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1992 Unihome question

Hello Folks,

I got offered a 1992 40ft Unihome with the 8.3 Cummins. It still will be a little over a month before I look at it, but I like to gather some information as to what to look for. As per the info I received so far, it is a center isle (walkthrough bath) layout and it will need some interior updating. Miles are at 88K.
Any thoughts on that engine ? I know it needs new Rear tires.
Any known issues with that model?
Another issue is, that it is registered currently in Canada (4 years ago it went up north) . anybody imported before?

thanks a lot
Donna & Stefan
Future Foretravel Owner

Re: 1992 Unihome question

Reply #1 –
Excellent engine/transmission package. Service available throughout North America should you need it. Ours is walkthrough and we love it. If the listing is in Canadian $, it will be a super deal since Canada's currency has tanked.

Should be no problem to import. No tariff. I've imported hundreds of vehicles from Europe. Canada will be a cakewalk since it was manufactured in the U.S.

Closely inspect undercarriage condition since it lives in Canada with winter road chemicals. Bulkheads and exposed electrical panel are very susceptible to corrosion.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: 1992 Unihome question

Reply #2 –
The 8.3 Cummins (Cummins C) is an excellent engine.  Depending on production date, it could have the 4 speed Allison, or if later in the model year, the (better) 6 speed.  An electronic shift pad is a good indicator of the 6 speed.

Here is a spec sheet for the 1992 U280: 1992 Foretravel U280 GV Specifications

About the only uniquely Foretravel thing is the bulkheads: Bulkhead Repair-- A Comprehensive Look

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: 1992 Unihome question

Reply #3 –
Thanks for the info so far. The current owner said it is stored inside, when not used for travel south. He did mentioned however, that at some point it had some water leak on the fwd driver and passenger side windows, as there is some wood damage.. no rot however. But I have to look at that.
As for the price, I have to verify, if it is in US or CA $.
Additional I been informed, that the front brakes have updated slack adjusters installed and front tires are 2000mls on them.
rears need to be replaced. Stripes on outside are faded, but that's no issue for me.
What is the expected fuel MPG as well as what is the towing capacity?
Also can import be done while in florida or has it to be done at the border?

thanks

Donna & Stefan
Future Foretravel Owner

Re: 1992 Unihome question

Reply #4 –
While the current owner may have stored it inside, the decal fading is the result of being outside for a lengthy period. Same with the window leaks.

We have averaged (with a Detroit) 7.9 MPG over the life of the vehicle. The Cummins should be about the same. The 8.3 is a little smaller with not quite as much torque but should not make that much difference. Will tow anything you want to have behind you.

Call U.S. Customs. At most, you will have to do an Informal Entry. John Haygarth will know the exact procedure. Drop him a PM.

PIerce

Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: 1992 Unihome question

Reply #5 –
Stephan,

Can you get us some pics to look at?  At the right price, and if you are a DIYer it doesn't sound like anything to run away from pending a good inspection with service records. With a a walk through bath it should be a wide body and even though its only 6" wider overall,  with a walk through bath it will feel much bigger inside.  When we were looking, Cindy insisted on the bigger bathroom!

Jerry
The selected media item is not currently available.
Jerry and Cindy Maddux
1993 U300/36WTBI DD6v92TA
build 4271  "Miss Lou"
1995 suzuki sidekick 4x4 toad
Gulfport, Ms

"Pride of Ownership"

Re: 1992 Unihome question

Reply #6 –
Jerry,

I do not have pictures yet. but even if I do not get pictures, I will surely inspect it thoroughly . I am a DIY-er for sure, as I rebuilt multiple airstreams even from ground up. So any kind of work does not scare me. Main thing is, it got to be livable.

We are for sure looking at the wider body unihome.


Donna & Stefan
Future Foretravel Owner

Re: 1992 Unihome question

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Dieselsubmariner –
What is the expected fuel MPG...

On our last trip (Texas to Oregon and back - 4600 miles) our 40' U280/C8.3/6-speed combo averaged 8.30 mpg.  That is while pulling a Kia on a tow dolly (approx. 4000lb), crossing the Rockies both ways, and LOTS of "full throttle" up-hill grades.  With 170,000+ miles on the odometer, it ran like a top - absolutely trouble-free the whole trip.  GVs are FINE coaches!

If you wish to see a collection of photos of our '93 U280 WTBI, go to my profile page and click the SmugMug link.

Good luck with your search!
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: 1992 Unihome question

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Dieselsubmariner –
  I am a DIY-er for sure, as I rebuilt multiple airstreams even from ground up. So any kind of work does not scare me. We are for sure looking at the wider body unihome.

Hey, a fellow Airstreamer, welcome! The mileage is incredibly low for a coach of that age, I'd bet the PO took one trip a year. Quite honestly, I'd rather buy a coach with semi-high miles and paperwork to show service/replacements. I would assume the coach has all original appliances, which could go south at any time; something to consider. On the plus side, when we wore out our second AS mo/ho, a Foretravel was our only choice and she's been wonderful, much easier to work on than the Airstreams! As others have posted, paperwork is "gold".  Good luck.
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: 1992 Unihome question

Reply #9 –
What part of Canada is it in? I believe bigdog had no real hassle with the border to bring his Canadian motor home to the states
Toby a 94 u280
Cummins 8.3
6 speed Allison
Exhaust brake


Adopted by Derek and Annabelle

Re: 1992 Unihome question

Reply #10 –
Quote from: its toby –
What part of Canada is it in? I believe bigdog had no real hassle with the border to bring his Canadian motor home to the states
I sent bigdog a e-mail, he's going to PM the OP.
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: 1992 Unihome question

Reply #11 –
the coach will be in florida, when I look at it.
Donna & Stefan
Future Foretravel Owner

Re: 1992 Unihome question

Reply #12 –
Quote from: Dieselsubmariner –
the coach will be in florida, when I look at it.

When and where.  A number of us in FL right now.
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: 1992 Unihome question

Reply #13 –
I would jump on revising my schedule in order to have Brett and his merry band take a look at the coach!  ^.^d
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: 1992 Unihome question

Reply #14 –
Quote from: its toby –
What part of Canada is it in? I believe bigdog had no real hassle with the border to bring his Canadian motor home to the states

This aspect of the discussion has its own topic in the Discussions board since it's not a coach tech question: Reimporting a FT to the US (created from 1992 Unihome question)
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: 1992 Unihome question

Reply #15 –
Many think the Cummins mechanical C8.3 engine is one of the most reliable.  Horsepower ratings below 325 can probably be 'adjusted' to 325.  This engine is so simple that only electrical connections to the C8.3 are fuel shutoff solenoid and intake manifold pre-heat (if optioned).  Our C8.3 has driven our 30,000 lb Foretravel with 5,600 lb Jeep in tow up many Rocky Mountain highways.  We just don't pass Cummins M11 coaches, but we both make it to the top.