Well I hope I don't jinx myself with this but I have to remark on the general sturdiness of our 1993 U225 Grand Villa. It's our first "real" motorhome (we had one of the Winnebago Le Sharos 20 years ago and I'm not sure that counts) although we've had RVs of one sort or another since the 1970s.
There is a certain risk one takes with any older motor home but some are certainly riskier than others. For $18,500 in cash I was expecting some problems even though the RV looked to be in excellent shape. I did not do (and have not yet done) an oil or transmission fluid analysis and, really, a minimal driving test (30 minutes). I didn't really even have as thorough an understanding of Foretravels as I should have. (No idea of the bulkhead problems, for instance - our Rolocks tested at 22 inch-pounds on the torque wrench I bought specifically to check for this - after buying the coach.)
Yet this coach has surpassed my every expectation. The handling is generally excellent. Sue (the DW) has been a school bus driver for more than a decade and tells me that the FT handles and rides much better than any bus she's driven. The coach came with a Banks Stinger package so I cannot compare before and after but it seems to be fairly peppy to me; especially considering its size and the fact that the engine is the same as in my 1994 Dodge pickup. The DW says that, compared to her 400hp school bus it's slow. So, nothing's perfect. :D
I have had one major problem and that was an alternator that was, I am convinced, due to a poor installation on the part of a previous owner. The mounting position for the alternator behind the rear radiator is not very good for cooling as it is and then jumpering the battery sense to the ignition connection (which is 0.6vdc below battery voltage due to the isolator) only made it worse. The alternator's regulator kept output high to get the batteries up to voltage but the isolator's voltage drop made that all but impossible. I connected the sense directly to the battery via the remote start switch.
There have been some wire separations due to corrosion and we are fixing these as we identify them. Working back in the cramped engine area one has to be constantly aware of wire bundles and some of the connections are so fragile that the slightest touch can break them. Reconnecting them can be difficult depending upon the condition of the connections themselves. But nothing some work with a Dremel cannot fix.
The only other thing that I've found (so far) is the heat wire on the main salon air conditioner. Everything else that I've fixed has been the result of poor workmanship on the part of a previous owner.
The motor home just works. Including the dash a/c, the cruise control, the CB, the seats, the ice maker, the garbage compactor, the retarder (after market PacBrake), the windshield washers and the wipers... it is remarkable and a testimony to the design and assembly crew at Foretravel in Nacodoches then and, from what I hear, now.
Traveling in 85-F temperatures I specifically checked for excess heat buildup in the bedroom (located conveniently over the diesel engine) and found none; the temperature in the bedroom matched that in the living room.
The windows are well located and large enough to provide a cooling effect through the entire coach if there is any wind at all outside. The awnings keep solar heating to a minimum and are so easy to deploy (well, the big one is a little bit of a tussle but the small ones are simple and effective). We were parked in full sun and were completely comfortable inside the coach which actually felt cooler than when we stepped outside into the sun.
I just had to say this because it's so easy to buy an RV and discover hidden problems. If anyone is reading this and trying to decide on a motor home, I can say that even after almost 20 years of use, the Foretravels hold up. Not all are trouble free, I admit. But the foundation is there.
And now, of course, something nasty will happen. :P
Craig
We just spent a relaxing weekend at a local Bureau of Reclamation campground with no hookups and enjoyed every minute of it.
Craig, I smiled when read the part about the 400hp school bus. Some things figure into why it is more jumpy, like the rear gearing, school bus gearing is more for the local stop & go, not touring.
I think construction has lots to do with it. The term monocoque is associated with air plane construction and the term semi-monocoque is associated with high end motor coach construction. The Foretravel is constructed using a semi-monocoque chassis which helps the coach hold up while traveling down the road. This helps maintain the interior fit and finish which inturn helps keep everything solidly together for a much longer time than the normal ladder frame construction motorhome. I always like the following article. He may not be perfect in describing how our coach are built, but I think it is a testament to the type of constuction used by Foretravel. But one must remember, the even air planes can come apart in the air if not properly maintained!
"CLASS A MOTORHOME CHASSIS
By: Bob Gummersall
The Chassis under 99% of the Class A Motorhomes manufactured today is a basic Frame Rail. One Hundred % of over the road passenger buses are built on monocoque or semi-monocoque chassis. Full monocoque chassis surround the complete vehicle with frame members. Semi-monocoque chassis use frame members on the lower half of the vehicle, and that provides a very strong base for the rest of the coach. I wonder why that is? A monocoque construction technique is like that of a girder type bridge with support elements diagonally placed between vertical and horizontal elements. Like bus chassis a motorhome semi-monocoque chassis use less weight and gain more strength. Like Greyhound type buses and all new automobiles, this technique provides more rigidity while providing huge inside storage and living space. Frame rails are used in most trucks from pickup to 18-wheelers and the cab is always separate from the payload body. That is because, no matter how big and strong the frame rail is, there is significant torque turning, or twisting, from the front to the rear of the vehicle. In order to limit the damage from this twisting process, truck chassis manufacturers heat treat or temper the rails after key holes are drilled to accommodate components to be attached. Drilling new holes or welding any new components to this hardened frame rail, voids the warranty because it is therefore weakened. Special fasteners, called huck bolts, are normally used to attach truck components to the frame rail because normal bolts no matter how tight they are installed, will eventually loosen.
Motorhome manufacturers use the front and rear caps, the side walls, roof and floor to stiffen the box against this always present torque or twisting. They use special glues and fasteners to attach large sheets of plywood and fiberglass to a simple steel or aluminum frame for all six sides of this box to make it stay together. If perfectly done, the box sides will stiffen the whole vehicle. If not perfectly done, fiberglass will be delaminated, rear overhangs will droop, front and rear caps will crack, many unfixable rattles will develop, and the structural integrity in case of an accident will be weakened. I have seen roll over accidents where all six sides of the frame rail chassis came apart. I have seen roll over accidents of monocoque or semi-monocoque chassis that have simply been righted and driven away. I have not seen any roll over accidents with frame rail chassis where all six sides stayed together. I have not seen a single roll over accident with a monocoque or semi-monocoque chassis where the six sides did not stay together.
If you ride in a 20 year old passenger bus or semi-monocoque motorhome you will find that it is still tight and almost rattle free. It is rare if you find a 20 year old frame rail chassis that that tight. There is really no comparison between the chassis types concerning passenger safety. The monocoque or semi-monocoque wins every time.
So why don't more motorhome manufacturers use a semi-monocoque chassis? The reason is primarily cost. Spartan, Freightliner, Ford, and Union Bay (used to be Chevrolet) supply frame rail chassis to volume motorhome manufacturers. Some makers like Winnebago, cut a frame rail in two, and build a center section that is semi-monocoque design to strengthen the vehicle and gain large storage compartments. All other makes of monocoque or semi-monocoque coaches, manufacturer custom chassis to meet their own specific requirements. Newell, Vogue, Monaco, Foretravel, and Country Coach are the major coaches makers that use custom designed semi-monocoque chassis. These companies have a chassis division that supplies them with proprietary products."
Craig, did you say 22 inch/lbs? I thought it was 250 inch/lbs. Wouldn't be the 1st time I was wrong.
Steve,
250 inch-lbs= 21 ft-lbs. I think it is just a misprint. 21 inch-lbs= 1.8 ft-lbs which you could apply with your little finger. Probably not adequate to hold a coach together.
But easy to torque! Yes, 21 ft-lbs is right. :)
Craig
I wish all prospective used motorhome buyers would read this thread. We are on our second 1993 Foretravel and I can't agree more what a value these coaches provide. It is hard to believe so many of the original systems are still performing as new.
I am considering buying a 1994 Foretravel 36/U225 with Cummins ISB 230HP. It will be our first RV. I was wondering how much of remodeling did you have to do in 2009. Was that as expensive as buying a used 94 FT (about 20K) ... If you don't mind talking about it? If you do no worries. Thank you.
Brought a new mattress for the stick house and moved the one that was in the stick house into the U225 bedroom. Does that count? Have had several routine maintenance items but that comes with ownership, just like the stick house maintenance! Talking about that, I will be spending a small fortune on new tires this summer, and also adding air pressure sensors on the tires. But remodeling, I still have the remodeled upholstery that the original owner. Oh, I do want to re-upholster the cockpit seats.
And if I found a really nice '96 or '97 FT with a Cummins C8.3 I'd consider selling my U225!!! Then I would not have to do any more re-modeling of the U225.
Welcome to the forum!
Are you specifically asking Kent about the work done on his 1993 (since he mentions "restored at FOT in 2009") in his signature? I'm just wanting to clarify your question :) .
Michelle
I presume your question regarding remodeling was to me or Kenhat. We both had our coaches restored at Foretravel in 2009. The restoration on my U300 was very comprehensive. It included a full body paint job, roof paint, new breathable ultraleather on the J couch and both front seats, new carpet, new valances and window treatment, new solid walnut Flat Screen TV box in front, new night blinds, new electric MCD front shades, new air bags, new shocks, hose and electrical reels, new EMS, new tires, new 3000 watt inverter/charger, new Traveler Satellite and Dish 722 receiver, new windshield sun screen, new double pane tinted windows and new window awnings. The total was close to $50,000 but that's a lot more than needs to be done. The previous owner considered this his passion and had all the money he needed. I would not recommend doing all of this to a U225 or even another U300 if you wanted to get most your investment back. But I can tell you we enjoy living in it equal to that investment and we think of and thank the late John and his wonderful wife Sandi Rosti, the previous owners, every single day.
Our former coach, a 1993, U225 recently sold by Dave and Dolly Cobb needed almost nothing done to it. It was ready to drive virtually anywhere when we bought it, when we sold it to Dave and Dolly and when they just recently sold it last month. A lot depends on the original color and fabrics used, how well the coach was cared for and just plain good luck. Additional cost for mechanical repairs are usually far less of a concern than simple replacement items such as batteries, tires, air conditioners, furnaces, microwave/convection oven, refrigerator and water heater. The quality of appliances used by Foretravel in the early 90's make a 20 year plus life expectancy the norm rather than the exception. We have an original A/C, refrigerator and water heater, now 20 years old working as good as new. However, I would figure and additional $10,000 the first year in addition to the purchase price as a safe rule of thumb for getting a 20 year old Foretravel ready to meet you expectations. My opinion, if I didn't have to worry about recovering my investment, spending $50,000 on a 20 old Foretravel would be much wiser and make me happier than spending $250,000 on another brand new, some other brand motorhome, but everyone to their own tastes.
Kent, I could not agree with you more! A Rolls, is a Rolls, is a Rolls..........and a FT is a Rolls; Rolls Royce that is as Foretravel built these coaches with pride..... at least in our earlier models can be maintained and upgraded by a good segment of our present owners. win/win!
All it takes is money!
Thank you all very much. Thank you for welcoming me. Within last few days I have gained so much from you all and from past postings from our forum .."our forum" I think i am here to stay for a long time :-) & hope to be able to contribute also.
Well I am heading to Nacogdoches tomorrow morning early (220 mil from my home) .. Let's see what's the deal with the 94/225 they have over there.
AL
Al - given yesterday's weather in north Texas (we're near Argyle), hope your trip went OK.
Michelle
My trip was ok. On the way back i drove in heavy rain for about 100mil or so but it was ok. Well my experience at MOT was somewhat good. I liked the 94_FTGV_U225 and today i made a offer; i offered almost the full asking price and also i indicted that I will be spending 2 to 4K in their shop before I will take the delivery. Well all i asked was that they do few things but most of all they make sure the RV is road worthy and safe. When I got there the LP Generator was not working (they said it was working the day before). Engine would not start, they had to jump it. RV was clean, while parked and connected to power, two roof top AC's were working nice and cool. Front tires are one and two year old. Back (outer) tires were 7 years old. During the drive there was a constant clicking noise from/around the dash port. It drove nice shifted nice. Dash AC was not blowing cold enough, i figured since the roof top AC was not working while we were driving that the dash ac could not keep up. It was 77-80 degrees and we were hot. Anyway i told them that i will buy new tires & batteries, pay for their full inspection report (up to $800) and i will deal with the Bulkhead issue (if found any) I asked that they fix the Generator the clicking noise and inspect the LP tank and fix if any issues found with it & the dash AC. I also said more than likely i will take care of most if not all found issues with the inspection before i take delivery ... well not sure what i did wrong or asked to much of them to do but never the less they don't want to do much of anything "as is" and will not even take $100 of the asking 19.5K. So they want me to pay the full asking then also deal with everything else. I think because this is our first Class A purchase they think they can sell me the RV at full asking price & also make 4-5K in their shop. So I walked a way. I will not be going back to MOT. They wasted 12 hours of my time ( I live 230 mil a way and they knew that) not to mention fuel and day off wasted. What's interesting is that they have this on their web site: Why Buy Pre-Owned? | Blog.motorhomesoftexas.com (http://blog.motorhomesoftexas.com/?p=65) "Avoidance of used units for fear of them being in bad shape can almost be totally excluded by buying from a reputable dealer. The dealer will be taking steps that insure that all major components function as designed. The "debugging" process of a new unit many times is more frustrating to the first owner than the issues found in a properly prepped and detailed pre-owned RV."
Well I should of known better not to go to dealer.
If they do not own the coach they do not put the money into it. They ate getting only a consignment fee. They put over 50k into my coach because they owned it. The owner may e the one who will not budge and that is typical especially on the cheaper coaches.
I looked up the coach and it s a consignment. The C in the number tells you that. So the price s set by the owner not MOT and the owner has to agree to the repairs. Noe sounded huge or costly and I would not agree if it was my coach just price it where it is.
My take on all this would be looking at a 20 year old coach and not expecting some issues with something or other. Wondering at what point the "Dealer" decides not to make it "new" again? Seems there is an end to making new after possible lack of care and maintence when there seems no end in sight ?
Just wondering
Dave M
They own it. They told me they Own it.
Propman, was the unit owned by MOT or on consignment. If the unitwas on consignment, MOT has to get the owner to approve of any price reductions and repairs, which will lower the net to MOT. If the ask is $20,000, there isn't much profit for MOT, weather owned by them or worse if on consignment (they have costs of doing business, and would charge 10% to sell that coach or $2,000. No dealership is perfect, but MOT is as good as they come, sorry you had an unsatisfactory experience.
BTW, I drive 1200 miles out of my way to get MOT and FOT and Xtreme to work on my coach, and wouldn't hesitate to buy or sell a coach through MOT or FOT.
They told me they own it. Maybe they are good or not it does not matter for me anymore. Perhaps the sales guy I had was not the best or i simply i don't know what i am doing. In any event they could of sell a RV then their shop also could make 2-4K on top of that before I even pul out of there, by doing that they were going to have me as a customer for a long time. A customer with a 20 year old RV, that could create more expenses and I could also upgrade with them in 2-3 years to 50-60k RV. I am not sure if it was my lose or theirs at this point. I'll find something to buy. One other think made me laugh. The shop manager came out he was very nice. When we talked about the clicking noise under the dash. He said that is a known issue you just have to let it click, it is what it is. He did say there maybe a way to fix it but even than it will click so be better of letting it click the way it is. That would drive my wife crazy going down the road.
Never the less if it was a consignment RV I would of approach it and deal with it completely different. They have no paper work no history on the RV, RV has no window coverings (outside). When I asked for carfax report sales guy said " I wouldn't know anything about that" I knew I could order that myself so at that time i just didn't worry about it.
I might suggest (if you have the option at this time) that instead of having MOT check the coach over on your dime, hire Brett Wolfe if he's available (moderator here, best inspector I know of, based in the Houston area). An independent inspection is in your best interest. Yes, MOT is a good outfit to deal with, but they can't serve two masters equally well when one is the seller and the other the buyer. It would be a conflict of interest.
Michelle
Personally, I bought my coach from MOT and would not go anywhere else except FOT, MOT or Extreme for sales, service or repairs. MOT is the best dealer I have found....ethical, knowledge and does a great job. If anyone ever has a bad experience they should be sure to talk to Dave Robinson and he will fix it or explain the issues until you are satisfied. If MOT is poor then other dealers are "bottom feeders".
I readily admit that I know nothing about the circumstances "propman" describes. However, based upon the positive comments about MOT over the years from a wide variety of posters here, I would really like to hear all sides of this story before reaching any conclusions.
True. And I speak from experience with Dave.
best, paul
Crazy I say, having purchased my coach there about five + yrs. ago, having a few upgrades done there, Always happy to pay the tab and smile, all concerned there have always treated me 1st class, ad will have more upgrades there as well as FOT.
Not looking for a bargain, just good quality professional service for my toy.
Dave M
I've been on this forum for a couple of years now, and this is the second complaint I've seen about MOT. I doubt that many businesses can say that they have had only one complaint per year. I fully expected that we would buy our Foretravel from MOT, but we got lucky and found ours closer to home. It might be that we'll buy from them some time in the future, and they may get some repair/upgrade business from us. We'll see what happens in the future.
Agree, Dave Robinson would want to know if you are dissatisfied, and my experience is he ALWAYS tries to do the right thing.
That said, everyone can have a bad day, including MOT. I think a call to Dave would be a great idea right now.
Tim
Propman
I agree with Tim ... I would reach out to Dave Robertson the owner. I bought my coach there the first year he opened (2004) and have been doing business there ever since. If he has a problem with someone on his team, I'm sure he would like to know about it.
Jimmy
98 U295 36'
The disappointment with experience at MOT sounds to me like a difference in expectations and opinions about the value of the coach. I was surprised at the mention of "Carfax." I don't recall hearing Carfax mentioned previously in my three years of participation in this forum. I would expect the disappointment to relate to expectation of buying a high end motorhome to be similar to buying a common automobile. I personally would expect the experiences to have similarities, but also have significant differences. Indeed expectations are likely to differ.
In general, Foretravel quality and general sturdiness is excellent. However, the coaches can have problems and need appropriate maintenance. The prices for coaches for sale in NAC generally reflect appropriate value regarding the age, condition, and amenities of a Foretravel coach. It is a relatively small community of sellers and buyers.
My personal experience with MOT was excellent regarding sales and poor regarding service. The poor service experience was partially my fault (expectations) and partially a problem with leaving a "new to me" coach with MOT during a brief time when they were having some personnel problems in the shop. They were most helpful when we were shopping for a coach. They even gave me some good advice on a used coach which they were not selling. They in fact were considering buying the same coach for resale.
Set your budget. If a Foretravel fits, buy it and enjoy. If you take care of it, it will continue to by a high quality, sturdy coach ... even if it is 25 years old.
I considered and reconsidered commenting on this and decided it only fair to repeat what J.D. said, it seems a vast difference in experience and expectations. That seems usual with folks going thru the PDI process if they have not owned a coach before. It sure was for me! The buying process benefits from an earned trust and effective communication has to begin that.
We bought three coaches from MOT and while I suppose nothing is ideal as viewed from all parties, MOT has been outstanding to us from ethics to prices to followup help and service. I think you would find FOT also in the business to stay and a solid reputation so you could go to them but they do not usually have coaches of this age.
I have seen the coach in question, it seems fairly priced as is and I am not familiar with any dealer cutting the cost because they can sell me maintenance. So if that coach really fits your needs and the price and repair needs seems reasonable as you read these replies, I think you contact MOT again, talk to Jason Haskins or David Robertson and try again.
To echo Michelle's comments, get Bret to inspect or Don Hay who is local in Nac and, as Bret, quite familiar with coaches of this age and design. I bet they could help in thinking thru the buying process too.
Good Luck
I have had some private conversations with propman, as he was interested in my U225 that I sold. He has made a new deal Thur late afternoon. Sometimes emails don't convey all the meaning intended, and things are missed in readings. He and MOT worked things out, hopefully for all parties.
I have yet to do any business with MOT, but from all that has been said and written in this thread, I am sure to enjoy the first visit when I need service. I did have some many emails and chats and visits with Mel Cordray, and we wish he had the coach we wanted to buy. He has been helpful beyond measure dealing with us, and keeping us on his incoming coach list.
I have learned through the years that non expert owners have greater opinions of their used coaches.
I had a customer complain about things wrong with his new ored way back when. After listening for a long time and as he got more heated in his comments I remember stopping him and telling him about a laundry list of things wrong with his trade in. Several thousands of dollars worth. He was surprised. He told me it was perfect.....
So he pulled out his check book to write me a check. I stopped him. I told him that as he did not honestly know that anything was wrong it was my job to allow for such issues as part of the deal. And I had.
Many here know every switch and button and every system in their coaches and can prove it. Their coaches are worth more to my thoughts.
My current coach is a normal example. My problem is that I know too much. Things the average owner and even service people would have no idea about I fix. About half way through the laundry list on this coach.
After 7,000 miles very few things are undiscovered anymore.
Totally expected. I would pay more for an expertly maintained coach versus a normal trade.
Not the trade in coaches owners fault. I have learned they honestly did not know what was wrong or needed service. Especially the plug in every night folks.
Versus you dry camp.
Reflect in any pricing the idea that even the most honest owners really do not know their coaches condition.
My coach had a survey done by a service guy. He missed most of the things wrong.
Bob
I just got back from driving 900 miles to MOT for service and refrigerator replacement and the work was done professionally. I added additional items to take care of which they finished in a timely manner. Keith and Mike need to be complimented for their dedication to detail and customer service. They were extremely busy on Monday and Tuesday. I felt bad for all the employees because you could tell they were working very hard and yet the quality never suffered. I was told that MOT sold 14 units in April alone.
If MOT cannot make you happy, I don't know I would do?
Ok Ok :-) Sorry I was too busy and could not post. First of all I already knew that there was more positive experience with MOT by many. That is why i went there in the first place. My visit with them was all good. Mike (M) sales who helped me was knowledgeable and quite helpful. Keith (D) service manager also took 10-12 min from his busy crazy day to talk to me.
Based on what I already knew and also read on their web site about them and how they sale used RV's I had expectations.
When I made my offer (almost full offer) I send them a list of items that had to be checked and repaired on the RV some by them some by me. During this process, emails going back and forth it was possible that there was some miscommunication. So at the end of that round there was no sale. Well next day I kept thinking about what everyone was saying, all good things about them. So picked up the phone and asked if we can clarify to each other what went wrong. So I asked how I can buy this RV from them, I asked "If I pay full price what can you all do for me?" Well guess what it looks like they are coming through. They reconsidered my requests about 7 of them and They found them to be reasonable. Now you all have to remember when I got there the Gen was not working the engine would not start had to be jumped. So i am happy to report that they are working on fixing all they can fix and I am buying my first FT :-) from MOT. .... Now it ain't over till the fat lady sings but I believe it is going to be a good experience all around. I will report once I pick it up and bring it home (230mil) ... I didn't want to just buy a RV from them I also wanted to make sure it was a place where I can always trust and go. During this process you all helped so much THANK YOU! and most of all THANK YOU DAVE COBB.
I had many customers over the years negotiate the prices in used coaches. Duh.
I mentioned that at my price I would fix anything they found wrong with the coach for an extended time.
Or pay less and pay the shop rate for future repairs.........
Told them to bring a laundry list when next in for service. Better for my biz if they were happy with their coach. If they paid retail they got a retail job.
Most shops cannot do that as the pay structures time is finalized at the time of sale.
Or the future repairs costs back charged to the sales people for their percentages.
I ate $75k worth of back charges without charging the salesman in one year. Cost me money but well worth it.
Sounds like mot is part way there. I found if I asked for a little more I could roll the dice on issues and the average was the customers and I both came out fair.
Propman.
BTW, welcome to the forum. Well done, and if Don Hay is in NAC, look him up when you pick up your coach. Great guy, and since this is your first FT his knowledge and friendship (or Brett Wolfe's in Houston) will be invaluable.
Only other suggestion that I have is budget about three days to pick up your coach. ONe day for delivery and check out at MOT and loading in a few things at WalMart, etc. That night and the next day take the coach to a campground within an hours drive, do the camping thing and see if you can use every thing in the coach during that trip. Be prepared to find a couple of items that you don't understand how they work, or they won't work. Have an appt. bright and early on day three back at MOT to learn of fix what you had any trouble with.
Good luck, welcome to the FT club and the best internet users group on the planet.
Keep posting. Maybe this will be the only coach you ever buy, but if you move up like most of us, I bet it is in a FT probably with MOT in the mix.
Tim
Tim is right, go an hour away and spend two nights then come back.
I see the "Pending" stamp on that coach. Congratulations, propman! There WILL be things that will need attention, but my guess is that if MOT accepted the coach on consignment it is basically sound. As you work on your own Foretravel you will learn to appreciate the thought that went into these coaches. I keep reminding myself that the people who build the coaches are generally much younger and in better shape than I am AND they have the advantage of doing the same job many times. I have to figure out how it went in, how to get the screws out, and how to get the replacement back in, all the while contending with trifocals and arthritis. The more I do, though, the more I appreciate what I have.
Thank you all.
So far so good. I was not able to stick around in Nac. We picked it up last Friday & drove it 240mil without any issues. I was lucky enough to have a good friend who knows quite a bit about RV's and heavy rigs go with me to pick it up and essentially test drive it back for 240 mil. It is in his shop right now; we are going through it and doing some improvements to it. Luckily it does not appear to be needing anything more than a light bulb, alignment, new tires ... we'll see. We will be taking it to it's first trip with us to TX Cost for the 4th of July weekend. If you see us say hello ... I plan on having lots of red, white and blue on it :-)
@Al if you don't find anything to repair it's time to start looking at upgrades! Welcome to the club. Once you have the Foretravel habit it's hard to shake.
see ya
ken
Is there an experienced 2000-2005 U320 owner with over 200,000 miles on their rig?
Curious how everything held up?
Its easy to find general statements testifying to the overall quality of these great machines. Like to hear the experience of those who diligently used their Foretravel and used it ALOT.
Like to hear about their ownership experience, if they could share it.
My 1985 Bluebird PT40 went 100,000 miles under my watch. Worked on it quite a bit. They have a lot of hydraulic hoses, coolant hoses, 13 filters, a maze of air lines, fittings, components, air bags, leveling valves, etc. Went thru 5 absorption refrigerators, finally installed a residential, it ran continuously for 7 years without a hitch. Replaced the air step actuator, the hydraulic cylinder that pushed out the generator, Replaced the 12.5kw generator with a Powertech, replaced all the fabrics inside)couches, carpet, driver passenger seats, went through 4 roof satellite systems(technology kept getting better), replaced all of the Moen faucet cartridges 3 times, 3 fresh water pumps, the good ones make 65psi water and are variable speed. replace all of the roof airs(3), 3 sets of 12R22.5 Michelins, 1 set of brakes(thank you trans retarder), Changed trans fluid 6 times in that 100K miles...
There was ALWAYS something to fix. I owned it for 100k-200k miles and from its 18th birthday until its 37 birthday.
Other than having someone else replace the chassis-engine mounted air compressor and exhaust, I did all the work. So much stuff failed in 100,000 miles and 19 years!!!
Now looking at buying a 19 year old 100,000 mile Foretravel... Hmmmm
If you have been 15 years in your 2000-2005 Foretravel, love to hear your experience ;~)
We have owned our 1995 U320 for nearly 10 years and it now has almost 190,000 miles on it. We are still extremely pleased with it and expect to continue enjoying it for at least another 10 years. I honestly don't expect to ever wear it out!
I recently saw a higher mileage 2000 U320 with the rear most framework on which most of weight of the heavier M11 is supported have a surprising sag. Owner said he never towed a trailer with tongue weight.
My 2001, 209,000 mile U320 is running fine and expected to continue to do so.
Rear end sagging? Look for rust, bulkhead issues.
160,000 on mine, running strong
Good grief, look at the rusted through areas.
Can you destroy a coach-- sure.
Run it on salted roads for years and never rinse it off. OR, park it on a beach.
I camped next to a 2000 U320 with over 500,000 miles, it had one slide. This was in Quartzite a couple weeks ago. Twig is friends with them. He did have some repairs done for rust in the slide area, I think. I'm bumping up to 100,000 on my 98 U270. I've put 50,000 on it in the last five and half years. Normal maintenance, a few things wore out and others aged out including power steering gear seals.
The photo is just another example of rust and corrosion that should disqualify any coach that is for sale no matter what the price is. The damage done will come back to haunt you time after time after time. Find a rust free coach, pay a little more but save a lot of $$, time and frustration in the long run.
Pierce
Totally agree. And applies to any/all brands of motorhomes and for that matter all vehicles!
The more I hear about rust, the more the price for our rust free 1989 coach will go up!!
Lonnie at HWH crawled out from under our coach and said it was so clean it looked like it had just come from the Foretravel factory new.