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Topic: 1985 33SB HELP!! (Read 441 times) previous topic - next topic

1985 33SB HELP!!

Hey everyone, I'm new here.
I am looking to start a 1985 SB33 project. Before I buy it I want to know anything and everything I can about it.

I cannot seem to find any information at all about this beauty on the internet. I also don't know where to look.

Does anyone have any information, tips, tricks, any kind of specs at all they can help me with?

Thanks in advance!!

Re: 1985 33SB HELP!!

Reply #1
Welcome to the Forum, Sman4231!  Always happy to help new Foretravel owners in any way we can.

Links below will provide a little reading material that you may find informative.  Also feel free to use the very helpful SEARCH box located at top right of every page.  The entire archived contents of this Forum can be easily searched for items of interest.  Set search order to "Most Recent Topics First" to find the most up-to-date info.

1985 model specs:  Media [ForeForums Foretravel Motorcoach Wiki]

start [ForeForums Foretravel Motorcoach Wiki]

https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?action=media;sa=album;in=113

https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?action=media;sa=album;in=165

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All Things Foretravel | Formerly Beam Alarm - Barry and Darlene Brideau's...

FORETRAVEL

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: 1985 33SB HELP!!

Reply #2
The thing I would be concerned about, other than engine, transmission and overall condition would be the brakes and steering. I had a 1981 Foretravel on an Oskosh chassis and the brakes and steering were pneumatic. I'm not sure when they went to air brakes, but they  were a dramatic improvement.
1993 U225 Build #: 4285
500 Watts Solar
Honda CRV AWD
Former 1981 Foretravel Travco
Retired, Full Time Off Grid Snowbird

Re: 1985 33SB HELP!!

Reply #3
. I had a 1981 Foretravel on an Oskosh chassis and the brakes and steering were pneumatic.

Sorry, not sure what you mean.
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: 1985 33SB HELP!!

Reply #5
Post a pic of the front and rear axle as well as engine compartment please.

Re: 1985 33SB HELP!!

Reply #6
Understand hydraulic vs air brakes.

But all steering is hydraulic assist.
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: 1985 33SB HELP!!

Reply #7
I meant hydraulic, and there was one pump on my coach. Turning while applying the brakes was tricky.
1993 U225 Build #: 4285
500 Watts Solar
Honda CRV AWD
Former 1981 Foretravel Travco
Retired, Full Time Off Grid Snowbird

Re: 1985 33SB HELP!!

Reply #8
The first thing to find out is what engine and chassis that you have. There should be a tag of information with model and vin on the wall by the drivers left leg. It could be a Chevrolet chassis,  Roadmaster, or maybe a John Deere chassis.
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins

Re: 1985 33SB HELP!!

Reply #9
Tires? How old? They are pricey to replace. Are there any cracks in them? Mine is a 1987 model. I spent a lot of time looking and checking before I bought mine. So many things to look at before you buy. Crawl underneath her with  a bright flashlight. Look for leaks, water, fuel, oil, anti freeze. Check the hoses, belts, filters for age. Lift up the carpeting and look for holes, mold. Try to look underneath and behind as much as possible inside. Mice have a way of chewing wiring. Any strange smells? Are there any water lines inside on the wall that would reveal a leaky roof? How much information does the present owner have on the coach? Any documentation? Is there a record of repairs? Does the present owner appear sad to sell it or is he happy to get rid of it? Does everything work on the coach? What shape is the generator in? Does it work? Have you driven it yet? Is it still insured? Many times people who store their vehicle will let the insurance lapse. If it has been stored, for how long? Hope this gives you  a few ideas. Best of luck.
EMT living in Missouri. Recently purchased 1987 Gran Villa 36 Ft. long,460 Ford engine with 40,000 miles on it, new tranny has 3000 miles on it, coach has 75000 miles on it, new 5000 watt genny new fridge, new tires. Am both excited and scared out of my wits at the size of this beast. Love it but need time to become accustomed to it's size.  I'm sure it will take time to experience all the secrets this RV has to offer. Any and all advice gratefully accepted.