Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: U240 (Read 896 times) previous topic - next topic

U240

Hey folks, I'm looking at a 1995 U240. I understand that this is the only year that they still used the narrow frame but introduced the wide body, and my question is, is this a bad design in anyway? I like that it is a lighter weight unit, but wish it had the airbags. Anyhow, just looking for input from owners. Thanks.

Re: U240

Reply #1 –
Welcome to the Forum.  I don't have any personal knowledge of the U240, but other members will speak up, I'm sure.

In the meantime, if you haven't already looked around our ForeForums Wiki, you could check the '95 U240 info there.

Foretravel Specifications, Floor Plans, Photos & Brochures by Year

There is also some info on the U240 in our excellent Forum Library, including a '95 Owner's Manual (which covers the U240):

https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?media/album/foretravel-library.165/

The selected media item is not currently available.
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: U240

Reply #2 –
What length, what engine?

What is their asking price?

Re: U240

Reply #3 –
It will be 36' with Caterpillar 3116 and Allison MD3060-- likely with transmission retarder and B.F. Goodrich Torsilastic suspension.

In addition to checking the bulkheads as you would on any Foretravel, check RIDE HEIGHT, particularly on the rear axle. Unlike adjusting ride height on air suspension coaches, if ride height is too low, it can be costly to correct.

Check ride height when loaded as you go down the road. If coach is empty, look for ride height to be toward the upper end of factory specs. Only "tools" you will need are a yard stick to measure ride height and a 1' ruler to extend the "plane of the shelf" so the yard stick will be vertical.

Factory spec of 32-33" as measured from the "shelf" behind each wheel position  to the ground with the coach on level pavement. Also count the number of shims in front of and behind each wheel position.AND that you have at least 3 shims remaining for future adjustment.  Removing those three shims will raise the coach 3/4" at that wheel position.

Post ride height at each wheel position AND the number of shims at each wheel position.  We can then give more considered advice.
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: U240

Reply #4 –
I bought my 95 U240 wide body in 2007.  It had 81k miles.  It now has 228K miles on it.  It is slow on the take off, but will run 70MPH on the freeway.  I run at 62MPH due to toad HHR requires less than 65MPH on all four.  I am changing out the rear AC, old one still works but noisy.  I burnt the CAT 3116 up at 144K miles and got an in-frame rebuild, it is running strong using 2 qts oil every 1500-1800 miles.  I like it and plan on running it for as long as I can(76 and running good).

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

Re: U240

Reply #5 –
Thanks all for your advice and information. To Barry & Cindy, its 36ft with a CAT 3116 and Allison transmission. Its got 64K original miles, and he's asking $18,000. Seems to be in good shape from the pictures at least. I plan on checking it out this week.

Re: U240

Reply #6 –
Quote from: pthurman48 –
I bought my 95 U240 wide body in 2007.  It had 81k miles.  It now has 228K miles on it.  It is slow on the take off, but will run 70MPH on the freeway.  I run at 62MPH due to toad HHR requires less than 65MPH on all four.  I am changing out the rear AC, old one still works but noisy.  I burnt the CAT 3116 up at 144K miles and got an in-frame rebuild, it is running strong using 2 qts oil every 1500-1800 miles.  I like it and plan on running it for as long as I can(76 and running good).

Pat

How and why did your CAT fail?

1989 Foretravel U300 Grand Villa
Build #3410

Re: U240

Reply #7 –
Hi RandallBrink,
  My little cat failed when I was in Tennesse hills.  I tried to going up and down the hills at 60MPH.  It got hot, the alarms and lights went off.  I just pulled over and let it cool for a few minutes idling.  I ran it for a couple of years while it was using about 4 qts/1000 miles.  The oil consumption went up over time.

I now have 85K miles on the inframe rebuild and it running good as ever.

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

Re: U240

Reply #8 –
Pat,
Good to know. Is it possible to keep the RPMs up and the engine cool on grades? I have a lot of grades here in the northwest. I never had any problem with my U300 Detroit, but always ran light, no towed vehicle, and maintained higher RPM without worrying about speed.
1989 Foretravel U300 Grand Villa
Build #3410

Re: U240

Reply #9 –
Hi RandallBrink,
  I tow a 11 Chevy HHR ALL the time.  I also have a engine cooling problem caused from slow fan speed, about 6-7 hundred RPM.  The Cat 3116 is only 250 HP.  I avoid steep uphill grades, you can over heat things with the retarder also.  I have to watch the temp gauge when outside temp is above 80 deg.  When temp is above 80 deg. my engine temp will vary with the terrain.  When going uphill at WOT, tranny will auto shift to 5th gear, engine temp will climb to 200+ , I never go over 205 before I down shift to 4th and I have gone as low as 2nd gear.  My little Kitty Cat needs RPM to help with the cooling fan speed and engine cooling.  I have ran it at 24-25 hundred RPM in 3rd and 4th gear to help with cooling.  The U300 has more HP, running light make a difference.  I run fully loaded most of the time.  I think with a clean radiator, good cooling fan speeds, running at higher RPMs, in proper gear YES you can do that.

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

Re: U240

Reply #10 –
If you decide to recore your radiator look at either adding more rows to it or getting a core with bigger tubes
1999 36 ft U270
Build 5465