Skip to main content
Topic: Probable new 1992 36' ORED owner (Read 901 times) previous topic - next topic

Probable new 1992 36' ORED owner

Tomorrow we leave for Florida to most likely purchase a 1992 36' ORED, 8.3 Cummins, 3060 Allison.  Been researching used motorhomes for a couple years now, eventually narrowing it down to Foretravel or Vogue.  Along the way we've seen plenty of disappointments, the pictures look good but you get there it's a disaster, and of course they still think they have a gold mine.

We're coming from a 21', then a 30' travel trailer.  I have experience operating and driving a 40' DP w/air brakes, and Cummins and Detroit Diesel knowledge, so the transition should be pretty painless.

Wish us luck tomorrow!
1992 Foretravel 36' Grand Villa ORED - VC22RD Chassis - 8.3 Cummins

Re: Probable new 1992 36' ORED owner

Reply #1
Good luck Paul, we'll be in the same boat with our new OREDs. I hope it shows as well as it sounded when we last chatted. Safe travels!
1987 Grand Villa ORED
2001 U320 4010

Not all that wander are lost... but I often am.

Re: Probable new 1992 36' ORED owner

Reply #2
I didn't realize that an ORED was even available with an 8.3 and 3060. That sounds like a nice combo. 
Dave and Kelli
1997 U295 40' Build #5188 CSGI
1995 U240 36' Build #4621 SBID-SOLD
2006 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

Re: Probable new 1992 36' ORED owner

Reply #3
Good luck with the inspection Paul. Hopefully you become a new member of the Grand Villa club.  Keep us posted. Picks!
Robert and Susan
 1995 36' 280 WTBI 8.3 3060r
 1200 watts on the roof, 720 Ah of lithium's
 Build # 4637. Motorcade # 17599
        FMCA  # 451505
        18  Wrangler JLUR

Re: Probable new 1992 36' ORED owner

Reply #4
Good move. Foretravel has built a lot of great coaches and those early 90's models were some of the finest -- and the best looking IMHO.
1993 U225 Build #: 4285
500 Watts Solar
Honda CRV AWD
Former 1981 Foretravel Travco
Retired, Full Time Off Grid Snowbird

Re: Probable new 1992 36' ORED owner

Reply #5
I didn't realize that an ORED was even available with an 8.3 and 3060. That sounds like a nice combo. 

From my reading it was only available in the 92 and 93 ORED. I love a Cummins straight over any V configuration, to me so much easier to work on.
1992 Foretravel 36' Grand Villa ORED - VC22RD Chassis - 8.3 Cummins

Re: Probable new 1992 36' ORED owner

Reply #6
Good luck Paul, we'll be in the same boat with our new OREDs. I hope it shows as well as it sounded when we last chatted. Safe travels!

Hey! Yessir, I hope so. He's sent me even more pictures since we talked, so if it's not what it seems he's either a pro photographer or it's not the same rig. We'll know soon... 2:30am and we leave in an hour.
1992 Foretravel 36' Grand Villa ORED - VC22RD Chassis - 8.3 Cummins

Re: Probable new 1992 36' ORED owner

Reply #7
Tomorrow we leave for Florida to most likely purchase a 1992 36' ORED, 8.3 Cummins, 3060 Allison.  Been researching used motorhomes for a couple years now, eventually narrowing it down to Foretravel or Vogue.  Along the way we've seen plenty of disappointments, the pictures look good but you get there it's a disaster, and of course they still think they have a gold mine.

We're coming from a 21', then a 30' travel trailer.  I have experience operating and driving a 40' DP w/air brakes, and Cummins and Detroit Diesel knowledge, so the transition should be pretty painless.

Wish us luck tomorrow!


Are you sure that picture is of an ORED? It sure looks to me as if it's a U225 or U240.
David and Carolyn Osborn
1995 U320C SE 40' Build 4726 Feb 1995
FMCA 147762
Motorcade 17186

Re: Probable new 1992 36' ORED owner

Reply #8
Top latches on the lockers . History says its an ORED

Re: Probable new 1992 36' ORED owner

Reply #9
Top latches on the lockers . History says its an ORED

Good eye.

Yes, the U225 and U240 had bottom latches.
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: Probable new 1992 36' ORED owner

Reply #10
So, got it... not long after headed to next stop she's running 225-230, comes back down, goes back up. Opened side door (side radiator) pinhole leak. Any advice for getting this thing home?
1992 Foretravel 36' Grand Villa ORED - VC22RD Chassis - 8.3 Cummins

Re: Probable new 1992 36' ORED owner

Reply #11
Paul,

Yes, you need to keep coolant temperature under 210 degrees F.

Pinholes suggest coolant leak-- how low is coolant level in the radiator? overflow reservoir?

Viewed from the outside, is the CAC/radiator package completely clean and clear of debris.

Fluid level in the hydraulic system?  Sorry, don't recall how that chassis controlled fan RPM.  Many there were electric controlled would default to high fan speed when the wires unplugged from controller.

Check also between CAC and radiator for rodent/bird nests.

Next step would be to replace the thermostat and its gasket.  Not difficult.

Do not let overheating ruin the engine!
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: Probable new 1992 36' ORED owner

Reply #12
Bars Leak
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: Probable new 1992 36' ORED owner

Reply #13
Paul,

Yes, you need to keep coolant temperature under 210 degrees F.

Pinholes suggest coolant leak-- how low is coolant level in the radiator? overflow reservoir?

Viewed from the outside, is the CAC/radiator package completely clean and clear of debris.

Fluid level in the hydraulic system?  Sorry, don't recall how that chassis controlled fan RPM.  Many there were electric controlled would default to high fan speed when the wires unplugged from controller.

Check also between CAC and radiator for rodent/bird nests.

Next step would be to replace the thermostat and its gasket.  Not difficult.

Do not let overheating ruin the engine!

It takes a while but will come back down, of course then goes back up. doesn't seem to matter if moving or not. Perhaps the fan. I'll look in the morning for wires off the fan. I will also check for  nests etc and coolant levels
1992 Foretravel 36' Grand Villa ORED - VC22RD Chassis - 8.3 Cummins

Re: Probable new 1992 36' ORED owner

Reply #14
Second the bars leak and raise you 6 gallons of Walmart's finest distilled water.  Maybe more.
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: Probable new 1992 36' ORED owner

Reply #15
Guy I bought it from says he drove it 2 1/2hrs straight earlier in the week no issue. If true, could there be anything in how I'm operating this thing that could be wrong?
1992 Foretravel 36' Grand Villa ORED - VC22RD Chassis - 8.3 Cummins

Re: Probable new 1992 36' ORED owner

Reply #16
Guy I bought it from says he drove it 2 1/2hrs straight earlier in the week no issue. If true, could there be anything in how I'm operating this thing that could be wrong?
As long as your transmission is shifting and you aren't climbing grades (in FL???) I don't think any type of operation would cause overheating. Let it cool down and follow what others have advised.
1993 U225 Build #: 4285
500 Watts Solar
Honda CRV AWD
Former 1981 Foretravel Travco
Retired, Full Time Off Grid Snowbird

Re: Probable new 1992 36' ORED owner

Reply #17
Fan motor has no wires to it, took rad cap off couldn't see any coolant. Traced the lines the "overflow" line under the cap just points down couldn't find an overflow tank. Gonna try the bars and water this morning. Hydro fluid good. No coolant in the oil.
1992 Foretravel 36' Grand Villa ORED - VC22RD Chassis - 8.3 Cummins

Re: Probable new 1992 36' ORED owner

Reply #18
...took rad cap off couldn't see any coolant. Traced the lines the "overflow" line under the cap just points down couldn't find an overflow tank.
Paul,

You are a New Guy on the Forum - your general RV knowledge level is unknown to us.  Info below may be old news to you.  If so, please ignore this post.

It would be a good idea to add an overflow recovery tank.  You can buy a generic model in most any auto parts store.  Simple installation.  Make sure your radiator cap is clean and functional, 14-15 psi pressure rating.  To allow recovery, it should be the type that allows two-way flow as the engine heats up and cools.  See the threads linked below for diagram of a generic recovery tank and proper recovery type radiator cap.

Overheating Help: FT GV with Chevy 454 on P-30 Chassis '87

Just Got Our First Foretravel - Renovations Started

Link below to a post describing the factory stock recovery tank on our '93 U280 (Cummins C8.3 engine).  Photo down below shows location of tank (left side of photo) in our U280 engine bay.  Overflow hose runs from under the radiator reservoir cap (top right corner of photo) across the top of the engine bay opening, then down the right side of the recovery tank and into the bottom of the tank.

Coolant recovery tank question

Found the tank below that looks very similar to the OEM tank on our coach.

MPParts | Terex 10172 Radiator Coolant Recovery Overflow Tank - 5 Quart | 10172

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: Probable new 1992 36' ORED owner

Reply #19
Where are you ?

Re: Probable new 1992 36' ORED owner

Reply #20
Three gallons of water in the radiator plus a slug of Bars, and a new radiator cap. Went 200 miles today stayed 175-185 whole way.  Still an occasional spitz from the rad but not bad. I bought two containers of Bars and plenty water I'll check it again in the morning. Would it be ok to add the second container? It said for 4 gallons antifreeze.

Thanks everyone for all your help!
1992 Foretravel 36' Grand Villa ORED - VC22RD Chassis - 8.3 Cummins

Re: Probable new 1992 36' ORED owner

Reply #21
Paul,

That is great for a short "emergency get home" run.

But, with your linered engine you need to make sure to replace it with a "diesel approved" coolant.

Strongly recommend one of the newer generation OAT-based coolants.  Being a Cummins, suggest one of their Fleetguard coolants.
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: Probable new 1992 36' ORED owner

Reply #22
Strongly recommend one of the newer generation OAT-based coolants.  Being a Cummins, suggest one of their Fleetguard coolants.
Such as Fleetguard ES Compleat OAT, available in concentrate or 50/50 mix.  Shop around for best prices.

I prefer the concentrate because it takes up less space in my storage bay, less weight, and is (usually) cheaper to buy and ship.  Why pay for water?

Concentrate:  CSSNA Community

50/50 Mix:  CSSNA Community

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: Probable new 1992 36' ORED owner

Reply #23
Spring coach.  Hydraulic brakes.  22c chassis.  6 bolt rims. 
"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: Probable new 1992 36' ORED owner

Reply #24
Paul,

That is great for a short "emergency get home" run.

But, with your linered engine you need to make sure to replace it with a "diesel approved" coolant.

Strongly recommend one of the newer generation OAT-based coolants.  Being a Cummins, suggest one of their Fleetguard coolants.

Yep, good point.  I knew it was lined engine, planning complete cooling system overhaul when we get back.
1992 Foretravel 36' Grand Villa ORED - VC22RD Chassis - 8.3 Cummins