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New member. Need some help

I just purchased a 1997 M-4000 U295.

I need some help.

I'm not getting propane to anything in the coach.

There are 2 water lines under the fridge that are disconnected. What do they goto?

Is there a status monitor for how full tanks are?

There is a push button shifter for the Allison transmission and a joy stick. What does the joystick do?

The HWH air leveling is not working.

Any suggestions/help would be greatly appreciated.
1997 Foretravel M-4000 U295

Re: New member. Need some help

Reply #1
Propane tank valve open.  May require a long time to vent air from the lines. 

Dash has a monitor panel.  Turn on coach power switch next to the entry door.

That's the house power. 
"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: New member. Need some help

Reply #2
1. make sure the main vapor valve on the tank is open and purge the air from the line as stated above.
  Does you coach have the safety shut off  valve installed and if so is there power going to it?

2. water lines, one could be for the ice maker, filtered water dispenser and/ or washing machine option.

3. if you have the original Javelina system monitor, rocker switch changes it from rear camera, tank monitor and compass.

4. Allison joystick is for the transmission retarder.

5. need more info on the HWH .......... whats it not doing?

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

Re: New member. Need some help

Reply #3
Where in this great country are you. ?
Some of us maybe near and can give hands on help.
This fourm is a very valuable tool in your tool box. Use the search function above. Making sure your searching the fourm not just a small area.
Ask, just like you did.

Sitting in driver seat. Look at gauges. You will see air pressure. You have to have that for hwh to work.

Welcome
1999 U270 40 #5518
USN. USPS.

Re: New member. Need some help

Reply #4
Look at back of HWH and make sure it is plugged in —- don't ask how I know!!!
Chris
1999 U 320 DGFE
Build Number 5523
Chris & Elka Lang
In the field, Lonoke AR

Re: New member. Need some help

Reply #5

I just purchased a 1997 M-4000 U295.


Congratulations on your new-to-you Foretravel motorhome.

Even though I am new here myself, may I offer a hearty welcome to the Forum.

Now that you own a Foretravel, did anyone tell you that these were family built and in additional to excellent interior and structural design, they have their quirks?  In my U225 the propane "sniffer" is next to my right foot while washing dishes.  With the switch in the off position the electric propane valve is off.

As others have told you already, the gauges for the gray, black, and fresh water tanks is built into the back up camera monitor.

And you are not retarded, but your Allison transmission has a joystick controlled hydraulic retarder, essentially a hydraulic brake, built in.  This is a much sought after option.

And your HWH leveling system only works when the ignition switch is on, and the parking brake is applied.  Then it's as easy as one, two, and three.  Or maybe a one and a two for your with your air bag system.  I have torsion bars and for my HWH the first press turns the system on, the second swings the leveling jacks into position, just in case I want to place jack pads, and the third levels my home.  If yours doesn't light up there are people here qualified to help, and HWH is only a telephone call away.

Once again, welcome to the Forum.  Did I mention a funny thing happened on the way to the forum?

Art & Lynn

PS, Never mind the mystery water lines:  Have you figured out how to fill the tank yet?  ???
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: New member. Need some help

Reply #6
I'm in Florida!

So the backup monitor does not come on at all. Didn't think it was necessary so I haven't messed with it.

The propane main valve is open but it does look like there is an electronic valve in it right after the main valve and before the regulator

It did have a washer and dryer so that is most likely what those two line are for. Thank you! (Yes I figured out the tank, supposedly you hook water to the city water connection and then flip the valve under the bathroom sink to "on". But how do I know when it's full?)

The leveling system comes on and the only light that lights up is "travel mode"

Also it had a diesel generator (I guess someone stolen it) I'm buying a new one this weekend to install. Does it run off of the diesel in the fuel tank, or a separate tank?
1997 Foretravel M-4000 U295

Re: New member. Need some help

Reply #7
Gen runs off the same fuel tank as coach engine. On the propane look along the baseboard in the kitchen and find the propane leak detector and be sure the red reset button is pushed in.On the hwh build up air pressure and leave the park brake on.. Push the air button once to turn hwh on then immediately push a second time to activate leveling. As said above the key has to be on for it to work.. After it levels turn the key off. You will know when fresh water tank is full when it comes out the overflow tube in front of passenger side rear dual. Most of us install a direct water fill because the overflow tube spills water near the rear bulkhead and that's not good.
Dub McBride 1996 270

Re: New member. Need some help

Reply #8
You will get you questions answered but you do need to get familiar with the Search feature.. Also google Beam Alarm..Pages of information on 295 and all other makes and models.. Big learning experience ahead and the Search feature and Beam Alarm will keep you busy reading for a couple years.. Still welcome to ask questions, just mentioning 2 other features that are valuable.
Dub McBride 1996 270

Re: New member. Need some help

Reply #9
Thank you!
1997 Foretravel M-4000 U295

Re: New member. Need some help

Reply #10
I just purchased a 1997 M-4000 U295.

There are 2 water lines under the fridge that are disconnected. What do they goto?


I have the same year and model as you, bought mine 3 years ago.  On mine the two washing machine hookup lines were under the refrigerator.

When you have time add a signature to your forum membership, it will help with answers for your questions.  Welcome, and congratulations on your purchase.
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: New member. Need some help

Reply #11
Depending where in Florida you are, there are lots of Foretravels down in Florida.  Check out the map on the home page and see if anyone is close to you and they can come over and help you a lot with general information.  Welcome to the forum and to the Foretravel family!
Joe & Dottie Allen
Sold!  December 2023.      2000 U320; build # 5645
Our coach " Maxine"
Motorcade #  15922;  Escapee 150950; FMCA F330833; Boondockers Welcome;  Harvest Hosts;  Thousand Trails
'98 U320 from 2000-'06
USAF '62-'66

"Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for." ―Epicurus

Re: New member. Need some help

Reply #12
Lindboep, where in Florida? I am in Punta Gorda ,FL if you are near me I could meet you and go over some of the features on your coach. Let me know if you are close.
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Gerry & Brenda
CHARLOTTE HARBOR, FL
1994 Grand Villa - # 4466
U300 Unihome - 6V92 Detroit
4 speed Allison - Jake Brake

Re: New member. Need some help

Reply #13
Lindboep,
I'm in Polk City, FL.  Message me if need some help.  Just don't know where in Florida are you.
John M.
John & Carm Morales

"We travel not to go anywhere, but to just go.  We travel for travel's sake.  Our great desire is to move."

Re: New member. Need some help

Reply #14
I'm in Gainesville, I will be in punta gorda for redneck mud park in two weeks
1997 Foretravel M-4000 U295