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Topic: U chassis wall and ceiling construction (Read 881 times) previous topic - next topic

U chassis wall and ceiling construction

I'm really interested in how walls and ceiling are constructed on the "U" Series specifically. I can find information on most other Class A's, but I've never found this information for Foretravel RV's. Most high-end class A's use some sort of foam or even fiberglass batting between side wall framing. Are the frame members steel tubes? If so, are they 1 1/2", 2", or something else? Are the walls welded to the floor and ceiling? What's the spacing of the vertical pieces? Ceiling usually have more foam which means a better "R" insulation value. And there is normally a crown to the roof. If this information has been published somewhere, please share a link. Thanks!
Dan

Re: U chassis wall and ceiling construction

Reply #1 –
What year U series?

A 1990's U225/U240 is a very different coach from U280/U300, and the U270/295/320's are yet another.

To my knowledge, Foretravel has never published nor released a detailed construction drawing.
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: U chassis wall and ceiling construction

Reply #2 –
I haven't found it if they have, just thought there might be some members here who have some information on the topic.
Dan

Re: U chassis wall and ceiling construction

Reply #4 –
That's helpful, thanks!
Dan

Re: U chassis wall and ceiling construction

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Propjock –
And there is normally a crown to the roof.
I can address that statement, at least in light of my experience.

Our '93 U280 has a flat roof.  I notice this fact mostly in the summer when the air conditioners are putting out lots of condensate and it forms a small lake around each unit before finally running off one side or the other.  I think all Unihome models prior to 1994 share this "feature".  In either late '94 or early '95 the last of the GV models were treated to the new roof and rear cap design of the next generation Unicoach.  This is one of the reasons why they are considered to be the ultimate evolution of the GV.  See photos below - our U280 on the left and Justin & Cathy Byrd's (ForeTravelers) beautiful '95 U280 on the right.

AFAIK, when Foretravel went to the Unicoach design, they continued putting a crown in the roof on all subsequent models.

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: U chassis wall and ceiling construction

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Michelle –
What year U series?

A 1990's U225/U240 is a very different coach from U280/U300, and the U270/295/320's are yet another.

To my knowledge, Foretravel has never published nor released a detailed construction drawing.
My 95 36' U240 is not a lot different from other models of ForeTravels.  My roof is rounded on inside and outside.  My chassis is no maintenance, no air bags.  I do have a problem on the roof around the bath vent fan and the sky lite above shower.  The fiberglass is thin and cracks.  Under the fiberglass is plywood.  I have no side wall problems at  all.  I had decals removed and painted back.  Well at 228k miles and 29 yrs old(14 yrs in my name) the state of the ForeTravel U240 is strong.  I have no plans for upgrade/repairs, I do it all.  See you all down the road!!

Pat
Pat/Blue Angel
1995 U240 36ft
MC# 16511
Build# 4653

Re: U chassis wall and ceiling construction

Reply #7 –
FT Factory tour on 2/20/17
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: U chassis wall and ceiling construction

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Propjock –
I'm really interested in how walls and ceiling are constructed on the "U" Series specifically. I can find information on most other Class A's, but I've never found this information for Foretravel RV's. Most high-end class A's use some sort of foam or even fiberglass batting between side wall framing. Are the frame members steel tubes? If so, are they 1 1/2", 2", or something else? Are the walls welded to the floor and ceiling? What's the spacing of the vertical pieces? Ceiling usually have more foam which means a better "R" insulation value. And there is normally a crown to the roof. If this information has been published somewhere, please share a link. Thanks!
I used to have a photo of our sidewalls in a early moring mist. Every frame member was visibile throught eh fiberglass due to mist distribution.  I can't find that photo now.
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: U chassis wall and ceiling construction

Reply #9 –
Here is a morning shot that shows the sidewall framing.  Hope this helps.

Chris
1996 U295 36' WTBI

Re: U chassis wall and ceiling construction

Reply #10 –
It's interesting that the sidewall studs ? Aren't on 16" centers like stick built framing.  Obviously it's not necessary because the walls are dead straight. 
  Would it be because of the vacuum process along with the sandwiching of inside plywood, insulating and outside fiberglass. 

  A 100 years ago when I worked in a factory making 5th wheels.  I was framing the sidewalls (16" centers) with 2 by 2 and holding it together with widetrack staples. I doubt many of those have made it this long.
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: U chassis wall and ceiling construction

Reply #11 –
I think of the tubes in the walls as being like a truss bridge that spans between the axles and is cantilever on the back for the engine/transmission.  I don't know of another manufacturer that makes them like Foretravel.
I don't know if it's true, but I have heard that fiberglass batt insulation in RV walls eventually tears away from it's glue and settle in the bottom of the wall cavity, due to road vibration.

I re-made my basement floor about 7 years ago and have a detailed post here: Bulkhead Repair (Partial Floor Replacement)

I know after I welded up the steel frame it had a certain flex/feel to the structure when I lifted it from the ground on one side.  After the skins were bonded, it felt incredibly stiff.  It makes me think that a lot of the load is actually carried by the fiberglass.

In this post is a photo of a cut section of floor in my '91.  I believe they use thicker plywood on the floor in later years: Converting stairwell from 2 steps to 3 steps (1991 and earlier Unihomes)
John Fitzgerald
1991 U300 (SAI) Side Aisle Island Bed 40'
Detroit 6V92 with Allison Retarder
Meridian (Boise), Idaho

Re: U chassis wall and ceiling construction

Reply #12 –
My first attempt  to load a file.
Tom and Linda
1995 U280SE #4636

Re: U chassis wall and ceiling construction

Reply #13 –
Quote from: Tom & Lynda –
My first attempt  to load a file.

Those are fantastic!  Thank you for posting them!!!
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: U chassis wall and ceiling construction

Reply #14 –
I've never seen any other coach with studs in a wall built like trusses! Very interesting. Makes a lot of sense if you think about it.
Dan

Re: U chassis wall and ceiling construction

Reply #15 –
Quote from: Michelle –
Those are fantastic!
I assume you will add these files to the Forum library?

The file shown below is found in our Library/Schematics folder.  It shows the connecting joint between side walls and roof.

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: U chassis wall and ceiling construction

Reply #16 –
Three more
Tom and Linda
1995 U280SE #4636

Re: U chassis wall and ceiling construction

Reply #17 –
Many thanx and a tip of the hat to Tom & Linda for adding the excellent new frame construction files to our Library/Schematics folder.    b^.^d

https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?media/
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: U chassis wall and ceiling construction

Reply #18 –
Just added A-4864 roof construction to library.
Tom and Linda
1995 U280SE #4636