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Topic: Return to Foretravel (Read 569 times) previous topic - next topic

Return to Foretravel

Hello friends!
I have been away from the forum for two years, having sold my U300 and undergoing a disastrous downsizing.  I am seriously considering a 1993 U240; however I know little about the CAT-powered Grand Villas and would be interested to hear from members who have or have had one.

I appreciate any comments or insights.
1989 Foretravel U300 Grand Villa
Build #3410

Re: Return to Foretravel

Reply #1 –
We have a 92 240 with a Cat 3116. The 240 is on the torsilastic suspension instead of the airbags you were accustomed to with the U300. Also, the power and torque of the 3116 is not as high as the DD. At the same time, it is a lighter coach.  Ours is not a powerhouse but we do consistently get 10 mpg fully loaded pulling a 3000 lb toad at an average of 62 mph.

Hope this helps.

Michael
Michael & Ginny
Frankfort, KY
1992 U240 GV Build #4116
2007 Mini Cooper

Re: Return to Foretravel

Reply #2 –
Welcome back.

As with your U300, check the bulkheads on the U240.

I would also suggest checking ride height. As Michael explained it is on the torsilastic suspension.  If you can't get back to ride height by removing the shims, parts are hard to come by.

At that age of course how it was maintained is important.

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: Return to Foretravel

Reply #3 –
Check out Nitehawks coach,is in great shape,and like I said,paint job to die for.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Return to Foretravel

Reply #4 –
The Cat 3116 is not a bad engine at all.  Special tools are needed to set the injectors and best used in the hands of an old-school mechanic not just a "tech" as the parts replacers are referred to now.  The torsilastic suspension doesn't have as nice of a ride as the 8 bag air ride, but if it isn't worn out (see ride height/shim comments above), is not bad and very simple, i.e. no airbags, valves, lines, etc.  Levelling is with swing down jacks since they don't have airbags.  Because the suspension needs less room, the overall height is lower which means shorter storage compartments and smaller tanks. 
Dave and Kelli
1997 U295 40' Build #5188 CSGI
1995 U240 36' Build #4621 SBID-SOLD
2006 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

Re: Return to Foretravel

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Michael Riensche –
We have a 92 240 with a Cat 3116. The 240 is on the torsilastic suspension instead of the airbags you were accustomed to with the U300. Also, the power and torque of the 3116 is not as high as the DD. At the same time, it is a lighter coach.  Ours is not a powerhouse but we do consistently get 10 mpg fully loaded pulling a 3000 lb toad at an average of 62 mph.

Hope this helps.


Michael

Thank you! I believe that the slightly lower power will not be a problem and the increased fuel mileage will be a nice advantage.
1989 Foretravel U300 Grand Villa
Build #3410

Re: Return to Foretravel

Reply #6 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
Welcome back.

As with your U300, check the bulkheads on the U240.

I would also suggest checking ride height. As Michael explained it is on the torsilastic suspension.  If you can't get back to ride height by removing the shims, parts are hard to come by.

At that age of course how it was maintained is important.

Thanks Brett. After the bulkhead disaster with my U300, that is the top inspection priority!! Also, there are thorough maintenance records, which is helpful for sure.
1989 Foretravel U300 Grand Villa
Build #3410

Re: Return to Foretravel

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Dave Larsen –
The Cat 3116 is not a bad engine at all.  Special tools are needed to set the injectors and best used in the hands of an old-school mechanic not just a "tech" as the parts replacers are referred to now.  The torsilastic suspension doesn't have as nice of a ride as the 8 bag air ride, but if it isn't worn out (see ride height/shim comments above), is not bad and very simple, i.e. no airbags, valves, lines, etc.  Levelling is with swing down jacks since they don't have airbags.  Because the suspension needs less room, the overall height is lower which means shorter storage compartments and smaller tanks.


All great information and much appreciated. I am fortunate to have available an old-school truck shop with trusted DD and CAT mechanics that have been doing it forever. I'm a bit concerned about this ride height issue but we had a similar though technically different issue with the air system on the U300. I'm due I'll miss air leveling
1989 Foretravel U300 Grand Villa
Build #3410

Re: Return to Foretravel

Reply #9 –
Randall, leveling is a high point with our 240. After we park, I turn on the HWH auto leveling panel, push the auto leveling button and the jacks come down and level the coach. By the time we park, level and hook up the power, I've spent five minutes. Where our r/v neighbors spend an hour setting up their sites, we are done in minutes. I'm frequently done cooking dinner before neighbors are ready to start cooking 😀. Retraction of the jacks is simple. It's a great coach system but I would like a larger basement area and air suspension. We have room to adjust our suspension on our coach so it should be good for a number of years. We've upgraded the shocks to Koni shocks and upgraded the sway bar bushings which has all  made a tremendous difference in the ride quality but still it's not air ride.

I will say that the system of the coach are so simple. It's an easy coach to work on and the Cat 3116 / Allison 3060 is a good  combination. Ours weighs in @ 22000 lbs loaded with full fuel, water, propane and the all the optional gear that's always in our coach. That leaves 2000 lbs of clothes and food. Not bad for a marginally aerodynamic coach. I will say visibility out the front windscreen is much better than the 280/300 as it's lower but still not as good as a 270/295/320.

It's been a great coach for us but you will certainly feel the difference from the 300. The 225/240 has a great place in the Foretravel history. I'm grateful for our coach but like anything, there are good points and draw backs. For a reasonable purchase price and a fairly easy system to maintain, it's a great Foretravel option.

Good luck in your process. I hope you find a wonderful coach.

Michael
Michael & Ginny
Frankfort, KY
1992 U240 GV Build #4116
2007 Mini Cooper

Re: Return to Foretravel

Reply #10 –
Michael,

Thank you for the insights on the U240.

I know I was spoiled with my U300, particularly regarding the air ride and the big basement capacity. On the other hand, when I sold my coach, thinking I wanted to downsize, I over did it and bought a travel trailer. Big mistake. I was never happy with its size and the who hooking up and unhooking thing.

If I buy the U240, I think I will be so happy to be back in a Foretravel that I won't mind the differences. 😄
1989 Foretravel U300 Grand Villa
Build #3410

Re: Return to Foretravel

Reply #11 –
I certainly agree. I'm so grateful we bought our 240. It's a joy to travel in especially over a TT. Please share pics and facts when you get something. It seems like there are more available right now. When we bought ours last spring, it was hard to find much for sale. I'm sure I'm biased, but at this point, I don't think I'd want to own an r/v that wasn't a Foretravel. Have fun with the search
Michael & Ginny
Frankfort, KY
1992 U240 GV Build #4116
2007 Mini Cooper