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Vacuum system

Just bought a 1995 Gran Villa and I don't think the previous owner knew there was a vacuum system and there is no info in the manuals.  How can I determine the male/model and find a compatible hose.

Re: Vacuum system

Reply #1
If nothing else, call FT , Brad in parts. I would think the unit itself has a number somewhere
1996 U295-36, Cummins 300hp, 8.3. Build number 4864. Vin number 1F97D536XTNO54271. Purchased October 31, 2019.

Re: Vacuum system

Reply #2
Look in the basement for the unit-- likely a Small Wonder vacuum.

Ask on the ForeForum-- others are ditching theirs and you may be able to get a hose from one of them.
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: Vacuum system

Reply #3
Hey Fiwoods,

Welcome to the Forum.  Always glad to have new members.  If you'll tell us your location and what model GV you have, it will help us help you.

The OEM central vacuum in our '93 U280 was partly mounted in the cabinet under the fridge, and partly (the motor) under the floor in the center storage bay.  We removed ours many years ago.  I still have the long hose and most of the attachments.  If you don't have any luck finding what you need locally let me know.  I could probably be talked into boxing up what I have and sending it to you.

I know some Forum members like the built-in vacuum, but we thought digging out the hose and dragging it around the coach was more work than it was worth.  We just carry a small portable vac that works fine, and is lots easier and quicker to deploy.  But, each to their own!
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
"It goes without saying..."

Re: Vacuum system

Reply #4
Michelle recommended the Dyson v6, 3 years ago and I bought one immediately and it is a coach and house necessity now.

Dyson stick vac (split from vac cleaner)

1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Vacuum system

Reply #5
I bought one for house. Now have 4 Dysons, all my kids have version 6, 8 or 10
Tim Fiedler    2000  Foretravel U-320 4010
2000 Chevy Tracker 2 Door Convertible 4WD Now lifted 4.5"
1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston
Murphy Rebel on wheels with 175HP Titan
Cessna 185 on Aerocet 3500 straight floats. (1/4 share)
1980 48' Westport MY (!/4 Share)

Re: Vacuum system

Reply #6
I'm with everybody else. The hose is a pain and vac itself under-powered. Got a SharkVac and perfectly happy.
The Starship- 1990 Grandvilla Unihome U300 40ft
6V92 Detroit Diesel w/ 4 spd Allison w/ retarder. Build# 3575 , Foretravel# 17895
The Shuttlecraft- 2015 Ford Explorer
Steve ( N6EKV ) & Lori ( N6JTD ) Faries  w/ Marlee our precious pup.
Patterson CA.

Re: Vacuum system

Reply #7
My coach has a built in Dirt Devil and I've never need it. It seems like a compromise in every way. We use a small Meile in the coach. We have two 11 year old labs. Shedding season coincides with camping season.  :))

The dirt devil is coming out when we install our residential fridge in January if anyone wants it.
1993 U300 40ft GV SE
Build # 4344

Western NC mountains

Re: Vacuum system

Reply #8
The search  feature works: Getting rid of my central vac
1994 U280, Build 4490
Deming, NM.

Re: Vacuum system

Reply #9
Ours works great, bought new set of bags and made sure the lid was on correctly and bingo  ^.^d
Andy & Eileen
Riverton Wyoming
1992 U300  40' 6V92 TA
2007 Honda CRV
1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee) Build # 4135 Skp# 122921

Re: Vacuum system

Reply #10
I sure like my original and it's out of the way, under the floor in the bay, good suction and enough tools to get everything. Maybe mine has a turbo on it. Very powerful!
1996 U295-36, Cummins 300hp, 8.3. Build number 4864. Vin number 1F97D536XTNO54271. Purchased October 31, 2019.

Re: Vacuum system

Reply #11
When I changed out my refrigerator I replaced all the flexible hose located under the fridge and into the storage bay with PVC pipe.
This made a big difference in the performance of the built in vacumn system.
Even though the built in system works much better I find using the Dyson V-8 stick vacumn ( hung and recharged in the bathroom closet) much more convenient than fighting with the long hose used in the built in. Also storing the hose and attachments are a pain.
1995 U320C SE 40'
Jeep 4x4 Commander - Limited - Hemi
"The Pack"  Yogi and Diesel our Airedales -  Charlie our Boxer/Akita mix. Gone but NEVER forgotten Jake our yellow Lab.
NRA Law Enforcement Firearms instructor - Handgun/shotgun
Regional Firearms instructor for national Armored Transp. Co.

Re: Vacuum system

Reply #12
I sure like my original and it's out of the way, under the floor in the bay, good suction and enough tools to get everything. Maybe mine has a turbo on it. Very powerful!

We like our original "Small Wonder" also.
Start with a new bag installed correctly (no leaks around the cover) and verify the fixed hose from basement to the outlet below the  refrigerator is in good condition. Ours works well enough for the small area it needs to clean. Having hardwood floors and not much carpet is a plus too.

I suggest you try to find an original hose and new dust collection bag and try it before you ditch it. You may like the way it works and the fact you only have to store the hose and not a complete vacuum cleaner. If you hate it as others do, then you can pitch it and get a small portable one.
 
Justin & Cathy Byrd
1995 U280 "Old Faithful"
36' Build #4673
C8.3 Cummins
Allison MD3060R 6 speed - retarder
Powertech 10KW  4cyl Kubota