck tire service to come out or just drive a few miles very slowly to get it done.

While the Amish unit is feasible, why not look into a new Atwood Helium refrigerator?

I just purchased a 94' from here on the boards. The interior is orginial and in great shape so I'm surprised to hear yours is so deteriorated. Shows what good maintenance will do I suppose.

Let me know how the TV swap out goes, I'm interested in what brackets, wiring, etc it will take to get it done cleanly. Also not familiar with the auto satellite deal