It was recommended to me that I come to this forum for some of my questions regarding the fine Foretravel motorhomes. So, I am a newbie here. My wife and I purchased a very nice 2006 Gulfstream 41' G7 last year. Although we like it a lot and it was so well kept after over a year we find there are sure a few things we would have preferred in our motorhome. So we still have fun looking on Internet and sometimes taking a drive just to inspect different MHs. I have become very interested in Foretravel and although I would have to trade down in year model, I think the overall unit would be a upgrade even at a 2003 FT versus 2006 GS.
the particular model I have been looking at on Internet is a 2003 320. i have read of some bulkhead problems, are there other cons i should be aware of? I have not actually seen this MH yet, hope to in a few weeks, but am told it has 90K miles on engine and 4K hours on gen. The engine miles does not bother me to much, but isn't 4K hours on gen perhaps a little much.
Appreciate any advice, thoughts, pro/cons.
bill
Hi Bill,
Generator hours, a properly maintained 10 kw Kubota will run over 10 k hrs easy. As for the bulkhead issue, It seems the issue is with the 2000 models and earlier, I have a 2001 320, am told there was a change in the mounting of the radius rods between the rear axle and the bulkhead, making less of an issue. Guess only time will tell.
Good luck, and as most of us owners will tell you, "Would rather have a ten year old Foretravel than a brand new anything else". Guess why most folks are happy with them, some folks are not happy with anything ::)
FWIW
Dave M
We had a 2008 model year coach and sold it to buy a 2003 Foretravel. The book values were about the same at the time. Would do it again in a heartbeat.
D&D
In Feb. I traded a 2007 42' Discovery with 43,000 miles for a 2002 U295 40' FT with 53,000 miles and 1200 hours on the gen. and have never looked back. The FT is so much more coach and so much better built. I also had to pay a little to boot but well worth it.
I do not worry about the genet. It loves to run and that means it has been run. I have no issues with the bulkhead either. That is an easy and cheap fix. Well, cheap if not easy..... THen again Rance over at Xtreme makes it an easy fix.
I have looked long and hard at different coaches. I have after going over the pros and cons decided that FT is the best bang for the buck....is it everything in a coach no. There are always compromises but is it what I want and can afford and am willing to spend, sure.
I would rather have an '87 Foretravel than a '07 anything else.
Dave,
Do I recall one heads' up you issued on the main bearing of the generator - maintenance replacement before 5K hours?
It's a relatively big job for a small part on an '03 (like ours) where the genset is in a quiet box. The genset needs to be removed from the coach via forklift after fuel, cooling, exhaust is disconnected, IIRC.
Michelle
Steve, The only bearing we are concerned about is the one on the outer end of the rotor, away from the engine, The Kubota has no issues. The only issue I would correct would be to change the electric fuel pump to the Facet like in the picture. That model/style has proven bullet proof for over 40 years, I feel all the others are wannabees.
Cheers
Dave M
Dave, what is the model# of the fuel pump? I have a 1999 10kw
Thanks Phil
Sorry for the mistype, Dave, as you clarified it is the generator end's bearing I was referring to. I fixed my post.
Michelle
That would be this one...
Facet Cylindrical Solid State Electric Fuel Pump - 476459E (http://www.beamalarm.com/Documents/facet_cylindrical_solid_state_electric_fuel_pump_476459E.html)
You can also do a search on "Facet" and it brings up plenty of info on the forum.
I would go with the Facet 40002E or 40007E model Facet. They vary in price depending on who and where you look for them, from about $50.00 up to $200.00 so I would dig around on google.
Yacht Supply has them for $100.00 area.
That will end all your fuel pump issues.
Dave M