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Topic: I Hesitate to Ask this Question... (Read 2704 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: I Hesitate to Ask this Question...

Reply #50 –
FWIW,
I liked my propane generator in my previous SOB.  I did like that it was quiet and was problem free.  I really like more the fact that the FT engine and generator use the same fuel (diesel).  It was a pain with the SOB when I would pull into a Flying J or another truck stop to get fuel for both the diesel and propane.  It added a lot of time/hassle  to a fuel stop.  The SOB had smaller tanks than that of FT (both diesel and propane) which made this a too regular occurrence .  Other than the hassle of two fuelings, propane generator was fine with me.  I believe the diesel exhaust also to be safer than the propane.  Though I never want to breathe either, propane produces carbon monoxide and my understanding is that diesel exhaust which smells worse usually does not produce much carbon monoxide but will make you puke.  I understand in the perfect storm situation, the diesel can also be deadly but almost never happens as there is less carbon monoxide produced than with gasoline or propane engines.  It seems that the two fuel issue with  propane generator would be less of an issue with a FT which has a larger tank.  In Texas where I live, we run the generator a lot as I like the AC and this requires a generator.  On the dual pane windows, I have the single pane and don't have any complaints. Agree with most of what has been said regarding Aqua Hot, I have propane furnaces, and they are fine, kept temp fine in Breckenridege in winter, louder though.  The 8.3 is not a speedster but seems fine to me.  I don't climb a lot of hills in Texas.  It will get up to faster than I want to drive.  I am AOK with my FT, and have had it for about 8 years now.                                  Best of Travels
Best of Travels

Re: I Hesitate to Ask this Question...

Reply #51 –
Hi Randy
Thought I'd throw in my 2 cents.
We've had our u270 - 40' for about 2 years, have been full time for around 6 mos.
Wanted the light oak cabinets, lighter interior
No slides
40 because we were planning to full time

Ok, stock 'options' I could live without
washer/drier, we go to laundromats
ice maker, but then we don't drink much
carpet thru living room, bathroom, I'll eventually replace with wood

Things I'd like to have
solar panels
Better headlights, I'm working on this one.
change out table & chairs to dinette, for storage & sleeping space

We like the separate enclosed toilet for privacy
The 40 has alot more storage room than the 36
the 350 motor is fine, though more is more

I'm a motorhead, I have been very impressed with the construction quality and driveability of these coaches.
Hope this helps with your decision.
Cheers Ric 8)
 
Previously:'66 VW Bus"Turtle 1";'65 VW Riviera Camper "Turtle 2";
';'91 VW Syncro Camper"Syn";'92 Barth 30' -"The Big Easy"
Currently: 2000 FT U270 40', #5634 -
"Le Bons Temps"; 2003 CRV
Ric & Leslie
"Laissez les bons temps rouler!"

Re: I Hesitate to Ask this Question...

Reply #52 –
Hi Randy
Linda here, we missed each other last year when you were in Medford and we were on the Oregon coast. After nearly two years on the road, full timing in our 34' no slide U270, here are some of our observations:

Things we like
--washing machine, absolutely would not be without it. Also, it's our clothes hamper
--galley layout. I like the L shape, and Robert has added a flip-up countertop extension by the cooktop
--I like the location of the fridge and the way it divides the space. It's also very handy as a backrest when sitting on the couch with my feet up :)
--the ice maker
---the oak and brass. We preferred the oak originally for its lighter, brighter tones, as Dani said it makes the coach feel bigger and airier. But I've come to like the warmth of the brass against the oak (can hardly believe I'm saying that, as I've always detested brass bathroom fixtures)
--I find we have more than adequate interior storage for the two of us ( no pets)
--we love the roominess of the walk through bath,

Things we wish we had
---bus bay doors!
---more bay storage , we keep stuff in the car that we would probably put in the bay if we had more room. (We tow an Acura MDX which has a lot of cargo space)

Things it would be nice to have but not deal breakers for us
---aquahot, for the quietness. For warmth, the furnace does a fine job
---a bigger engine with more power is always welcome but not a necessity for us

So, our $.02. Hope it helps.
--
Robert & Linda Garnett
1999 U270 34'  , build 5539
2004 Acura MDX

Re: I Hesitate to Ask this Question...

Reply #53 –
Randy, we've had our 1993 U300 40' coach for just under four years and have been full-timing in it for about 30 months now. In our case, we started with a blank sheet of paper - no preconceived ideas about what sort of coach we wanted. We did our research over a period of a couple of years, and eventually settled on this coach as the best one for us at that time. Why?

1. We had decided that we wanted a high-end motorhome, but at a price we could afford. We knew that meant we would be buying an older coach, but we could live with that. The 'Birds on our list were older.
2. We wanted a diesel generator, rather than a propane one, because we learned that the diesel engine would use less fuel for a given amount of work. The generator is plumbed above the engine from the fuel tank, so there is no way we can run out of fuel by running the generator.
3. We wanted a no-slide coach. It seems that slide issues are the #1 problem for many recreational vehicles.
4. Our coach has walnut walls and cabinets. They look great, but the interior IS darker than necessary.
5. We have two rooftop a/c units that also can produce heat. We have two propane furnaces. We can keep comfortable no matter what. The only complaint we have is that the furnace for the bedroom (the one that is set to a cooler temperature) is the one that provides heat to the wet bay. It would be nice if it could be the front furnace that heats the wet bay. I do have a small electric heater there. Never had a problem with solid water.

Re: I Hesitate to Ask this Question...

Reply #54 –
It has been said that the lighter interior coaches are mostly made north of the Mason/Dixon line and darker colored interiors are predominantly made south of the M/D line.
The reasons? Coaches made "up north" were desired by folks that get tired of the long, dark winters so light colored interiors. Folks down south get tired of the blazing sunshine and like the feeling of the darker interiors.
I didn't make this up--someone else did.
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: I Hesitate to Ask this Question...

Reply #55 –
Quote from: nitehawk –
It has been said that the lighter interior coaches are mostly made north of the Mason/Dixon line and darker colored interiors are predominantly made south of the M/D line.
Folks down south get tired of the blazing sunshine and like the feeling of the darker interiors.


That's us!  :-)
Justin & Cathy Byrd
1995 U280 "Old Faithful"
36' Build #4673
C8.3 Cummins
Allison MD3060R 6 speed - retarder
Powertech 10KW  4cyl Kubota

Re: I Hesitate to Ask this Question...

Reply #56 –
Our 2004 U270 had the pop up bay doors, Joey bed, electric water and electric reels, Zip Dee Awnings, electric sun visors, consolidate electrical bay, etc.
Larry and Terry
Ex 2004 U270 36'

Re: I Hesitate to Ask this Question...

Reply #57 –
Quote from: Miz Dani –
One more thing about the (lighter) oak cabinets, have had people come in and say the coach looks larger than theirs, which had slides...so the lighter cabinets (and lighter color fabrics & sofas) seem to add space, especially with all the windows open.
We have the walnut paneling in our coach the OEM furnishings were a dark wine color. It was dark in here in the daytime. We changed everything around in the past year; out with the dark carpet, chairs, curtains, valences and in with light flooring and upholstering everything possible with lighter colors. We also removed the J-couch. The coach is brighter and seems bigger. We love it.

Roland
1993 U280 4341
2010 Jeep Liberty
The Pied Pipers

Re: I Hesitate to Ask this Question...

Reply #58 –
We really noticed the light walls on our 97.  Or did not notice the previous dark paneling,  contrasts the dark wood nicely
"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: I Hesitate to Ask this Question...

Reply #59 –
Well for us most things have been changed to suit us- courtesy of me, so no real cost incurred. Love the solar as Ruth is a nature bird and loaths the rv park life and all its trappings. She would not be with me if I wanted to do that sort of living.
The desert, ocean, wilderness is very important to her and the solar gives us that. Definitly no slides and all the expensive issues they bring for a few feet more room.
Would I change anything done in this coach, no. It fits us great and I KNOW it  will last for many years and as I keep it serviced etc I know were we are with it.
So that is my 2cents worth.
JohnH
Coachless, now use aircraft. 2003 Ford Travelair TC280 class C. Super shape. Just for 1 yr .
1994 Ford E350 ClassC,total renovation inside and out. Now sold.
2000 U295  36' Cummins 350 c/w Banks Stinger, Resonator upgrade,Solar, LED lites.Residential fridge with slide out pantry. Build 5674. Sold
ex 92 GV 022C ored Cummins. Sold
ex 95 GV240 cat 3116. Sold
2017 Mini cooper s & 2016 land Rover LR2 HSE  LUX.
jhaygarth@aol.com    SKP #130098
treat everyone as you would like to be.