1994 U300 SE. Opinions please

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1994 U300 SE. Opinions please

September 23, 2015, 10:22:19 pm

I was notified by a fellow ForeForums member last night on behalf of his friend about a 1994 U300 SE WTB that has yet to go to market.

It has the 6V92TA Silver engine, 98,000 miles. It has just been started after having set for at least two years (the owner is very ill and is unable to drive) My prayers go out to him.

You can see in a photo of the dash that it is idling at 600 RPM with 60 PSI oil pressure. It has been stored in the pictured garage. Both the owner & his friend have been very involved in the Foretravel motorcade club. I can't say I care for the "desert Siam" color (looks bright pink to me) Oh my. But that can be changed. Hopefully post haste.

I would like to ask those that are knowledgeable of this coach model and engine about their opinions on this set up.

here is a link to my flickr page to see the pictures I was sent. 1994 U300

Re: 1994 U300 SE. Opinions please

Reply #1 – September 23, 2015, 11:41:57 pm

Looks to be a 40' coach, with the exact same floor plan as ours. We think it is the best, most functional, and roomiest non-slide interior layout you can get (in a Unihome), but that's just a O'pinion. Agree about the interior colors - definitely would be an acquired taste. Most everything can be easily changed (except the bathroom counter top and back splash) - it only costs money. First time I've seen that particular Allison shift pad configuration - is that a 4-speed? Looks like a "desk" between the kitchen counter and the sofa, where ours had a J-section added to the couch. Wonder if that was standard in '94 U300 SE, or a custom option.

Can't comment on the engine, for obvious reasons.

Re: 1994 U300 SE. Opinions please

Reply #2 – September 24, 2015, 12:24:43 am

Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie – September 23, 2015, 11:41:57 pm

Looks to be a 40' coach, with the exact same floor plan as ours. We think it is the best, most functional, and roomiest non-slide interior layout you can get (in a Unihome), but that's just a O'pinion. Agree about the interior colors - definitely would be an acquired taste. Most everything can be easily changed (except the bathroom counter top and back splash) - it only costs money. First time I've seen that particular Allison shift pad configuration - is that a 4-speed? Looks like a "desk" between the kitchen counter and the sofa, where ours had a J-section added to the couch. Wonder if that was standard in '94 U300 SE, or a custom option.

Can't comment on the engine, for obvious reasons.

a 4 speed is standard. i didn`t see a desk option on the beamalarm site. I suppose that if the coach is a smoking hot good deal & is in great shape. That might make the pink acessories a lot more tollerable.

Re: 1994 U300 SE. Opinions please

Reply #3 – September 24, 2015, 01:09:37 am

This is just a four foot longer version of our 36' U300. Everyone has their opinion but mine this that this is the best engine ever installed in a Foretravel. Transmission is a very rugged four speed used in buses and garbage trucks. The late six speeds would be better with more ratios to choose from but the four speed has lock up so gets very good fuel mileage. Expect to average 8 mpg. More if living and driving on flatter ground.

If always garaged and very little corrosion, the price should be mid $20K. Deduct a few thousand for the interior color. To me, it's terrible. The coach does look from the limited photos, to be in excellent condition. Get a member or someone knowledgeable to inspect it. Make sure both AC units work along with the generator.

Not that big of a deal for the engine sitting for a couple of years. 600 rpm is regulated by the engine computer. Mileage is not high and about average for that year. Expect to pay about $3K in Mexico for a carpet, seat material change. Probably $9K here. Fridge may be coming to the end of it's life. It has the wide model with the possibility of a residential fridge replacement. Atwood helium fridge will fit the normal U300 but not your wider double door.

Good luck,

Pierce

Re: 1994 U300 SE. Opinions please

Reply #4 – September 24, 2015, 03:44:16 am

Quote from: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart – September 24, 2015, 01:09:37 am

This is just a four foot longer version of our 36' U300. Everyone has their opinion but mine this that this is the best engine ever installed in a Foretravel. Transmission is a very rugged four speed used in buses and garbage trucks. The late six speeds would be better with more ratios to choose from but the four speed has lock up so gets very good fuel mileage. Expect to average 8 mpg. More if living and driving on flatter ground.

If always garaged and very little corrosion, the price should be mid $20K. Deduct a few thousand for the interior color. To me, it's terrible. The coach does look from the limited photos, to be in excellent condition. Get a member or someone knowledgeable to inspect it. Make sure both AC units work along with the generator.

Not that big of a deal for the engine sitting for a couple of years. 600 rpm is regulated by the engine computer. Mileage is not high and about average for that year. Expect to pay about $3K in Mexico for a carpet, seat material change. Probably $9K here. Fridge may be coming to the end of it's life. It has the wide model with the possibility of a residential fridge replacement. Atwood helium fridge will fit the normal U300 but not your wider double door.

Good luck,

Pierce

the coach is owned by a forum member and his friend George Ray (a forum member since 2011) is the proxy for the sale. They have done quite few trips together. I'll do some reseach on finding an independent inspector in Tulsa to go over the systems. I suppose that I can buy chair coverings as a temporary measure to save me from 'pink eye'

an internet search on the silver 2 stroke DD shows that most comments are over whelmingly positive. being a bit noisy & thirsty are the main issues. Seems the silver units aren't as leaky as the older ones.

Re: 1994 U300 SE. Opinions please

Reply #5 – September 24, 2015, 09:19:12 am

If I weren't planning (hoping) to spend a fair bit of time south of Sta. Rosalia on the Baja Peninsula this coach would definitely be something I'd be looking at (depending upon pricing). To me it looks like a terrific freeway cruiser with enoough power and GCWR to pull a toad without worrying too much about weight. I used to be leery about the DD engines but Pierce (and others) have me convinced that it's not that big of an issue unless you get caught somewhere with no knowledgeable mechanics.

My main considerations right now are height, width and weight and my toad is a lightweight Jeep Wrangler with a soft top and fabric door tops. A wide-body 40-footer would be nice if only for more rooftop room for more solar panels.

It certainly looks clean and well kept; and colorful.

Craig

Re: 1994 U300 SE. Opinions please

Reply #6 – September 24, 2015, 09:24:13 am

that pink might suggest a side trip to Mexico to use JohnH's Upholstery resources down there - maybe pay for the trip with the savings

Re: 1994 U300 SE. Opinions please

Reply #7 – September 24, 2015, 10:08:05 am

I would just live with the interior and use the coach as much as possible , iron out the inevitable problems, then when your really really tired of the interior change it

Re: 1994 U300 SE. Opinions please

Reply #8 – September 24, 2015, 10:29:12 am

I'm with Jimmy... from the photos the coach offers more + than - imo.

Re: 1994 U300 SE. Opinions please

Reply #9 – September 24, 2015, 11:17:09 am

Quote from: bigdog – September 24, 2015, 03:44:16 am

being a bit noisy & thirsty are the main issues. Seems the silver units aren't as leaky as the older ones.

Great car!!! I always wanted to own one.

Detroit 20K generators at 1200 rpm set the standard for fuel efficiency from the 1940's and has only fairly recently been matched by newer units. Our electronic DDEC readout of 7.9 mpg over almost 100K miles is excellent for a 102"/30K gross coach. GM installed the Detroits transversely and partially on their side in their bus installation and with stamped tin valve covers, a lot of oil goes on the ground. Crown buses had a Detroit all the way on it's side. A conventional installation along with modern gaskets, sealants and cast aluminum valve covers mean a pretty dry engine. As far as noise goes, a mechanical 5.9 Cummins has to be the loudest diesel ever made. The new electronic Cummins are just the opposite, with very quiet operation. Any noise from a 2 cycle Detroit is more than made up by the sewing machine smooth operation from idle to max rpm. All Foretravel 6V-92TA installations are electronic and no longer require "running the rack" The ECU replaces the rack and triggers the injector operation. Injector replacement is almost "plug and play." A engine "reader" will allow the injectors to be checked and tested in a couple of minutes compared to hours of shop time in the older mechanical engines. This is true in all electronic HD diesels. Mexico has thousands of the 6V-92TAs and also has Allison repair facilities. Good site for Allison sales/maintenance locations anywhere in the world: Allison Transmission Home
See photo below for a better than OEM upholstery for $550 both/labor/materials below the border.

Craig, roof solar panel installation has to be carefully planned as different interior configurations mean different roof protrusions. I was lucky to be able to install large commercial panels on our roof with only the removal of the rear radio antenna and turning the "bat" sideways. Otherwise, smaller panels can be fitted with only a few more connectors.

The 102" width will cause some additional thought in some situations but is more than made up for in interior room, especially with more than two occupants. I thought the Brit that replaced the bar with a TV that rises up across from the sofa was a brilliant idea. 102 inches would give enough distance to make good viewing without being on top of you.

For those considering a new coach TV, the new 4K UHDTVs are super. If the budget does not allow a Samsung, Vizio makes an excellent and affordable alternative.

Pierce

Re: 1994 U300 SE. Opinions please

Reply #10 – September 24, 2015, 11:32:51 am

I'm not in market as I have a nice one. However, that one does look nice and well kept. If I were in market, I would definitely look at this one closely. I don't have a Detroit, but I have driven one and certainly liked the performance. I preferred the unihome look but always liked the GV too. I don't see a lot of negatives on this one (agree the color is not my favorite). But with a few coach bucks this could look pretty updated and loose that color. It is nice to have new (-ly recovered) furniture.

Re: 1994 U300 SE. Opinions please

Reply #11 – September 24, 2015, 12:48:43 pm

Quote from: bigdog – September 24, 2015, 03:44:16 am

the coach is owned by a forum member and his friend George Ray (a forum member since 2011) is the proxy for the sale. They have done quite few trips together. I'll do some reseach on finding an independent inspector in Tulsa to go over the systems. I suppose that I can buy chair coverings as a temporary measure to save me from 'pink eye'

an internet search on the silver 2 stroke DD shows that most comments are over whelmingly positive. being a bit noisy & thirsty are the main issues. Seems the silver units aren't as leaky as the older ones.

Bigdog is this coach in Tulsa ?
I will be in Tulsa on Oct 3rd if you need a look see.
Regards, Irwin

Re: 1994 U300 SE. Opinions please

Reply #12 – September 24, 2015, 01:28:51 pm

Quote from: Irwin – September 24, 2015, 12:48:43 pm

Bigdog is this coach in Tulsa ?
I will be in Tulsa on Oct 3rd if you need a look see.
Regards, Irwin

Yes Irwin it is in Tulsa.
I can PM Mr. Ray and find out an address, I'll PM you with details.
And thanks a million for the kind offer.

Re: 1994 U300 SE. Opinions please

Reply #13 – September 24, 2015, 01:34:54 pm

Quote from: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart – September 24, 2015, 11:17:09 am

For those considering a new coach TV, the new 4K UHDTVs are super. If the budget does not allow a Samsung, Vizio makes an excellent and affordable alternative.

The 4K TVs are amazing! I saw my first one in a Costco about two weeks ago and it stopped me in my tracks. Years ago I thought up the idea of using an HDTV as a "window" in a small apartment with streaming HD video to give you a killer view no matter where you lived. So a studio apartment in Brooklyn could have a virtual window overlooking a surfer beach in Hawaii. These 4K units can seriously do that (if you can find a 4K feed).

I agree that rooftop configuration determines how much solar you can put up there but the more of it you have the more choices you can get.

I have abandoned the idea of a "walkway" on the roof now that I have a dependable ladder that is "safe" (I only put that in quotes because I'm not so sure that any ladder is safe for a 70-yr-old). Because I can position my ladder anywhere along the sides or ends of my coach, I really no longer need anything more than a little workspace. Plus it extends enough above the roof of the coach to give me a relatively secure way to get back down (unlike the rear-mounted ladder on the coach). (I'd take the rear ladder off but it makes a great place to mount antennas.)

See photos.

Craig

Re: 1994 U300 SE. Opinions please

Reply #14 – September 24, 2015, 01:40:08 pm

Quote from: wa_desert_rat – September 24, 2015, 01:34:54 pm

I can position my ladder anywhere along the sides or ends of my coach

Craig,

Which model ladder did you get, and where?

Thanks,

Trent

Re: 1994 U300 SE. Opinions please

Reply #15 – September 24, 2015, 01:44:53 pm

Craig,

Your photos didn't post. Try again. I'm up on the roof fairly frequently to do a lot of stuff but have to pick my way between panels. I do worry about getting up on a wet roof, slipping and then trying to avoid falling on one of the panels but instead, going over the side.

Readers should avoid the separate telescoping legs type of ladder. One RVs lost his life because of that type ladder. One side telescoped, the other didn't. Like you say, a good ladder on the side works best.

4K TVs upscale the OAT antenna stations too. Excellent. Apple has a 5K monitor out now and I just heard there are prototype 7K TVs being made. A smart TV connects to the internet and allows Netflix (or other choice) streaming in great quality without any other connection.

Pierce

Re: 1994 U300 SE. Opinions please

Reply #16 – September 24, 2015, 01:55:27 pm

The photos should work now. There are good telescoping ladders and some not-so-good. But, like all devices, you should know how they work and make sure you've extended it properly.

Xtend & Climb 785P Aluminum Telescoping Ladder Type I Professional Series,...

This ladder is OSHA and ANSI rated for 250 pounds. I'm sure they can be mis-used but after owning one for 2 years I can tell you that it's a far safer ladder than the one on the back of my FT.

Craig

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Re: 1994 U300 SE. Opinions please

Reply #17 – September 24, 2015, 02:08:02 pm

I am not so sure that the colors you are seeing are PINK. Maybe just color balance in camera. The last picture of the toilet shows it to be white, one other pic shows it as pink. I would verify what colors are as pink does not seem like a FT color to me. JMHO.
Gary B

Re: 1994 U300 SE. Opinions please

Reply #18 – September 24, 2015, 02:10:57 pm

Quote from: Gary Bouland – September 24, 2015, 02:08:02 pm

I am not so sure that the colors you are seeing are PINK. Maybe just color balance in camera. The last picture of the toilet shows it to be white, one other pic shows it as pink. I would verify what colors are as pink does not seem like a FT color to me. JMHO.
Gary B

I agree with Gary. As an ex-pro-photograper, those are crummy photos to sell a nice coach, and prolly have color issues in the camera.

Re: 1994 U300 SE. Opinions please

Reply #19 – September 24, 2015, 02:18:56 pm

Quote from: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart – September 24, 2015, 01:44:53 pm

Readers should avoid the separate telescoping legs type of ladder. One RVs lost his life because of that type ladder. One side telescoped, the other didn't. Like you say, a good ladder on the side works best.

I'm not sure "should avoid" is the appropriate phrase here. While this particular ladder "Xtend-n-Climb") is more complicated to use than your typical rear-mounted RV ladder, I've used mine numerous times. The big pluses:

1. You can put both feet side-by-side on a rung. This has been an ongoing issue for me using the rear-mounted OEM ladder on our FT. And every other RV I've ever seen. When I can put both feet together on a single rung then I can choose which knee has to bend to get up to the next rung. Because one of my knees works far better than the other, this is important.

2. The rear-mounted OEM ladder creates a safety issue when it's time to get back on it to get off the roof. There is nothing to hang on to so steadying one's self while standing is out. And you have to sit down and then get onto it facing to the rear (at least *I* have to) so that my heel is what's on the first rung; not my toe. This means I have to execute a 180-degree turn while on a ladder that isn't wide enough for two feet to be placed on one rung at the same time. The telescoping ladder I have is long enough to extend well above the top of my FT's rooftop and is at an angle so that I can hold onto the ladder and step around easily. It helps if the DW is steadying the ladder at the bottom but I've done it solo, too. Carefully!

3. Unlike virtually every other ladder out there, this ladder actually fits into the basement storage bin. It lays flat on the bottom of the Joey Bed so we can put plastic bins on top of it.

4. When it's telescoped it's light enough and small enough to carry.

Edit: 5. Because the Xtend-n-Climb ladder is at an angle and not vertical the load is split between coach rooftop and the ladder. The rear-mounte OEM ladders have every single pound being carried by whatever they used to secure the ladder to the rear end of the motor home. All of them have seemed to me to feel "flimsy" in this regard, too.

The mechanism for securing each rung as it's telescoped seems to have changed over the past 5 or 6 years by the descriptions I have read on Amazon. One reviewer said that his second model was far better than the first one he bought. I haven't had any issues but I have years of experience as a technical rock climber behind me; that experience is far behind me at this point but the habit of being careful pays off. I can see how someone might be confused about un-telescoping the ladder after use, but telescoping it seems pretty straightforward to me.

YMMV, as always.
Craig

PS: And I thought "color balance" might be an issue in those photos, as well.

Re: 1994 U300 SE. Opinions please

Reply #20 – September 24, 2015, 02:37:58 pm

Your ladder looks very convenient and if used as per instruction, would seem to do everything expected of it. Sure does fit in just about any compartment. Gets great reviews. See at: Xtend & Climb 785P Aluminum Telescoping Ladder Type I Professional Series,...

Some owners evidently have not read the instructions before using as noted in a KCBD TV story. Consumer Reports: Consumer Reports Rates 13 Ladders 'Not Acceptable' for Safety Risks;...

After using your ladder, what operator mistake possibilities have you noticed so far? Any changes from older models? I remember a story from another RV forum from several years ago so mentioned it. One side of the ladder collapsed causing a fall with the fellow breaking a hip and ...

Pierce

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Re: 1994 U300 SE. Opinions please

Reply #21 – September 24, 2015, 02:58:21 pm

Quote from: mike leary – September 24, 2015, 02:10:57 pm

I agree with Gary. As an ex-pro-photograper, those are crummy photos to sell a nice coach, and prolly have color issues in the camera.

Mike & Gary. I tend to agree that perhaps the florescent lamps were throwing off the color balance. I did notice that about the "throne" Same with the Corian in the bath. Some shows pink turning to white. But when I do a google search on what the seller said the interior color was called "desert Siam" I get a lot of pictures of Siamese cats. So that search went no where fast. As Irwin has graciously offered to look at this coach on my behalf, I hope to have a clear idea of just how pink desert Siam really is. Of course the condition of the coach is paramount above all other things. Colors can be changed, And who knows. Maybe a retro look on the inside might be as charming as the retro look of the outside.

Mike, Can one actually be an EX pro photographer? I'm an amateur enthusiast photographer and I find it hard to ignore composition or waiting around endlessly for the bobbing heads to go out of frame. My wife is always after me to "hurry up" as I get out the tripod and get setup, switching lenses. I'm happy with the results, But I'll not soon be in National Geographic.

Is there a link to some of your work? I don't have much out on the web. Just a few on the flickr page I linked to in my OP.

Re: 1994 U300 SE. Opinions please

Reply #22 – September 24, 2015, 03:04:03 pm

Quote from: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart – September 24, 2015, 02:37:58 pm

After using your ladder, what operator mistake possibilities have you noticed so far? Any changes from older models? I remember a story from another RV forum from several years ago so mentioned it. One side of the ladder collapsed causing a fall with the fellow breaking a hip and ...

Telesteps is another brand (and there are several more brands that look identical) and has had issues; one of them on QVC as they were promoting it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isYF5E0WxGU

The biggest issue for most RVers would probably revolve around the placement of the ladder. Either too vertical (like in the TV clip) or too "slanted" (where the feet would slip). Amazon actually offers a device for calculating placement.

The second issue, at least from the reviews, is pinched fingers when collapsing the ladder. In order to collapse, the ladder has to be supported more-or-less vertically (you can't lay it down and collapse it). Then you have to release a catch on each side. If there are many rungs above the one you're working on the weight of those rungs can cause the section to collapse when you're not quite aware of it. I had the DW support my ladder while I moved each rung down.

I'm pretty sure there was a positive indication of "locking" the rungs. The ladder locks itself as you raise it but you have to unlock it one step at a time when you're collapsing it.

The few times I've used mine have been on trips because the home base has both construction-type extending ladders and a complete scaffold system that lets me stand comfortably with my torso above the roof top next to the edge (or lower, or higher, at about 4' intervals up to over 20'). I don't recall why I was using it in the photos (at SKP Park Sierra last January) but I'm sure it was important.

The two top brands seem to be "Telesteps" and "Xtend-n-Climb". They both offer models with 250lb and 300lb weight limits. I bought the 250lb version because it's within my weight (although I wouldn't be able to tote much up with me... but I use a rope for that anyway) and it was longer to give me a more secure entry when descending.

I was not able to find any reports of a death as a result of using any extendable ladder although there were plenty of warnings and at least one account of a "near death" experience. I'm not sure how to take the Consumer Reports warnings; I think I have the same attitude towards that as anyone born in 1943 and living these 72 years (e.g.: never underestimate the stupidity of some people) but I'm also an airplane pilot, sailor, technical rock climber (ex... very ex), mountain biker (still) and I've learned that mechanical devices can turn on you.

Still, I'll take the risk of an extendable ladder I can put both feet side-by-side on and have something to hold on to when getting back on from above any day over the damned OEM rear ladders.

Craig

Re: 1994 U300 SE. Opinions please

Reply #23 – September 24, 2015, 03:47:06 pm

The ladder posts should probably be put in another topic "Extendable Ladders for Rooftop Access and Stowage" or something. I'd do it but when I tried it looked like I'd have to select the posts one at a time. Someone with more experience with this forum would probably do it better.

Craig

Re: 1994 U300 SE. Opinions please

Reply #24 – September 24, 2015, 04:34:25 pm

Quote from: bigdog – September 24, 2015, 02:58:21 pm

Mike, Can one actually be an EX pro photographer? I'm an amateur enthusiast photographer and I find it hard to ignore composition or waiting around endlessly for the bobbing heads to go out of frame. My wife is always after me to "hurry up" as I get out the tripod and get setup, switching lenses. Is there a link to some of your work

I no longer make a living from shooting pics, sold the Nikons & Hasselblads years ago. Bought a Nikon digital & have I-Photo on the MAC. A fire destroyed all my film which was kind of a blessing (less stuff to drag around). I agree with you about having an "eye" and being a stickler for composition; I still have it, even carry my old tripod! The road offers SO MANY photo ops, (right time, right place), just have to be ready to pull over, calm the wife and make the shot. Here's a shot of my recent "work". Best, M

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