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Topic: New Adventure Phase 2 (Read 894 times) previous topic - next topic

New Adventure Phase 2

I have spent the bulk of the day just poking around this new to me coach.  I sure would like to shake the hand of whoever was maintaining it.  Everything I did on the way home is off the shelf maintenance stuff.  I have no idea how you spend enough time in the coach to put 122k miles on it and not mess up anything inside or be so good at fixing it you just make it work and look 100%. 

There is one spot where the chair banged into the window sill that won't just rub out in the whole interior.  The 18 year old fabric is in 95+% condition.  I knew it was in good shape but after spending a few days in it I am stunned.

Brett said it was a clean coach, he hit that 100%.  I got more than I expected which is rare.

1999 U320 3600
CAI floorplan
Build #5466
M11 - HD4060R
Name ?..  working on that

Re: New Adventure Phase 2

Reply #1 –
Just gotta love it, right?
In restless dreams I walked alone.
Narrow streets of cobblestone.


'93 U225
Build 4337
'14 CRV Toad

Re: New Adventure Phase 2

Reply #2 –
After you have had a few days to thoroughly  go thru your new home on wheels you will say to yourself: "This isn't just a coach. This is a Foretravel!!!" And then you will know just what awesome machines are put out by FOT and then say to yourself how lucky you are to have a FORETRAVEL!!.
FOT doesn't build "by the dozen" for the general public. They build quality for a coach to last, to age gracefully, and to deserve the love & respect of each owner.
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: New Adventure Phase 2

Reply #3 –
As I dig into his spares I find notes about things he repaired and issues he had.  It has been a lot of fun uncovering the level of respect he had for his coach.  I can only hope to keep her up with the level of detail and care he put into her.
1999 U320 3600
CAI floorplan
Build #5466
M11 - HD4060R
Name ?..  working on that

Re: New Adventure Phase 2

Reply #4 –
Quote from: nitehawk –
After you have had a few days to thoroughly  go thru your new home on wheels you will say to yourself: "This isn't just a coach. This is a Foretravel!!!" And then you will know just what awesome machines are put out by FOT and then say to yourself how lucky you are to have a FORETRAVEL!!.

I am already there. Very well thought out floor plan, amazing quality in the cabinets, I could go on an on already.

FOT doesn't build "by the dozen" for the general public. They build quality for a coach to last, to age gracefully, and to deserve the love & respect of each owner.
I went to the factory to look around.  I don't love the new coaches as they would just be too big for my needs, and I just don't like the fancy over the top interiors.  The older people that work at Foretravel seem to have pride in what they build.  I hope the new owners can keep that tradition going. 
1999 U320 3600
CAI floorplan
Build #5466
M11 - HD4060R
Name ?..  working on that

Re: New Adventure Phase 2

Reply #5 –
I am trying to keep notes about this journey here so I don't forget what it feels like starting with a new to me coach.  It's possible someone else will benefit, I know I will.

Last night Sandi and I went out to look around and turned on all the lights.  I am amazed at the thought that went into the lighting in this coach.  I found the floor lighting by accident on my way home and it is really nice for going down the road.  The indirect lighting is really nice.  Everyplace I want light is covered.  We found a couple of bulbs out but the previous owner had multiples of each one as spares.  They will get replaced today.  Sometime in the near future they all will get updated to LED's.

Up early to get started on Brett's list of things to look at and fix.  I have about 3 pages of notes from him, some of which has been done.  Kinda nice there is nothing major or all that time consuming on the list.  I highly recommend an inspection by someone not emotionally attached to the coach.  Brett is a great choice, I am sure there are others. 

I am going to try and find the correct crush washer for the oil pan drain today.  If I can find one I will drain the oil and start the troubleshooting on my oil leak.  I hope it is as simple as replacing the washer, if not I will just figure it out.

My ladder won't show up until the 28th so all the "on the roof" stuff will have to wait.  I won't trust the ladder on the back until I have a chance inspect it top to bottom.  Taking a fall is not on my list of things to do.

As I get older check lists and notes are more important than ever.  I need to create a preflight check list so I will quit forgetting things when I do my inspection before starting up and pulling out.  I pulled off one time on my trip home without opening the shade just to the right of the entry door.  I won't do that again.  I pulled up to a stop sign and couldn't see down the road to my right.  Lucky there wasn't anyone behind me to make mad when I got up and opened it.  On another start I must have kicked the "salesman" switch on the way in or out and couldn't adjust the seat or level the coach.  It took a while to figure that one out.

My first two updates will be to add a Progressive Industries EMS-PT50X to the kit and install the Flow-Rite battery fill kit to my new batteries.  Funny, I am not willing to hook her up to my own 30 amp power pole without knowing I am not going to hurt her.  Trying to make the wet batteries last as long as possible is pretty high on my maintenance list.  I hope by the time I wear them out some new cool battery technology will be out or some of the existing technology will be less expensive. 

I have about 3 years until I can retire so between now and then she needs to be sorted out for long dry camping sessions.  We plan to practice a lot between now and then.  Our first campground visit is scheduled for 12/9 -10 at Bent Creek National Experimental Forrest which is just 30 minutes from the house.  We will be cheating as the site has 50 amp power.  Second trip is scheduled for Christmas week at Edisto Beach State Park.  Again, 50 amp power but about 4-5 hours from the house.  Trying to take this in small bites. 

Suns coming up, time to go to work.
1999 U320 3600
CAI floorplan
Build #5466
M11 - HD4060R
Name ?..  working on that

Re: New Adventure Phase 2

Reply #6 –
Quote from: mattschilds –
Trying to make the wet batteries last as long as possible is pretty high on my maintenance list.
Hanging around here, the three most repeated keys to long and happy wet battery life are:

1.  Maintain proper electrolyte level.

2.  Charge them properly.

3.  Discharge them properly.

The web site below claims to have extensive battery expertise.  Might pick up some fresh ideas there?

Battery Information Table of Contents, Basic to Advanced
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"