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Topic: Lower Panel  (Read 871 times) previous topic - next topic

Lower Panel

When I picked up my 1992 U280,  the tow hooks were installed in frame.  They protrude out through cutouts in lower front bumper fascia.  The holes are definitely factory.  My question is:  was this the standard configuration?  i.e. Did they deliver it with the tow hooks installed or were there some sort of pugs or covers for the holes.

If there were no covers or plugs, how did PO's keep debris and rust out of receptacles?  I am thinking about making and painting covers for it.  But if this is "stock", I'll leave it as is.  I have seen photos of many different setups including solid panels with no knockouts or holes. 

Also, did front upper access panels have gaskets or seals?  This one has none.
Comments please.

jk

Jack and Cathy
1992 U280 Unihome 36' Build #4034
Cummins 8.3 /  Allison MT647/ PacBrake
Apopka, FL / Barre Center, NY

Re: Lower Panel

Reply #1 –
'I can not imagine these are "tow hooks".  See towing your new to you rv.  They more likely are to temporarily use to backup trailer, such as boat trailer, or carry equipment such as, wheel chair, scooter, bicycles, etc.  Do you have pictures from underneath?  Are you talking about covers for the cutouts in the fiberglass or the end of the "tow hooks"?  Are they bolted on or welded on?
97 U295 40, Build #5040, 6C8.3 325 HP
Oregon Continuous Traveler
Samsung Residential #RF20HFENBSR,
Xantrex SW2012, (3)AGM8D Hse, (2)AGM Grp24 Eng, Victron BMV-712, 1800w Solar 4 LG & 2 Sunpower
Extreme Full Body Pt w/hdlmps, new furn/floor, 4 down Lexus 2004 GX470 AWD curb weight 4,740 lbs
Prev: 1990 Barth, 10L 300 2 yrs; 91&92 Monaco Signature, 10 yrs, 10L C 300 &  6C8.3 300; 1997 ForeT 6C8.3 325 since May 2017.  Employed by Guaranty RV 14+ yrs.  Former VW New Car Dlr/Service Dlr, Sales Mgr, Rv Sales, and Service Adviser from 1968-2017
"Don't criticize what you can't understand" Bob Dylan

Re: Lower Panel

Reply #2 –
Look up under the front and see if you have 2 hitch pins holding them in.
No gasket on lids.
My 91 has them but it is the receiver piece. I have the towing pieces in cargo bay.
91 GV U300 Unihome 40' Build 3811
6V92TA Detroit

Re: Lower Panel

Reply #3 –
J & K,

Those strange receivers behind the "bumper" on GV models are often a source of puzzlement.  Why are they there?  Many have asked, yet the question has never been positively answered, at least to my satisfaction.  Here is a old thread on the subject, with some more info:

Front Receiver hitches on 94 GV U240

The majority of Grand Villa coaches we have encountered look like ours (photo below) with solid covers in the bumper and no holes.  To use the receivers we would have to completely remove the covers.

And, as Stump says, no gaskets on the upper access lids.  I put a piece of weather stripping in each "bottom" corner to stop rattles.
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: Lower Panel

Reply #4 –
From what the old timers at FT told me these were where the wooden bumper systems that were used to move the rigs around the yard at FT were inserted.  My 94 U240 had them as well.  Just bought a couple of rubber plugs used on hitch systems to fill the holes and called it a day.  Often thought it might be interesting way to hold a slide in step for window washing on the front of the rig.
Randy & Connie Peterson
Carlsbad, NM
1994 Grand Villa  #4593  SOLD
U240 36' Unihome CAT 3116 6 Speed Allison
Motorcader  17988    SKP  103142
2016 Ford F150 Towed Vehicle

Re: Lower Panel

Reply #5 –
If you have the male tow bar parts the coach can be flat towed with a axle pull.

A sling damages the body,  most wreckers are not able to get under the front tires and lift the coach and not damage the front end if memory serves me
"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: Lower Panel

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Peterson143 –
From what the old timers at FT told me these were where the wooden bumper systems that were used to move the rigs around the yard at FT were inserted.  My 94 U240 had them as well.  Just bought a couple of rubber plugs used on hitch systems to fill the holes and called it a day.  Often thought it might be interesting way to hold a slide in step for window washing on the front of the rig.
I saw an oncoming GV with a bicycle rack built utilizing the two behind the low bumper hitch receivers. Good idea.

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

Re: Lower Panel

Reply #7 –
Or a scooter carrier:

Levers?
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: Lower Panel

Reply #8 –
This is the information on them in my manual.
John Fitzgerald
1991 U300 (SAI) Side Aisle Island Bed 40'
Detroit 6V92 with Allison Retarder
Meridian (Boise), Idaho

Re: Lower Panel

Reply #9 –
Lots of good points guys.  I'm pretty sure they are there so a wrecker can lift it right there in front.  They are indeed secured in  the receiver end by 5/8" pins and cir clips.  They are rusted in place right now so I am PB ing them good and will drive them out with a persuader.  I will get the soft plugs inserted, store the iron and leave the holes open.  And hope I never need to put them in >:D

jk

Thanks for all the tips.
p.s. Chuck I hope to avoid the scooter for a few more years.  But idea noted and stored in back of my head.
Jack and Cathy
1992 U280 Unihome 36' Build #4034
Cummins 8.3 /  Allison MT647/ PacBrake
Apopka, FL / Barre Center, NY

Re: Lower Panel

Reply #10 –
Quote from: JohnFitz –
This is the information on them in my manual.

Great info JackFitz.  Looks like you route chains through the holes to save spoiler from damage.  I have saved this in my Foretravel electronic file.

jk
Jack and Cathy
1992 U280 Unihome 36' Build #4034
Cummins 8.3 /  Allison MT647/ PacBrake
Apopka, FL / Barre Center, NY

Re: Lower Panel

Reply #11 –
Quote from: kimosabe99 –
....And hope I never need to put them in...
I don't think any tow trucks today would use this feature.  They all seem to have an apparatus that reaches under.
I was towed some 15 years ago and even then the tow truck reached under all the way.
John Fitzgerald
1991 U300 (SAI) Side Aisle Island Bed 40'
Detroit 6V92 with Allison Retarder
Meridian (Boise), Idaho

Re: Lower Panel

Reply #13 –
I'm guessing a Motorcycle rack. or, Bicycle. A friend had a similar dual hitch setup in the back of a rig for his motorcycle, much more stable that a single hitch. Sure they can be used for something cool.
Prior 2003 U295  40ft  400Hp -Sold
2020 F350 Tremor - Sold
2021 Bundutec Roadrunner - Sold
2017 Airstream Classic - Sold that POS
2017 F250 - Sold
2019 Sprinter Van - Sold
2022 Winnebago Revel 4x4


Army Airborne Vet.

Re: Lower Panel

Reply #14 –
You Could always have one of these built....
91 GV U300 Unihome 40' Build 3811
6V92TA Detroit

Re: Lower Panel

Reply #17 –
Quote from: stump –
You Could always have one of these built....

Yeah, then I could put wife behind the wheel. :))

jk
Jack and Cathy
1992 U280 Unihome 36' Build #4034
Cummins 8.3 /  Allison MT647/ PacBrake
Apopka, FL / Barre Center, NY