I am interested in doing some significant renovation to our 2001 U320 4220.
I had considered taking it to Mastertechrv.com to have slides installed but i am hearing from adding slides to this RV is not a good idea. has anyone tried before i talk to Mastertech about it.
Also, i wanted to replace the walk in cedar closet in the back with a full bath similar to the Fleetwood Discovery 40E model 2013-14 floor plan. I have seen several other RV vendors putting bathrooms in the back.
I also want to replace all flooring and remove the shag carpet and convert the fridge to a residential model.
if any one has experience with the above renovations and results and pics I would like to talk with you.
Adding slides isn't a good idea. FT switches from a semi-monocoque frame to heavy central beams to compensate for the loss of strength with the side holes in the sides. The closet mod isn't advisable either with the plumbing mods required. Those are the kind of changes that are best addressed by trading coaches.
I agree with Brett. Some of the changes you are talking about are structural.
Cosmetic, aesthetic, and renewal issues are easily addressed in the Foretravel. If you search this forum, you will find lots of examples of changes in flooring, window treatments, seating arrangements, and color schemes. The cost of some of those improvements causes me to gasp, but the cost is less than replacing the coach with something that is simply newer.
The platform is sound. Changes in the floor plan or structure of the vehicle are likely to diminish the integrity and value of the coach. If you want slides or a different bathroom, trade coaches. After you get the floor plan, engine, and running gear you want, do the cosmetic stuff.
Ask Foretravel what they think. If it were me, I would not want the company you mentioned doing the work. My experience is that they are not familiar with Foretravels. FWIW.
FWIW, I tend to agree with J.D. I think I would just change motorhomes. I can't say that I had not thought that would be a nice change to my motorhome but the complexities and difficulties encountered would most likely not be worth the effort (especially when the cost is added).
I totally remodeled my 01 but I would never add a slide. The closet in the back over theengine would be too short to put a bath in on mine and the plumbing would be an issue too. I would look a a different coach rather than try a structural remod.
As noted I have thought/heard about this before and if I was serious about proceeding, I think a call to Foretravel would be on the schedule. I would want to take advantage of their knowledge on this and if they offered that service, then I would have to strongly consider that option despite cost differential. Certainly let us know if you decide to proceed and again follow up on how you like what was done.
Foretravel addressed this very thing and the answer was the coach will not support it.