Now I belong, bought a '91 U-280

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Now I belong, bought a '91 U-280

December 06, 2017, 11:27:39 am

I haven't got it home yet, but I am no longer on the outside looking in. Sunday I purchased a 1991 U-280 Grand Villa. It is a 36 foot SBI with the 3208T Cat. Of course it has a couple of issues, ancient (17 year old) tires, wrong chassis batteries and bad and wrong coach batteries, but everything works and it drives very nice. The floor and bulkheads look fine. 82,000 miles and it has been stored under cover so even the stripes are still reasonable. For some reason this one has the 7.5 KW Onan diesel generator, instead of the propane one. Everything is completely stock, except the original living room TV has been removed. It even has the folding chairs that match the upholstery and the lawn chairs that match the awnings. I did not have it professionally inspected, but I spent quite a bit of time in, under, and on top of it so I am comfortable with my choice.

Since I am still almost two years out from retirement I am tempted to slap a set of Samsons on it before I drive it home (175 miles) and hold off on the real tires until later.

Here it is:

Re: Now I belong, bought a '91 U-280

Reply #1 – December 06, 2017, 11:59:57 am

Congrats on your new ride! I don't think anyone here will approve the idea of driving on 17 year old tires, regardless of distance, so new tires sound like a smart move. But it's your coach, so do what makes you happy. If you don't replace the tires, would definitely recommend keeping your speed down, in case something blows!

Just curious: I see the "push bars" are sticking out through the front spoiler (under the bumper). For what was the prior owner using them?

Re: Now I belong, bought a '91 U-280

Reply #2 – December 06, 2017, 12:04:41 pm

Past experience had me setting for nine hours outside of Sweetwater, TX waiting for Good Sam to show up to change a blow out on eight year old tires when I tried to make the dash home. Just saying......be cautious.

Re: Now I belong, bought a '91 U-280

Reply #3 – December 06, 2017, 12:12:49 pm

We had a seventeen years old tire on our Jeep as a temporary tire (just until new tires came in), tire looked brand new. The tire 'exploded' causing over $8000 damage to the Jeep. Insurance paid for repairs but our deductible is $1000. Penny wise pound foolish.

Roland

Re: Now I belong, bought a '91 U-280

Reply #4 – December 06, 2017, 12:38:37 pm

Toss the tires and put some good ones on there. You are going to love that coach. Congratulations.

Re: Now I belong, bought a '91 U-280

Reply #5 – December 06, 2017, 12:38:46 pm

Mike and Lilli

Suggest you buy a good set of Michlin or toys. Plan to run them 7 years. that will get you 5 years into retirement.......

Join the FT motorcade club. (First year free, call Bev at FT)

If buying michelins use FMCA member program. Toyos very good as well, usually less $$$$, slightly harsher ride.

WELOME!!! Nice Find.

if using 8D batteries - consider from O'Reilly's (Or lifelines for a quite a bit more money.) O'RIelly part number is 8DAGM I believe, the counter guy may not be able to find it on his own. They will usually install when you buy, get fresh ones with all the same date code if possible. Good time to clean/inspect/upgrade all your batter terminals and cables - consider going to "military style" terminals

again, WELCOME!!!!!

I have a friend looking for a similar FT at this time.

Tim Fiedler

Sure Start Soft Start

TCER Direct generator-gas-prod 630 240-9139
Gen-Pro

Re: Now I belong, bought a '91 U-280

Reply #6 – December 06, 2017, 12:40:20 pm

Looks nice, Tires could be a real problem, If you try to make it home any heat build up could be a disaster! Are there any dry rot cracks showing? look in between the threads, if so definitely change out the tires.

Re: Now I belong, bought a '91 U-280

Reply #7 – December 06, 2017, 12:42:57 pm

Welcome! Nice coach.

Re: Now I belong, bought a '91 U-280

Reply #8 – December 06, 2017, 12:50:14 pm

Congrats nice Coach. Now the fun begins.

Re: Now I belong, bought a '91 U-280

Reply #9 – December 06, 2017, 12:52:33 pm

Congrats!!

Re: Now I belong, bought a '91 U-280

Reply #10 – December 06, 2017, 12:59:59 pm

Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie – December 06, 2017, 11:59:57 am

Just curious: I see the "push bars" are sticking out through the front spoiler (under the bumper). For what was the prior owner using them?

He couldn't figure out what they were for. I don't know what use they would be either, but they were included.

Re: Now I belong, bought a '91 U-280

Reply #11 – December 06, 2017, 01:39:41 pm

Quote from: rvtinker – December 06, 2017, 12:59:59 pm

He couldn't figure out what they were for. I don't know what use they would be either, but they were included.

Coach could have been a Toad at one time....

lol

Re: Now I belong, bought a '91 U-280

Reply #12 – December 06, 2017, 01:52:19 pm

When I asked about the push bars was told that they were for wooden push bars that FT used to move coaches around the yard when they were being built. All the GV's that I have seen have them just not that push bars inserted. I have just the receptacles myself. Personally thought they would be a good place to insert homemade steps to clean front windshields. It was just a thought...

Re: Now I belong, bought a '91 U-280

Reply #13 – December 06, 2017, 02:47:15 pm

Randy,

We got the bars with our coach. We heard roughly the same story from the prior owners - the bars were used at the factory to move the coach around before it could move under it's own power. I always thought the "sockets" looked like a natural spot to mount a custom made bike or small motorcycle rack, or perhaps a snowplow blade.

Re: Now I belong, bought a '91 U-280

Reply #14 – December 06, 2017, 02:59:04 pm

Congratulations. We had a 94 with the same lay out and loved how functional it was. Best lay out IMHO and the preacher chair is great. Enjoy

Re: Now I belong, bought a '91 U-280

Reply #15 – December 06, 2017, 03:10:10 pm

https://scontent-mia3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20264912_1648807375160612_6019159413647530325_n.jpg?oh=ad6ee3e56ed9a5fb7b666cfabbb65249&oe=5AD27F74
FWIW I love my Samsons.

Re: Now I belong, bought a '91 U-280

Reply #16 – December 06, 2017, 03:10:31 pm

I am running Sailun S606 on mine 295/75/22.5 and am pleased 20 k on them now no issues.
Sailun Commercial Truck Tires: S606 EFT Premium All-Position

Re: Now I belong, bought a '91 U-280

Reply #17 – December 06, 2017, 03:36:33 pm

When I was in the Tire industry, Samsons were known for low price and incredibly poor tread (wear) life. In our RV application, wearing out a tire is seldom a concern, so they can make a lot of sense depending on your comfort level with the manufacturer and the dealer

I do not recall that Season stood out at the time for more or less defects vs. the other brands we carried - if they were problematic, I would remember that I am sure, and I do not.

Tim Fiedler

Sure Start Soft Start

TCER Direct generator-gas-prod 630 240-9139
Gen-Pro

Re: Now I belong, bought a '91 U-280

Reply #18 – December 06, 2017, 05:43:52 pm

Welcome aboard! Your coach looks great! Be safe!

Re: Now I belong, bought a '91 U-280

Reply #19 – December 06, 2017, 06:21:09 pm

Mike and Lilli,

Welcome! You did good. I bought my '94 in '15. Drove it home 175 mi. with the original tires. Foolish, but made it. This forum will be your new favorite website. Everyone here is so knowledgeable and helpful. There is no such thing as a dumb question with these guys.
Enjoy!!

Re: Now I belong, bought a '91 U-280

Reply #20 – December 06, 2017, 07:15:33 pm

Welcome to the club!

Re: Now I belong, bought a '91 U-280

Reply #21 – December 06, 2017, 07:25:57 pm

Great looking coach, you will have fun making it the way you like.

Re: Now I belong, bought a '91 U-280

Reply #22 – December 06, 2017, 08:25:06 pm

My somewhat insider feedback from my old buddy who was our foretravel factory stores ace line mechanic was the these years coaches overcooled the 250 cat. Not sure what years if any are different but the fix was to install a piece of plywood to block some of the radiator which allowed the motor to warm up correctly but a call to FOT or maybe MOT or the other service locations just to see if anyone knows. Maybe see if you have anything like that blocking part of the radiator?

Re: Now I belong, bought a '91 U-280

Reply #23 – December 06, 2017, 09:57:57 pm

Bob, can you explain that?

It is the job of the THERMOSTAT(S) to determine engine operating temperature. How can a "cold" radiator lower temperature if the thermostat(s) are closed?

Re: Now I belong, bought a '91 U-280

Reply #24 – December 06, 2017, 10:25:15 pm

Welcome to the Grand Villa Society and the 91 Club! Check your radiator fan and make sure it is not the fiberglass one.

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