I'm thinking about buying a 1997 Foretravel Motorhome U295 36' with approximately 110,000 miles with a Cummins C8.3 325 HP engine. I'm a full timer and wondering how many more years of service I could get from this motorhome.
I would like some feedback from Foretravel Motorhome owners with units that are over 20 years old and still going strong.
Thank You in Advance!!!!!
John
Well, we're fulltiming in a 1993. We've had some age-related issues, but the coach is sound and good for many more years. We've got 178,000 on the coach and about 12,000 on the rebuilt engine.
John,
If the coach has been taken care of in the past and you do the same your kids will have to get rid of it after your passing. The thing is have someone do an inspection for you that is familiar with the Foretravel brand. You need to realize there will be items that need to be fixed and items that you want to do/upgrade. (the key here is need or want) Our present '97 is still going strong and the couple that bought our '92 is still using it and it had over 100,000 miles on it when we passed it on.
Pamela & Mike
Our '93 was built 12 model numbers before David's (above) and it is still going strong at 190,000 miles. Our C8.3 purrs like a kitten, and our coach runs down the road smooth as a Cadillac, and keeps us feeling safe and comfortable everywhere we go. Wouldn't trade it for a new one for any reason. Old Foretravel coaches are like fine wine...they just get better with age.
Couldn't agree more with the above experts. My 96 runs like a champ and smooth as glass, especially after the new tires and centramatics. With only 107,000 miles, I expect she is good for much longer than I will be around for. A little tender loving care and modifications to make it your own and you won't be disappointed. As with any older coach, check it out thoroughly first and realize that it is 20 years old and things will need fixing, either up front or as you go on down the line.
Larry
John, I have a 1998 U320 with the M11 motor. Mine is a solid coach that I bought 3 years ago with 110k miles and now has 135k. I have not had significant issues, but it was well maintained by previous owner. I have probably spent $10k in the three years on maintenance items and minor repairs. Tire batteries, inverter, solar, etc.
There have been a few people here that had significant issues with this era coach. Some on the order of $30k, so you do need to do your homework and be sure to have it inspected by some one knowledgeable.
Get someone knowledgeable about Foretravels to do an inspection for you, then at least you will know up front about some of the repairs it may need. There will be other unforeseen issues for sure. If it has been maintained by the previous owners and you don't mind doing small repairs yourself, the coach should make you a happy camper.
We bought our '95 with 87,000 and 3 years later it now has over 117,000. One trip to the northwest, one to the northeast and another to the southwest, from Florida, with no real issues. Not bad for a motorhome that is almost 24 years old, plus it rides better than most new ones on the market today.
Good Luck and Happy Trails! ^.^d
These old coaches are real Americana for me. Our coach will outrun me, I bet. That Irish Girl got better maintenance than I got! Much better build, too.
Those were high volume production years for FT. Good times. Great coaches.
Edit: Maybe twenty years of additional service (or until a Part Problem stops you for a while.) Guessing here. Cash helps.
My '93 U300 is almost 26 years old. It has 203K miles on it. We bought it after an inspection that taught us it was well sorted. Any money that we've spent has been for tires, oil, filters, chasing down the expected air leaks and making it our own. The DD 6V92 engine is just getting broken in.
The coach will outlive me and will be my kids problem.
Noooooo......my problem......love that DD
:) :) :) :) :)
Our 92 has 133,000 miles, the PO did a great job keeping it in good shape, when we bought it we did the general maintenance and tires. In the four years we have owned her minor problems and IAM able to all my own work.
So like the above post have it inspected and do your homework. Good luck and happy foretravling.
As a side note we have owned four different coach's and none have had the quality that this 92 U 300 Grand Villa has.
Never even knew the word " Foretravel " Parked next to Andy 2's '92. He told me that " you want one"......He was right. Love our FT.
John, probably a lot depends on the vehicle's previous care and your technical ability. We have been living fulltime in our coach with same engine, size and year for over 20 years, it looks like, and runs like new and we expect it is only at its half-life point if that.
The advantage of this coach is its simplicity and common available parts. It has the advantage of no slides, electric toilet, Aquahot or electronic engine. Coach is lighter weight with less torque to stress components. Everything is fixable. Great coach to own and a wonderful home on wheels.
Just think, this engine only has two simple 12-volt circuits. One to open and shut off fuel that is easily manually controlled if it fails, and the second circuit to preheat intake manifold. How much simpler could an engine be? Engine easily drives our 30,000 pounds up all mountains and will likely never be a problem at any mileage or engine hours.
Love my simple 89, but I am not full timing or even retired yet, and upgrades and or new preventive maintenance would be difficult on the road.
John : Looks like so far I am the oldest coach to weigh in so far. Mitch Rosen, maker of fine gun leather, uses the phrase " fit, finish, function" to describe his holsters and the phrase sums up perfectly the older Foretravels, especially the Grand Villa series, one of which I am the proud owner of. True I am blessed with only 75,000 miles and stored inside all it's life. Older Foretravels are rock solid, from running gear to trim details. Remember all the Foretravels at there date of build were, and are, considered the best in class of their time. Sure I have put some money into the rig. Solar, LEDS, tires, upgraded electronics, and all the other things we can't seem to live without but I am more than willing to do that to a rig with a solid foundation. Others on here are correct, when you find one be sure to have someone qualified take a good look at it. Just like buying an older house, you don't want to get termites and dry rot. Take your budget and buy an older Foretravel and dump the rest into upgrades to make it fit your purpose and style. You won't be sorry.
We have the 8.3 12 valve 300 hp Cummins,235,000 miles,running good.
I bought (#5040), a 1997 U295 40" last July of 2017, the most motorhome for the money spent both before and after. Look forward to hearing from you after you make your purchase. Not one regret on my purchase or the FT as designed. Up till last year, I sold high end motorhomes in Oregon, CA, and Arizona for one employer for 14 years, and have 48 years in the industry.
One of my best friends, Dave Pdrlot, the son of the owner of Beaver, Safari, etc. who grew up in the industry, I overheard him say to a friend trading in his FT on a high end $400k Monaco in approx 2005, "Before you do this, you do realize your FT is a better RV than what you are buying". He replied to Dave, "I know, it is time, plus, your not selling FTs". After I talked to Dave why he said that, he said Jack, go out and look at the FT he is trading in". This was my first and most fortunate experience with FT.
I concur with all of the above! My 1994 Grandvilla U300, has just a little over 65,000 miles on it. Prior to my purchase it had been owned by a man that owned a trucking company. It had been stored in an airconditioned garage in Florida. I have owned it for the last eleven (11) years, and 35,000 miles, only having to do updates and preventative maintenance. I did not have the funds or the ability to keep it stored in an airconditioned structure like its previous owner. So, "Like Me", her skin is a little ruff on the outside but her "Bones" are still strong on the inside. ^.^d
I have had a Foretravel since I was in my 30's. My current one is 4 builds from Jack Lewis's U295. Mine has the 3126 CAT engine and as with the others here, I am more than pleased. Have had no real issues as the prior owners were proactive. We have spent the majority of the money on the coach on upgrades and getting things the way the DW wants them. We are not afraid to start her up and go anywhere. We keep her stored inside, plugged in, full of fuel, pretty much stocked and ready to go. No other make of coach for me.
John
Our 1993 U300 has a little over 100,000 miles and in a few days, we will be on our eleventh year of ownership. Lots of little improvements but less than one coach buck on things that have gone wrong. By far the biggest expenses have been the diesel and insurance. Like Gerry, it could be nicer on the outside but a great coach for camping and nice to drive. Looking forward to enjoying it many more years.
Piece
I have had a motor home since I was 23. My first two motorhomes were a 23' & then a 26' GMC. I put the GMC up for sale and was sold in a few days. It then took me almost a year to find my next motorhome (I think I was older then 30 at the time, so John beat me on getting into Foretravels) and it was a Foretravel on a Dodge chassis. I then bought a Grand Villa that ended up burning up when my garage caught on fire. Shortly after the fire in 2000 I went and bought another Foretravel the 1997 U295, which I currently still own. I have now bought a 2014 IH45. At this time I do not plan on selling the 1997 which I have around 89,000 miles so I can still use it taking it to places the big one can not go. How much longer will it last. I have no idea but if past history is any indication then it will be still running in another 20 years.
I would rather have my 1994 Foretravel than a 2014 anything else.
With real estate it is location, location, location. But with a Foretravel, it's condition, condition, condition.
Chris
A customer I built a 1989 40" u280 SAI had 307k on that coach ten years ago and Cleo was giving the coach to his daughter to drive it more.
One of the measurements that I find amazing is how many owners are willing to put 20 or 30K into a 20+ year old coach. Such as elaborate solar systems, full body paint, complete interior remodels or major structural fixes ( bulkhead ). These upgrades are common among Fortravel owners and I understand why. The coaches were premium and ahead of there time when built and the same craftsmanship is hard to find in today's world.
I continue to jump into the newer coaches for a look see when opportunity comes along and I jump right back out with a deeper appreciation of my Foretravel EVERY time. We bought our last coach first and to toss another 30k into it for upgrades seems well worth it.
Bob n Sue
The better made coach's like Foretravel, Newell, Bluebird and some of the bus conversions, 20 years of being taken care of and you still have a coach that is worth spending money on. You notice that most replies include after having the rig inspected by someone with knowledge.... key word is knowledge and willing to spend the hours it takes to look at one right. That's money well spent..
Damn, that's some loyalty! I wouldn't go that far. There are some good coaches out there without the Foretravel monicker.
jor
We purchased our 1986 GV 33... earlier this year.... we did about a year of research on our first MH purchase... our budget required us to buy a FEG unit but with just 40,000 miles and all appliances and systems are in good working order. We are always asked at fuel stops and campgrounds to take a tour by nearby people.... the rollerball drawers. Cedar lined closets. Easy access to waterlines, electrical switches, batteries, lift up dash for Chassis wiring.. replaced ONE airconditioning unit and a tune up on our generator... new tires just recently ( came with 13 year old tires)
We are so pleased with the quality of fit and finish... our appliances are original except for the convection microwave.. but all systems work well...
Thanks FT for an amazing build...now 33 years later this coach has found a new home and many years of use to come
The one thing I did not mention in my previous post. Before I bought my 2014 Foretravel I was going to buy a SOB. My son said what do you think that coach would look like in 20 years. That is the reason for purchasing another Foretravel.
My in-laws had a 1992 Coachmen Royal on a Spartan chassis, which they tried to GIVE us in 2003. I briefly entertained the idea of remodeling it until I finally realized that, even for free, I didn't want it! The thing was literally falling apart.
Most think our's is brand new!
I was asked once if ours was new, Kinda caught me off guard. Have a great day ---- Fritz
I'm full-timing in my '93 U280, 8.3 Cummins. 3 years and over 25K miles and still running strong. If you're really interested in seeing these older beauties and meet their caretakers, a bunch will be in Quartzsite at an un-rally. This forum is the best resource in keeping these coaches on the road, and keep us hopeful that no matter what issue you come across, it's been seen before.
1990 U280, runs like new and gets 10mpg all day long. Would never buy anything else....
(http://www.foreforums.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=3995)
Cuure,
My last coach was a 1990 U280 Reverse Side Aisle, loved that coach..Build number close to yours 3638.
John
After completing all the chassis maintenance/replacements, we went to the inside. Great bones, beautiful results. Updates well. Quiet when underway, drives like a luxury car. Incredibly dependable. This should last until the keys get passed on.
cuure
Have to say that those double bumpers look " way kool man " 👌
If I ever went looking for another GV ! !
Olde English, it is like my old 67 shovel chopper...runs forever and I can fix it on the side the road and it looks good!
Plus you can tell you're driving a piece of machinery.....
A short Update: I want to thank everyone that has responded to my post, and those who may continue too respond. I have really enjoyed reading the responses, and am impressed with all the vintage-like fine wine-Foretravel Motorhomes still out there servicing their owner's well.
I did go and look at the 1997 U295 36' yesterday (700 mile round trip-I'm gettin' to old for so many miles, should know better). Sorry to report unit had not been maintained well-no service records, milage unknown, I was told everything was functional-when I arrived some things were not working. However, the cummins was still mummin'!!!
To all those responding to my post I say: "Keep on Rollin'"
Keep looking.. have them send a lot of pics.. can see from those if it was taken care of to a certain point.. She will pop up at some point..Keep your ear to the ground.. ^.^d
A little off topic but came across this gorgeous 1986 GV in Australia for sale.... notice the exit door in bedroom on the port side... these FT's are quite the unique coaches
https://www.caravancampingsales.com.au/items/details/1986-foretravel-motorcoach-grand-villa/SSE-AD-5650484/
As I've said before, THIS is why I paid 10CBs more than normal after having a couple of other coaches. The 'frosting on the cake' was (I did not know then) that Brett Wolfe had owned her! My files go back to 1996, when she was sold to the second owner with (get this) '11,109 miles' ! She sold for $129,900.00 in '96. I have no files of the original owners; wonder what happened ?
Cuure: Double bumper rigs are a rare bird. Here is all 63 ft 4 inches of ours taking up the bay of a fuel stop in Boomtown on I 80. Going to pack in all the cheap fuel in I can before we run over the hill into CA. Interesting you have double handles under the windshield. Did you add them?
John: If you can get documentation even better. I have everything right down to the original factory invoice ( $249,000 in 1990 ). I chronicle everything I do with receipts, manuals, and pictures. Want to keep the string going.
If you are fortunate enough to end up with a Foretravel classic better figure on adding a 1/2 hour to your normal setup time when you make camp. The dog walkers will be at your site in mere minutes asking questions and angling for a tour. Record is less than 10 minutes in our spot before Lori was showing a couple around. I hadn't even got the power hooked up.
Yes, double bumpers are the best! ^.^d
The handles were already installed when I bought it. I believe they are supposed to be adding strength for windshield support.
The extra added door is required to import Down Under, as is the conversion to right hand steer. Aussie forum member MR B2 has a '89 ORED:
http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?action=profile;area=aevaitems;u=2334
jam4travel, just keep looking and the right one will come to you. I searched for over 2 years, after 5 years of researching other brands, to find the right one for us. Well worth the time and effort.
Larry
It's always a dice roll. We were not in the market when my phone rang one day. Are you interested in a coach? No.
Where is it? Oh 75 miles away. Well, we will look. Mistake.
40" 320....like 36' better.
Oh a unicoach. Not a unihome. M11. Aquahot. WTBI.
Laughed out loud.
A mid entry. Unheard of.
Sold.
Kind of our story, too. After several years of research and learning, we had a short list of one Foretravel and several Wanderlodges. The Foretravel was only about 300 miles away, so we made arrangements to get up early one Saturday and go see it. On the way there Jo Ann said that we weren't buying anything. On the way home she said she was unhappy. When I asked why, she said that se didn't want to like the coach, but she loved it. A couple of days later we still felt the same, so we called the seller and made an offer that was less than the asking price. Two seconds later she said yes. That was nearly six years ago.
Some pretty sweet coaches in the classifieds right now
Nothing like a 12CB paint & stripe job; does wonders! ^.^d
I had a 1990 U280 36ft back 2005-2008. I think all the 1990 had double bumpers and the handles
on the front. I used the handles to hold on to while cleaning the windshield and standing on the bumper.
Better Title
Foretravel Motorhomes with 20 or more years of (service) (experience) [/b])
30 seems about choice age.
What I'm going to do next year: I like the looks of the plate, and it might slow down the 'is that brand new' questions. b^.^d
Mike makes a valuable point, in January my coach qualifies for collector plate in Colorado. Good for 5 yrs, as my chassis is registered as a 87' and not the build out date of 88' the old darling hits the 32 yr threshold January 1st. The last time I bought collector plates they worked out at less than 3 yrs of regular tags. 👍
Are there any restrictions on travel when you have collector plates. Seems as tho I remember some use restrictions associated with them. Thanks and have a great day ---- Fritz
Was going to get them on a car in TX,they told me the plates were only for parades etc,not for every day use,every state is a little different.
I had mileage restrictions years ago on various old rides imposed by the ins. co before the collector car ins. market developed. Never heard about any restrictions on use or travel etc with collector the plates. When I first bought them they were, again 5 yr plates and cost about 1 1/2 yrs of regular plates and the vehicle age threshold was 21 yrs. Move the goal post and raise the price, but still a good move. 👍
Mike,
In Mississippi the vehicle just has to be 25 years old to qualify. I put mine on this year and in 2020 I'll get one for my '95 Suzuki Sidekick toad to match! A one time fee of $26 and no restrictions as far as I know.
The "Antique" plate just adds to the "Wow!" factor. Plus, I'm finally getting something back for all the license plate fees I've had to pay over the years!
Jerry
Have them on 3 of our collector cars. Have American modern collector insurance with stated value. 30K each car
Insurance has no restrictions, plate has parade, repair, maintenance or car show. It's simple, every where we drive them it's a car show, because everyone whats to talk about them. You are also allowed to drive them to exercise them.
The drag car is also insured for stated value of 35K, every where, except when it's on the actual drag strip. Return road is OK. It doesn't even have a vin tag, it's full tilt 8 second car. Costs $75.00 a year. All 4 together are $444.00
Chris
Our coach has 150k on it so it just broken in. We're making 20 year retirement plans based around it. In a few months it'll celebrate its 30th birthday. If it's been built properly and maintained properly, it'll last a nice long time.
This is a wonderful forum. Im a newbie and looking to purchase our first MH. our budget is limited.
So the idea of a quality built older model just
seems to make more sense. We have owned a 32
ft TT for about 6 years now. But are retired and
are going to be park hosts this summer.
the idea of full timing in the TT seems a bit of
a hardship.
How does one go about finding a good inspector to do a thorough inspection. is there a list here.?
There seems to be a price point steep drop
when one looks on either side of the millenial .
I see 99 models from 36 to 70K . where most 2000
and up seem to be over 70k Is there a reason for this ?? Or am i overthinking it. ha.
merry xmas
fred
Welcome to the forum Fred. I think you're smart to look into FT badge. There are owners and experienced prior owners all over the country, and if you find one that interests you, I'd post your find here on this forum, and someone in the area might pop up and offer to help you with a pre-buy. Can't go wrong with a FOT used coach.
Gotta remember that these coaches sold new for more than the average house! The newer the coach, the more sophisticated the accouterments become...slide(s), bigger motors with electronic engine controls, LED TV's, etc. So, the 2000 and later models jump up in price because of those amenities and advances in tech. They're all well built though, and it's how they were maintained and loved much more than miles accrued. A basic rule I've applied to all boats and coaches I've owned: allot 10% of the purchase price per year for maintenance and operating expenses. It's worked pretty well, except for major breakdowns of course. Good luck in your search. Woody.
Welcome, Fred. Our 1993 U300 was the top of the line back then. Walnut interior (real wood, not just veneer), air leveling, eight air bag suspension, two propane furnaces, two rooftop a/c units with heat strips, etc. The list price back then was $350,000, which would be about $600,000 in today's world. Of course, back then there weren't slides to add weight, headaches, and cost, either.
To my mind, a well-maintained older coach is the best bargain. The key is "well-maintained." Keeping any motorhome going takes some money. They also really like to be driven regularly - not just start the engine, but actually get out on the road for 50 miles or so before going back. That keeps all the seals in proper shape and gets all the mechanical parts up to operating temperature and pressure.
I could have bought a much more expensive newer coach with slides but I did not want additional issues. KISS is golden for my needs at this time. Lots of happy ORED owners out there.
Texas DMV Says:
Antique Vehicle Registration
All types of vehicles qualify for an antique license plate: passenger cars, motorcycles and trucks. These license plates (antique) may only be used on vehicles for limited use. These uses includes exhibitions, car club activities such as a show, parades and other programs for the public to enjoy. In addition to being able to drive the vehicle to these events, the antique license plate allows for the car to be on the road traveling to and from a specific maintenance location. Under no circumstance may a car on the road with an antique plate issued by Texas have any commercial advertising. Antique plates are issued for a five year period and are exempt from auto safety inspections.
Classic Vehicle Registration
Just as all vehicles over 25 years of age and owned by someone over 25 years of age are eligible for Antique Plates, so are also eligible for Classic License Plates. The deciding factor as to whether to register as a classic car or an antique car depends on how the car will be used. Antique cars have restrictions on them, cars with classic plates do not.They may be used daily, with no restrictions just as a normal plated car. If a vehicle is registered as a classic vehicle, it must be completely registered as is any other vehicle. The vehicle must be inspected annually, and display a current inspection sticker. It may even carry advertising. It must be renewed annually and have the proper tag on the rear plate showing the registration's expiration date.
Really sweet 91 u300 on local Craigslist for a good price. Side aisle, 6v92 with transmission retarder. Very very tempting but I like my ORED, besides that I just remembered that I don't think I can get a 40 into my driveway.
If it is one you think may appeal to others and your are NOT interested, you might post a link.
which local Craigs list would that be? Care to post ad?
The only recent '91 U300 on Craigslist is this 40-ft FT in Wichita: 1991 Foretravel U300 40Ft - rvs - by owner - vehicle automotive sale (http://wichita.craigslist.org/rvs/d/wichita-1991-foretravel-u300-40ft/6769741247.html)
In our search for our next 36-ft (non-slide) FT, I follow all Craigslist ads with SearchTempest:
foretravel on SearchTempest (http://www.searchtempest.com/search?search_string=foretravel&category=8&subcat=rva&hasPic=1&srchType=T&minAsk=&maxAsk=&minYear=&maxYear=&autoMake=&autoModel=&cityselect=zip&location=85713&maxDist=50000®ion_us=1®ion_can=1®ion_mex=1&Region=combined&addCities=&subCities=MzAwMDQwsDAAAQhpmGpgYGSABZhbWEBZySDCDF3e0AJDi3FaGlCtYRqYY4QsnAYWg5DYgXFaMgA&q=intitle%3Aforetravel+%22image%22++inurl%3A%28rva%7Crvd%7Crvs%29)
Not a bad price on that '91 U300 . I always love these pics!
The guy is a forum member, when I called about it and about mid conversation he ask if I was old phart phred. For some reason he wasn't going to list it in the classifieds. I'm afraid to go look at it because I might end up with 2 coaches.
Phred, there are a lot worse things in life than owning 2 FT's. There are a couple out there that have caught my eye as well, but the DW says only one at a time, but at least she is agreeable to an upgrade ^.^d
Larry
Two mistress's and a wife to maintain might just kill me. Lost 25 lbs working on the GV I got, and a pound of folding money. But she sure is tempting! Love the floor plan, the diesel Genny and all of the basement storage.
OPP,
I think that is the same floor plan as Bill Chaplin has, and he really likes his floorplan.
Mike
Definition of an Antique Vehicle in Tennessee
Under the strict antique license plates rules, your vehicle will be classified as antique if it is more than 25 years old without any changes to its body and engine. Aside from this, your vehicle must be used for travel to and from tours, exhibits, parades or other events of public interest. If a vehicle is considered an antique, it may be used for general transportation on Saturday and Sunday only, or any day if it is used for the purposes of selling, testing or repairs.
Travel the country on weekends only?
Man I am always testing mine.. just to see what its boundaries are for the day.. keeps me busy.
Ok. Take your good 2014 coach and drive it down some of the most god awful Mexican roads 25 years from now and tell me how it did.
My 1st coach was a 1981 Foretravel Travco with a 3208 Cat. It was all I could afford back in 2003 but I full timed in it for 10 years and sold it fo 5K more than I paid for it. I've been in this 1993 U225 since then and, like others have said here, I wouldn't trade it for any 2014 model. It has 86,000 miles on it and it needs nothing. I installed solar panels, a charge controller and inverter when I bought it. Since then I put new tires on it, replaced the speedometer, the microwave and the Onan voltage regulator. This coach gets 9.2 mpg and will outlive me.
I still think the GVs in '93/'94/'95 were the best, not only from my experience, but from other owners like Slim. With the heavy CAT, the only modification that needs to be done is the upgrade to a heavier torsilastic suspension (which our boy Brett figured out) . Goodrich is long gone, but I've heard of a aftermarket firm that makes the upgrade. The U225s have the same suspension, but, I believe a upgrade is not needed. I'm sure we'd all be interested if any of you have dealt with them. Sulastic. ONE TORSILASTIC SPRING 4" x 4" X 36 3/4" (http://www.sulastic.com/torsilastic-spring-4-x-4-large)
Hey new at this site and new at the Rv thing! just Purchased a 1993 Foretravel Gran Villa it has a Detriot 92 Series and a Allison Transmission. 5 days ago have any knowledge on this? 28,282 miles on it.. has been sitting for two years! tried to drive it home a (don shift light on) trans wont shift passed first gear and she is Smoking white what kind of cord do i need to connect it up to have power and where do i connect it?
Bob McGrath the Foretravel salesman for many years and who owned Encore coaches in Nac commented to me he was looking for a 97-99 U320 for himself a few years ago. He had sold his last in stock coach and regretted it later
Mike,I see those springs on Ebay all the time,just search Foretravel.
We have a 95 u280 unihome ( the best model and year that fore travel produced in my opinion)
It has the 8.3 cummins and just turned 200k miles
We specifically searched for this year and model
It runs like a top
In the last 2 years we have put 20k miles on
But one of the biggest benefits of owning a fore travel is access to the wealth of info on this forum
Issues arise when you rv no matter which manufacturer or year but with a fore travel they are less stressful because of the experience and willingness to share knowledge on this site
Nothing but a fore travel for us
This seems to be the 'magic time' :