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Topic: 1979 FTX 33SBI  (Read 672 times) previous topic - next topic

1979 FTX 33SBI

A couple years ago I bought a 1979 Foretravel FTX 33SBI.  It's on the Dodge M600 Chassis with the Dodge 440 engine in it.  She sat in a barn for 30 years with only rodents as tenants.  They left me with many urine stains (if you have tips on how to get rid of those, I would very much appreciate that!).  Sadly, this beauty had to sit around and wait for me to have time, but I think this summer is the one. This thing is an absolute time capsule, only 9k miles on it.  The engine is seized from sitting, but that's something I'm already working on.  That's not where I need real help.  I need help with.....everything else.

After very unsuccessfully searching the internet for some kind of manual or database, I called Foretravel. They were very friendly and accommodating but had lost all historical owners' manuals in a fire back before the age of computers.

Maybe someone here can help me.  I am very mechanically inclined but I don't know the first thing about motorhomes and their systems.  I don't know how to turn anything on or what steps to take to make sure I don't destroy something.  I don't know where any controls for anything are.  I don't know how to make the (propane?) stove work or how to even begin to work on the generator (does it roll out?). I've watched some basic youtube videos about how RV electrical systems work in general but am left with many questions about the specifics of my particular RV.

So, a plea to all older FTX owners: please help me!  If you have manuals, please share (I'll buy them or maybe you can upload or email me pages)!  If you can just walk me through a few things or make me a little tutorial, I am a fast learner and I'm handy.  Please help! Thank you in advance.
Bee 🐝🐕🔧
1979 Foretravel FTX 33SBI M600

Re: 1979 FTX 33SBI

Reply #1 –
I would suggest that you put your location, as fellow Fourtravelers that are close by tend to help out. The guy near Savannah that sold his FTX recently had all the manuals for his. It was a 1985 I believe, so the new owner has manuals.
2001 36' U320 Build 5901
2001 LX470

Re: 1979 FTX 33SBI

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Jeff & Sandy –
I sent this thread to a friend of mine. He is an expert with these classics and has one him self. I'm hoping he reaches out to you.

Jeff;  are you thinking about James Holden who was the main tech at Foretravel of TN up near Sevierville exit?
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: 1979 FTX 33SBI

Reply #4 –
Bee , welcome to the Foretravel clan.  Thanks for reviving a classic.....  and I hope you like orange.
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: 1979 FTX 33SBI

Reply #5 –
I'm in Pottstown, PA, about an hour outside of Philadelphia.

Thank you to everyone responding! I really hope this gets some results!
Bee 🐝🐕🔧
1979 Foretravel FTX 33SBI M600

Re: 1979 FTX 33SBI

Reply #7 –
I would think that most of the systems are similar to mine .  So, feel free to ask .

Re: 1979 FTX 33SBI

Reply #9 –
My '81 FTX has the generator on off and start button on the panel under the drivers window. On mine the generator is mounted in a box below the Livingroom window and does not pull out.
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: 1979 FTX 33SBI

Reply #10 –
On the 79 there should be a switch either under the audit or real close to the monitor panel. There should be 2 rocker switches there. One for the water pump and one for the generator. There is also a switch on the generator. The generator does not roll out, but believe it is on a slide. You should be able to do a tune up on the generator without sliding it out. If you are doing a decarbon then it has to be slid out enough so that you can access the back cylinder.
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: 1979 FTX 33SBI

Reply #11 –
That's a VERY COOL FTX MH.    b^.^d  b^.^d

Re: 1979 FTX 33SBI

Reply #12 –
The Seventies is still live. If you plan to keep a gas engine in her, might want to look into some type of 12 volt electrical fan system to help keep her cool cruising down the road. I have two large electric fans in the rear in front of the radiator that help draw the heat away from the engine. It makes a difference in engine life. Best advice, try to take it one step at  a time, don't try to redo everything all at once. Concentrate on one task until you complete it. Parts are going to be a problem. Might help to look up used RV salvage yards around the country on the internet. Try other RV clubs on the internet as well. Once it is completed you will have the joy of owning a unique vintage RV that others will envy. Best of luck to you on this journey.
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.

Re: 1979 FTX 33SBI

Reply #13 –
Awesome find!
More pictures please.
Frank & Connie Williams
1999 U320 '36
Build: 5466
MC: 18335

Re: 1979 FTX 33SBI

Reply #14 –
We have a Chevy 454 Front Engine 86 Grand Villa.    Most likely our systems are the same or similar enough.... Love your classic ... how can we help you with your great barn find
1986 Grand Villa, 454 Chevrolet, 33 SBI tag axle
Build # 2658
2nd owner, original owner was Newman/Freeman Racing, racer Bill Freeman and actor/racer Paul Newman

Re: 1979 FTX 33SBI

Reply #15 –
The Travco Facebook page has lots of information on the Dodge engines and 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