Hello all! First I'd like to say, what a wonderful forum this is. I've just recently joined in preparation of purchasing our very first Foretravel and have been utterly impressed at the volume of shared knowledge and experiences that I have read so far.
This is my very first post so I'll get to the point. My wife and I have narrowed our search down to what appear to be very well maintained coaches at a very reputable dealer. The two coaches are: A 2005 U320 42' and a 2007 42' Nimbus. What we have run into is our lack of enough extensive knowledge of either of these two models to make an educated decision between the two in regards to overall quality differences, commonly experienced system failures or structural issues (delam, etc..) and component types to beware of if any.
Any knowledge that the forum would be so kind as to bestow upon us newbies would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you in advance for sharing your knowledge.
As an owner of a Nimbus 2007, owner beware. There were several major issues in this year model. Paint crazing, Delamination, Old slide out seals, Television failure because of a non-vented cabinet, muffler issues, and several more.
Bob
Thank you very much for your reply, Bob. That was great information. I had seen what I believed to be some of the issues you mentioned and wasn't sure if they were isolated or common to a particular production time period.
Have a great day
1997 to 2003 seems to be the sweet spot for 320's. When we started looking we focused on those years. As it ended up we found a GV that we couldn't resist and never looked back. Good luck with your search.
I would look closely at the 320. It was top of the line while the nimbus was not. In the past Aquahot and engine and fridge size were the big difference between the top and bottom. I have owned both.
I am with JohnS on this one. The Nimbus has the baby Aqua Hot while the U320 has the big Aqua Hot, over the road truck engine, garbage truck Allison transmission and on it goes.
Gee, I am biased here. Our 2001 has been rock solid and trouble free for five years. There are many small changes from one year to the next, even within years. Do your homework, talk to as many owners as you can, see, in person, as many coaches as possible become as educated as you can. In the years you are looking at a newer coach does not always mean a better or more problem free coach. Every coach in this age range is going to have miles and time related service needs. Stuff wears out. When it happens, just fix it as best it can be done and move on. Best of luck looking and buying.
The 2011 with Bunks at MOT was inspected by Rance at Xtreme and given clean bill of health on exterior. It had bunk beds
Have a little sense of adventure. The hunt will be more fun. We bought ours sight unseen, delivered to us from Phoenix, parked it at the barn at our backdoor. I would not recommend doing that, but it worked out for us. Sure was exciting.
I have had a few issues with my 98 U320. But they have all been issues involving peripheral systems. Such as the Allison shifter pad, the Aqua Hot and a warped exhaust manifold on the M11 Cummins. As such those issues are not related to Foretravel quality at all. The basic bones of the coach are fine and don't even come close to looking it's age. Actually It's screwed together rather well.
We purchased our 2005 U320 40' two years ago this month and have absoultly NO regrets. Fit and finish is excellent, ours is gold in color ( if you are considering the 2005 at MOT our exterior is an exact match) paint is in excellent condition and no signs of any delamination. It is a pleasure to drive with the Cummins 500hp engine.
I'm not aware nor have we experienced any mech issues specific to the 2005. When the coach was serviced last year I was told that several early built 2005's had the old and new style brakes, not sure if old was on steer or drive axle. Ours was built in Aug 2014 and all the brakes are new style, they do not have slide pins. Also, about the last 15 Coaches in 2005 have different cooling fan motors, ours is one of them.
Gary
Wow, I never expected to get so much insightful information so quickly - you guys are AWESOME!
Thank you so much for your help and thanks again in advance for any and all replies to follow.
We're heading out early to beat Houston rush hour on our way to MOT...........yet again. Thanks to you guys, we'll be more "equipped" to shop more effectively. We'll definitely have a PPI performed on the coaches we narrow down to so maybe we can return the favor with any findings that appear to be common.
Thanks again guys - you all rock!
We have had both a 1990 U280 Unihome and a 96' U320 40'. Both are rock solid with few problems. Don't be afraid of the older coaches if you find one in good shape. We have had very few problems with our Foretravels.
When at MOT look at our 2004 36. Low miles, low gen hours, MCD shades, Koni FSD Shocks, new Satellite antenna, three year old tires, Xantrex 3000 watt inverter/charger, flat screen TV, wood flooring in living area,
etc.
Larry
No one has mentioned these are 2 differently designed coaches. An 05 is based on the 2003 design and the 07 is based on the "newer" design. Please take a few moments to look up the differences. I am sure everyone wants you to buy the coach that fits your needs the best. Happy shopping!
For U320s, why are 2004 - 2005 not as sweet as the 2000 - 2003? I ask because I prefer the look of the dash on the 2004 - 2005, and the upgraded wheel size (width) on the 2005.
We are still deciding on our next coach, likely a U320 36' or a U320 38 tag. We are also not opposed to the same sizes in a Nimbus or Phenix, but need more research on those coaches.
Foretravel started having financial difficulties that eventually resulted in the Fore family selling the company. I believe new ownership took over in 2006. I'm not an expert and I'm sure someone with more knowledge than I will post.
As mentioned, when I was researching I was told by a few folks that I trusted to stick with 1997 - 2003 time period if I wanted a 320. Some feel that after 2003 that quality may have slipped for a time as the financial troubles grew.
I keep checking back to see if pictures were posted. Sounds like a terrific coach!
kchandler911 - see these previous posts for some info on 2004-2005s:
Requesting Opinions on a 2005 U270. (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=28207.msg234128#msg234128)
36' U 270 preferred years (2002 - 2007) (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=22979.msg177051#msg177051)
Was it a good year? (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=13567.msg75429#msg75429)
Everyone has an opinion and a few actually have some experience with 2004-2005s. :)) BUT there is much more on the forum about these years as well as 2006+. Have some fun and spend some time searching the forum...
Awe man I didn't see this before we left home or I definitely would have took a peek at those wood foors - I'll bet they look awesome in that coach.
Thank you all for the incredible feedback! We spent all day today agonizing over the decision between the two coaches we had narrowed down to and after spending hours and hours with more of the seasoned veteran technicians, we walked away with information overload. I've never spent so much time climbing around vehicles in my life. After a year of browsing, a month of serious shopping and this final few weeks of several in-depth walkthroughs and interviews, we pulled the trigger on a P.P.I. of a ridiculously clean and incredibly well-maintained 42' 2005 U320.
The slightly more modern exterior style and interior decor of the 2007 just could not outweigh what I considered to be far superior build quality and craftsmanship evident in the 320. Granted the 2007/8 Nimbus/Phenix are beautiful machines - there was just too much experimentation going on with materials and work processes during those years for me to feel comfortable that I wouldn't be puchasing a major project rather than years of enjoyment.
All in all - a very AWESOME day!
Congratulations!
Style and decor can be addressed over time - you can make the coach "yours". Headlight/tail light upgrades would freshen the exterior (if conversions aren't in the cards, look at what some folks have done with "plug n' play" lights that fit the existing openings), new fabrics, stainless appliances, and MCD blinds for the interior ;)
Congratulations and welcome to our community. I have always liked the EW bed floorplan in the 42'. Lets us help when you need it.
Kchandler911. Pretty sure this still the one at MOT, if so I met the 05 owner at Kerrville, he was living in it while building a stick house and had owned since new. Quite impressed about coach and him, great history of care. If a 40 ft I would have looked at it to buy, subject to an Xtreme exterior inspection. Impressive coach in my quick review. Good luck, enjoy!!!
Mike
Welcome!
Great news, and I think you made a great choice.
Heading back to MOT tomorrow morning for final closing on the 2005 42' U320 Thank you all very much for the extremely valuable knowledge. We hope to see each of you at some point in our travels to share a laugh, good food, a cold bev and to add to our list of life's most well spent moments.
God bless and safe travels to you all,
Kirk & Cindy