Well, even though I wanted to, but knew I should wait, and didn't really have the time, or the money; and knew that if I did, it might just be a mistake, and knew that my wife would be shaking her head at me the whole time, I have purchased, to my possible dismay, or infinite joy, or just possibly something to take up space in my driveway, a 1999 U320 coach!
It's Davids fault really. He showed me his, and I thought that's nice... but then Rich posted his for sale, and David called and told me about it... and it was to good a deal to pass up.
What's not to like? 1500 watts of solar with 600 AH of Victron Lithium ion batteries. Which is exactly what I would have put in. No propane, again what I would have done. 12 volt marine refrigeration....same. Sure it needs some things, but what older anything (including me) doesn't?
So I guess I will have to change my signature to reflect this. I will have a lot of questions, that I know you all will help me out with. One of the reasons I was only looking at Foretravels in the first place was the great support you all show each other. I have learned a lot already reading past posts.
Coach was inspected by Brett (thanks!) and seems to be in great condition. Lots of stuff to do though. First being changing out the captain's chairs and the Zip Dee awnings (all of them). First trip is planned for August to New Mexico for some cooler weather at elevation around eagles pass. Maybe a beach trip or two soon to shake things down. Fits in my driveway with 2 inches to spare on either side.... whew... Will have to set up my toad for towing as well.
Lots to think about.
First I have to get insurance (progressive through USAA I think) and registered, where I will have to pay the tax man.
Sure its scary, a lot to think about. But this represents freedom in some capacity. At some point will be full timing, but that is a few years in the future. In the meantime, will use it for vacations and do the work on it to make it what I would want. A mobile home that can go almost anywhere, self contained, carrying all my wants and needs, to meet new people, see new places, and hopefully at some point, downsize out of a big house and cars and bills, and responsibilities, and job, to something else.
Bob
Congratulations on your purchase. You would be hard pressed to find a more quality built coach. There is a lot of support and help with any questions or projects you have.
Great group of people on this forum.
Jerry
Congratulations!
Regarding insurance... Some companies such as Progressive have a cap on the vehicle of something like $70,000. If you begin to do repairs, remodels, etc. then you might end up putting more into the coach than insurance would pay out.
If that is the case then consider something like Hagerty's for insurance. They do classic and custom cars and are used to people putting money into a vehicle to restore it. They have different types of caps.
Chris
Congrats! And Welcome!
Should be a squared-away coach, but there's always room for personalization. We can suggest lots of ways to spend your money...just ask!
Insurance. Pays to shop around - lots of variation in types of coverage and cost. I'm not putting down USAA - I've been with them since 1968 (but not for coach insurance). You could call Ron Jarvie's office and request a no obligation quote...they do lots of business with Forum members.
Contact Us - RV Insurance Quote - Motorhome, Travel Trailer & Fifth Wheel (https://rvins.com/contact.htm)
Reminder, if you don't already have one, in Texas you need a non-CDL Class B driver license to be legal. Lots of discussion on this subject here on the Forum. Here's a recent thread to get you started:
TX Class B Driver's License (Reciprocity from other states) (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=32517)
Safeco for us, stated value, zero deductible on glass replacement, but they don't cover chips.
Welcome to the club, you won't be sorry
Chris
Congrats. We're a year or so ahead of you but know exactly where you're coming from. Take your time and get to know the coach. Be prepared for a few surprises and for us its been finding where best to spend preventative dollars as we've learned more...it's all about fixing the most likely things that can slow you down. Stuff will still happen but at least you know you've cut down on the most likely.
Randy and Karen
Bob, Congrats on your FT purchase! I bought my 2000 U320 almost three years ago and have enjoyed every minute of the experience, excepting the big checks I have had to write. Even with the expenses, I would do it again.
I am curious as to how you are going to go about replacing the Zip Dee Awnings. I am just starting to research this topic as I need to replace a damaged patio big awning and have the slider awning re-sewn. The freight for a new one to be shipped from Chicago is more than $500.00. I may wait until I head East again.
When I read Bob's post, I wondered, "Why did the awnings need to be replaced?" New color wanted? Other than one broken spring and a pull strap, I've not had Zip Dee problems one with three coaches. Hmm. ???
For those that may wanting to change out the main awning, I know FOT has a new green one (or had) that was ordered for me. They forgot I was changing colors. May be able to get a good deal on it. I will be swapping out all window awnings soon and in excellent shape (green), to match the new main awning (charcoal).
John
The best time to buy your FT is now. Someday might never get here. Start now to enjoy every day you can. Congrats.
The patio awning had a run in with a tree and is embarrassed for the conditions that created this incident. It is only the aluminum casing that needs to be replaced.
Welcome to the club!
You bought the right year and the right model. Congrats. I owned a Discovery for 14 years and upgraded to FT. I will never own anything else.
Randy Moody
2002 U295, ISL 400
Congratulations! We are new too, but really enjoying our coach for long weekends, vacations, and mobile self contained housing when necessary. Welcome and enjoy! Hope to meet you in October at the Mid-South rally prior to Grandvention.
Join the motorcade club and FMCA immediately, you won't regret either!
Ohh, No! You did not :) Congratulations!
Welcome to the foreforums, enjoy your new to you home away from home.
Congrats! Regarding insurance be sure to get a quote (via phone) from Gieco.... meets the legal minimums requirement (we did not get any comprehensive) and was amazingly cheap for a year IIRC...like under $200.
Enjoy!
Congrats and welcome to the FOFUM family.
Regarding the awnings, in 2009 during our coach's total FOT reburb, our coach got a complete new refitting of Zip Dee's. New fabric for all windows and a complete new patio awning for under $5000. Worth every penny and should be good for another 15 years.
If you meant Eagle Nest, NM for August, we may see you there.
Good Luck and Safe Travels.
Ken I will be calling zip dee with the measurements and fabric selection and have it shipped to me. Unless there is a better way. I do have someone in Corpus that can sew, and can order the sunbrella from sailrite, but might not be a big savings.
Bob
Mike the fabric is original and in bad shape as is the thread. One one, the material that connects the cover to the coach is bad as well.
Not to mention the color, but that is not why they need replacing. And since I will do several, might as well do all. Its not as easy as just fixing a break in the seam.
Bob
Yes Eagle Nest. Brett suggested it after I told him we wanted to take it somewhere in August. Was either that, or Texas state parks, or Arkansas Lake Fort Smith State park, where we have some friends nearby. New Mexico sounds like a good place to take it for the first time. Which RV park will you be at ?
Ouch 5 coach bucks? But you needed a complete awning as well? Hope to get it for less, but then I only need the fabric parts. The main awning closes slow, so a adjustment to the spring pressure might fix that. Sunbrella is 26$ per yard at 46" wide. Might be better to have contact locally sew it up. Will see after I talk to Zip Dee.
Thanks
Bob
Well, (scratches head) I already bought a policy via progressive via USAA, and I am now embarrassed to say how much it cost... But since I have 0 years driving a RV (many hundreds of thousands of miles driving but don't think that counts) it cost a bit more than $200... but then again I got a good policy. I will check out Gieco though as my policy doesn't start till Friday. Time to change if needed.
Bob
Shop around.. I pay $120 per month with State Farm and have been with them for 15 years. Used them several times when I have been hit. Customer service has been great!!
Carl, I don't think you have the coverage most of us have for $200.00 a year.
Congratulations Bob,
You are in good hands here. You made the right choice with a Foretravel. You did your homework by talking to other forum members and letting Brett do the inspection.
It's a big outlay of coach bucks but those of us who love our "antique Foretravels" wouldn't trade our old rigs for a new SOB.
These poor folks who bought a new Thor ended up with a $270,000 nightmare of poor quality defects and suing the company.
An NC couple is suing their RV's builder over chronic problems | Charlotte... (http://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article211157969.html)
Jerry
We met a couple on their "dream vacation" with a brand new Monaco that had nothing but problems, with NO factory or dealer support. The dealer even had the gall to tell them to bring it back to them, since warranty was not supported elsewhere. They were 3,000 miles away from the 'dealer' !!!!!
Well I have been a silent member here for a while (since 12/2011 !) and knew if I was going to go with a Class A, it would be a Foretravel. Part of the reason is due to the support that is here on these forums. I know the Foretravel factory gives great support as well, and MOT too. Buying a older coach can be a surprise, as I am finding out in the rats nest of cables and wire above the windshield. Each owner put his own addition to the factory stuff... now it's up to me to figure it all out. But it's part of the fun of it. And there is good support from places like Zip Dee and I'm sure others I haven't found yet.
But I will tell you, now that its parked in my driveway, and I think about all those moving parts and their relationship to each other... it scares the crap out of me. LOL... just got to take it one by one and ask for help which I am sure I will find here.
Bob
Yup, very normal to be overwhelmed by these beasts, particularly at first. We have all been there, done that.
Take it one project at a time and ask for advice as you go.
Look at it this way, Bob. When you own an old motorhome you never run our of things to do!
jor
Do not take this as a negative, because it is not meant to be.
Theres an old biker saying (That come from old bikers like me):
"It's not IF you fall over, it's WHEN you fall over".
My break down happened to be when my Exhaust pipe fell off my turbo and ended up melting my air brake hoses while going up Killington Mt. in Vt. The question then becomes, what do you do next? Do you freak out (as my DW did when she realized we had no brakes)? Or do you sit down, calm down, realize that this too is part of life and figure out what to do next. In my case I had no real options and I called for a hook. No easy job when cell service is sketchy. Even then the board was here, trying to help from miles away. Somebody even called to try and help. (I don't recall who it was, but if your reading this, thanks again).
Your friends will always be here to offer guidance.
My point, from a guy new to this also, is relax. Have fun. Read, learn, educate and if you enjoy it, spin a wrench.
A while ago I had a series of posts along the lines of "Mobys RV rules". I think I was up to 12 or so. I'd like to add three more:
1) Are you enjoying yourself?
2) If NO, do something else.
3) Go back to rule #1
You call your motor home "older", I call it "newer". All is in perspective. Enjoy, and welcome to the best of forums.
Best era and model Foretravel in my opinion.
A may be a little partial though.
Bob, almost all us stood where you are now. The lucky ones found this forum, started carefully asking questions, learning as much as we could and began sorting out the complex systems into manageable parts. Motorhomes are still big complicated machines that will breakdown occasionally but the more we learn the less likely these events will be panic driven and more problem solving events. Be calm. figure it out, get help when you need it, get it fixed. Then it is time for the next adventure.
Welcome to our world. What we do, where we go, how we get there, who we meet - make everything we do to make it possible worth it.
Adding to my earlier post:
If, when you first buy one of these you aren't overwhelmed, YOU ARE NOT DELVING IN DEEPLY ENOUGH.
They are complex, but "masterable" and well worth the effort.
Welcome from a fellow Texan! We have owned our first MH, a 2000 Foretravel u320, since September and are in the overwhelmed state right now. Because of varying circumstances we have only taken it out 2 long weekends but have a week long trip planned to Durango Colorado at the end of July.. can't wait!!! Have been trying to learn and deal with small issues in the mean time.. hope to see ya down the road sometime!!!
Keith
Keith and Jo... where in Texas you guys located?
Our first real trip is planned for August to Eagles Nest New Mexico. Brett recommended it and it feels like a good place to go so.. hope to stop at Ft Davis and possible Ft Stockton to take my class B drivers test. We might take a weekend and go to Inks lake state park north of Austin before that but it will depend on if its drivable first. I am in the middle of some 'alterations"....
Bob
Well said Brett, and great advice for anyone. You just made my day.
True confession: Naivete and good luck got us into our Foretravel. Others have planned for theirs for years. That's certainly a smarter path than ours. We love our U270 but had some doubts about the purchase when stranded in circumstances requiring me to learn and then teach the mechanic how to do an airbag replacement in the field. John S, a Forum member talked me through it. Thank you John! My wife and I agree the experiences we have had in our Foretravel have brought us closer.
It has been exactly one year since our new to us arrived. For 9 out of the past 12 months I thought my brain would explode from all the new things to learn about our coach. Now I realize true ownership in the Foretravel experience requires an ongoing commitment to study, question, listen, learn and calmly implement the solution that merges our needs with the demands of our U270. It is rewarding!
Mike,
Having worked with and presented seminars on DP maintenance to owners of many brands, I can tell you that the "steep learning curve" is true for ALL of them.
The good news on Foretravel is that your investment of time and money will result in an excellent coach. The same time and money on some "lesser coaches" still leaves you with a "lesser coach".
This is not a "Ford vs Chevy" comment. There ARE mechanical/structural differences!
I agree with Brett, our first coach was a well known brand and after 4 years and a few thousand coach bucks complete redo of suspension plus adding watts link to rear differential it still had some tail wag (32' class A) . Once I was introduced to Foretravel I knew that was the coach for us., It took me a year to find the model I wanted went to Alexandria LA for the test drive and left DW home. Upon returning she ask 2 questions 1. how was it 2. did you buy it. this was Jan 2018 my answer to #1. was we agreed that we liked our OB coach but it was like going from a Volkswagen Beetle to a Mercedes Benz and #2 was yes.
when we picked it up about 3 weeks later and headed to Gulfport MS. I ask her what she thought and the answer was your original comparison summed it up.--- It is not perfect but anyone who buys a 19 year old coach and don't expect to have some repairs is not living in reality
Just my thought
Chris
One other comment-- the people on this forum are great folks and I really appreciate the assistance that I have been given when I encounter something I have questions about. It is a pleasure dealing with knowledgable people who are willing to help and give advice
Thanks to ALL
Chris
Bobfnbw, we are in Pasadena, SE of Houston.. we leave July 27 for a week and a half..... my work schedule limits us a lot, rotating shift work sucks! Hopefully in a few years I can retire.. hope to meet y'all down the road sometime....
Keith
Brett,
The bumps we have had thus far as newbie owners have not dissuaded us at all from our Foretravel. I concur, the investment of time and money is worthwhile because the coach construction is excellent to begin with. We had never even heard of Foretravel before buying this one. We get compliments on it all the time. Nobody seems to believe a 2002 coach of any maker could still be this solid. No doubt about it, we're happy about joining the Foretravel family. The more we learn about our U270 the more fortunate we feel. It certainly helps that there are no bulkhead problems. That may have moved the needle for us since we were not Forum members at the time and knew nothing of your work in depth about bulkhead inspection. We've spent close to 10 coach bucks on the chassis, engine and house electrical over the past year. All items passed prepurchase inspection but failed once we started using the coach. IMO, not unreasonable expenditures for a 2002 that was little used and stored indoors before it came to us.
My wife and I haven't been able to travel seriously away from home for 14 years because of my disability. In a few days, our new to us Foretravel home will start taking us places we never imagined possible. We now have what we want. A wheelchair accessible coach that is built unlike any other manufacturer.
Congrats to Bob and safe travels in your new to you coach!
Thank you sir! Hope to see you out on the road some time!
Bob