Does anyone know this coach? Or any comments based on information on line?
2003 Foretravel U320 40' Priced at $ 149500 (http://motorhomesoftexas.com/coachrv/foretravel/2003--u320--40--C1852A)
Our plan is pretty much a U320 36' single slide, or a U320 38' (for turning radius based on the way we travel and campgrounds we use), and also "mostly" planning on waiting 2 more years to buy.
However this coach looks pretty good, so we are "thinking" about it. We are full timers and currently in WA state. Just sent online inquiry to MOT.
Dan,
I have to smile at your post. Please rest assured I'm not giving you a hard time, but just remembering our search for the "perfect" coach. We started out searching for 34's, because I thought they were "cute". After actually standing in a 34' we moved up to looking at 36's to get a little more elbow room. Finally ended up buying a 40' when it became obvious (to us) that it was the "perfect" size for our needs and wants. I understand your desire for good maneuverability, but I also encourage you to continue with your investigation of all size coaches.
You are on the right track - when you find exactly the right one, you will know it.
Actually planned to look at it Monday. Send me pm with phone number if want to talk Tuesday Mike
We saw that coach last weekend but did not walk in it because we thought it was a customer's coming in for service. I can say one thing, the exterior is absolutely amazing - the picture online doesnt do it justice. Needless to say we didnt look closely for defects because we werent shopping but if the curb appeal of this one is any indication of the care taken of it, I doubt you'll find any.
We're also heading back up on Friday to pick up ours if there is anything you'd like us to look at or comfirm after your conversation with Mike.
Have a great day,
Kirk
The 36 vs. 40 has been debated a lot. Good job keeping an open mind.
Having had two old school non IFS 36' and now a non IFS 40', here is the finding:
- the 36 (due to shorter wheelbase) will level on a pad that is slightly more sloped front to rear (the range of adjustment is the same, so on a shorter wheelbase that range of adjustment over the shorter distance between tires equals a we bit more capability - that being said, I most always can move the 40' a bit to a different spot on the pad and get it level
- the 36 has a marginally smaller turn radius, again wheel base related. They both stink compared to an IFS coach, and as in anything you get used to it. If you worry about the difference in driving/parking/maneuvering a 40 vs. a 36, the bigger question is should you be comfortable driving any large motor coach. The actual difference is insignificant and you learn on the first day the difference if you are coming from a smaller coach.
- I have yet to find or been assigned a spot at a campground in almost 10 years with a 40' that I could have gotten my 36 into. this includes the must worried about NP systems including Yellowstone. I know I will get flamed by others about their different experience, but my experience to date
- The 40 has significantly more living space, more storage space underneath (mine is non tag) with negligible incremental cost for acquisition and oncoming operational costs. You and any two or four legged travel partner will use that space every moment that you are NOT driving and occupying that coach. You drive and park a little. You live in the coach a lot. Give that some thought......
Now, a born free or other "super B", IS a huge difference. You gain a lot in both in ease of use and parking, and lose a lot of space and amenities. Downsizing at some point when I no longer want to move my house around the country and stay a while, and just want to have a nice way to travel with the dogs from point to point and the occasional overnight/weekend might seem to make sense at some point (since unlike JohnS, I can't afford both!).
Right now I am in Seattle, thinking of moving out this way to be closer to my Grandkids, nothing holding me back to Chicago. Might buy a little place in Gig Harbor, and a boat slip for a decent boat (36-42' Grand Banks?) and enjoy the grandkids and explore the puget Sound. But the FT won't be on the market for a while, it will be my escape capsule from the Pacific NW winters and ongoing adventure machine.
"Do what makes you happy" as DaveM would say.
Great post, Tim, right on the money! When we moved-up from our 31 footer to this dear, it took some time re-learning to drive (especially downtown), but I am still "Leery" of backing into sites, which, with more experience, I'm sure will mellow out. "Grand Banks" are very cool, my brother-in-law has one and they use it a lot (went from Seattle to Alaska last year). I agree with PNW winter comment, right now, it's heaven, but come November, it's time to move south! ^.^d
There is lot more difference between a 36 Grand Banks vs a 42 Grand Banks than there is between a 36 vs 42 Foretravel. The 42 Grand Banks is longer, wider and taller. No comparison. Just look at the flying bridge or the engine room. Where as the Foretravel is basically only longer.
Larry
yes, and more $$$ difference between same year 36 and 42. Have 35 foot and 42 foot docks I can buy in Gig Harbor - I tend toward 42 at this point - want to head to AK in boat and MH in next few years.
Still thinking about the 40' versus 36' and 38' issues. The concern is based on how and where we travel and park.
We have favorite campgrounds in the Thousand Trails system (and some state & national parks) that are very rural, heavily wooded, tight winding roads in campground to get in, with some shorter sites that are hard to get into but great privacy once in (due to heavy vegetation). It's more like old time camping than todays RV parks. Then there is Key West Sigsbee Naval Air Station military campground we can access as retired military, with quite a few short sites right along waters edge, where we barely fit now with tow car sideways.
From protruding front mirror to folded tow bar, we barely fit in some very nice sites lengthways with tow car parked sideways in front. Due to narrow campsite roads, trees and rocks, 3 and 4 point back in turns are not uncommon.
Current coach is 37'6"" bumper to bumper, over 38' bumper to folded tow bar, longer with mirror out in front. Wheel base 237", beam axle, same 38 degree wheel cut as FT. FT 36' and 38 tag, 228" wheelbase, 40 tag 252" wheelbase.
All that said, overall condition of a high end coach 40' and under will "probably" be our prime consideration. Our plan was to wait for 2 more years when investments can be cashed out (and social security eligible at the same time). Seeing 2 nice looking 40' U320s on the market now is making me think more about the timing, as we "could" trade sooner.
If we do decide to wait we will spend a great deal of time near Nacogdoches when ready - probably in the Escapees park in Livingston so we can drive up and check out new coaches entering the market at MOT and FOT.
Sorry for the long post, thinking things through. Don't want to miss a prime coach by waiting, then be in a prime coach drought when timing is better. Can I expect to see top notch 2001 - 2003 U320 coaches on a regular basis entering the sales market? Or are we seeing some prime opportunities right now that are rare?
I've actually noticed a slight "uptick" in 2002-5 coach listings at MOT in the last year-ish. Noting that RV sales are up this year, it's possible these are folks who are upgrading to their next coach.
Check out C 1843 at MOT. Back on the market after major roof revision over at FOT.
Buy a small tug and a 60' barge??
just ask'n
(tongue in cheek....kinda)
I can't predict the future, but I can offer our experience. I started doing serious shopping for our coach perhaps five years ago, and found the "right" one about four years ago. In those four years we have used it relatively little (still a few months from retirement) but we have really enjoyed having it. I have continued to monitor the market since we've owned it, and haven't yet found one we would prefer to have--or that would have been a better overall deal.
I recommend doing serious shopping now, and not to be afraid to make the deal if you find the "right" one for you.
BTW: As you may have already read me say, we decided to get a 40-ft coach and we are extremely glad we did. We would really not want to have less living or storage space than our single-axle U320 provides.
Dan- Karen and I have full timed in our 36 ft U270 for 9 years now- no plans on stopping. We also use Thousand Trails parks and sometimes it is interesting getting into spots......lol. We also like COE parks, National Parks, Forest Service, etc. We have found that we can simplify our stuff and live in our coach quite well. It's really about what is important and what works for you.
Do you homework now, look at a lot of coaches, talk to owners, you will know when you find the right coach.
^.^d