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Topic: 1987 Foretravel (Read 770 times) previous topic - next topic

1987 Foretravel

I'm looking at a 1987 Foretravel that is 29'.  The owner is not sure of the chassis but it does have a 454 in it. My question is what kind of chassis did Foretravel use on a 29' coach in 1987?
Thanks
Jim

Re: 1987 Foretravel

Reply #1 –
If 454, suspect it is a Chevrolet.

Look under the front.  If independent front suspension (like large Chevy PU), that is your answer, as others have solid front axles.

But the real answer is to look at the VIN.
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: 1987 Foretravel

Reply #2 –
Chevy.  Listen for exhaust leaks
"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: 1987 Foretravel

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Caflashbob –
Chevy.  Listen for exhaust leaks

Yes $2K fix minimum


Probably Chevy P30
Chris and Tammy White  CDA Idaho
Previous owners 1997 U295 36' 3126 Cat 300 HP Build # 4998
Former Foretravel tech & RVIA certified tech
Former owner Custom Satellite home/RV satellites 
Former owner Vans LTD  van conversions
Unemployed, panhandler, drag racer NHRA #6348

Re: 1987 Foretravel

Reply #4 –
Had 97 SOB with 454 chevy and P30 frame-- "My suggestion would be to not buy it"  Problem with P30 is front wheels are in line with inside duels and you will have a lot of tail wag.  I looked at putting spacers on front wheels to move them out even with outside duels.  But all my research said definitely DO NOT ADD SPACERS TO FRONT WEELS,  the bearings are not made to carry that much cantilever and will burn out quickly.
Exhaust leaks can be a problem but exhaust manifold cost 150-200 but other problem with exhaust manifold is they will warp and break the bolt off in the head
Just my experience with 454 and P30
Chris
1999 U 320 DGFE
Build Number 5523
Chris & Elka Lang
In the field, Lonoke AR

Re: 1987 Foretravel

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Chris m lang –
Had 97 SOB with 454 chevy and P30 frame-- "My suggestion would be to not buy it"  Problem with P30 is front wheels are in line with inside duels and you will have a lot of tail wag.  I looked at putting spacers on front wheels to move them out even with outside duels.  But all my research said definitely DO NOT ADD SPACERS TO FRONT WEELS,  the bearings are not made to carry that much cantilever and will burn out quickly.
Exhaust leaks can be a problem but exhaust manifold cost 150-200 but other problem with exhaust manifold is they will warp and break the bolt off in the head
Just my experience with 454 and P30
Chris

Also had issues with oil return in the heads. Google it. They smoked a lot of motors.
CW
Chris and Tammy White  CDA Idaho
Previous owners 1997 U295 36' 3126 Cat 300 HP Build # 4998
Former Foretravel tech & RVIA certified tech
Former owner Custom Satellite home/RV satellites 
Former owner Vans LTD  van conversions
Unemployed, panhandler, drag racer NHRA #6348

Re: 1987 Foretravel

Reply #6 –
Quote from: humbo –
I'm looking at a 1987 Foretravel that is 29'.  The owner is not sure of the chassis but it does have a 454 in it. My question is what kind of chassis did Foretravel use on a 29' coach in 1987?
Thanks
Jim
Maybe Foretravel did a better job using that chassis than the other manufacturers did but check the ride height.  Are there air bags on top of the axle?  If yes to the latter I suggest quietly walking away.

The Chevrolet P-30 chassis started out life as a Chevrolet 1-ton step van.  The motorhome manufacturer then cut the frame and welded in extensions, rear springs and an axle.  The drive train is up to the task if the manufacturer properly ducted the air around the engine with the warning that it is still a Chevrolet 454 or 7.4L engine.  The main bearings are on the small side of adequate, the intake manifold causes a lean mixture in the rear cylinders leading to burnt exhaust valves.  The four wheel disk brakes will do the job but I don't think the rear disks are available. Pads and calipers are readily available.

Foretravel did use real truck chassis before they began building their own.  Maybe it's time to wait for another one to come along?

Art Joly
1992 Foretravel Grand Villa
U225 SBID Build No. 4134
1986 Rockwood Driftwood
1968 S.I.A.T.A. Spring
1962 Studebaker Lark
1986 Honda VF700C
1983 Honda VF750C
Charlie, the Dog was broken out of jail 24 Oct 2023
N1RPN
AA1OH (H)e who must be obeyed.

Re: 1987 Foretravel

Reply #7 –
Same conclusion here. We did  Banks exhaust  and it picked up pretty well . But yeah the chassis handles like poo.  Bilsteins are a huge help bit the front bags get changes often. The poor Chev motor  works it's butt off.
    I could have  bought my Dads for about 4000$ and passed.  This after working on it for 12yrs.
  BA diesel in the back is worlds better.