We have one of the first Unicoaches I believe #4677 and made in Oct 94. Is that about when they started that model.
My U320 is # 4614, I was told it was very early in the U320 run. It came with the Primus heating system, only a few early U320 coaches had it installed. My coach was used in the then "new" U320 advertising .
Lon what motor is in your coach?
Mine is April 94. I believe it's the first unicoach sold. Build number 4558. It has primus heat and a 3176 cat. Original owner was Kent Knaus who owned several Foretravels. Both boilers for heat work perfect. Coach like many of you have runs a drives great.
It's fascinating to consider how many they were building and selling back in those days. Our 1995 U320 with Aqua Hot and Cummins M11 was built in February 1995 and is build number 4726. I'm sure that Foretravel would love to be building them at that pace now--25 years later!
Incidentally, I would love to know who was the original owner, but I don't believe there's any way to trace that. The sticker near the entrance door indicates that it was sold at their Tennessee location.
Kent was an old buddy of our store. Lived up along the coast. The original unihome had a series 60 Detroit.
Great response. Well made and all running.
Is there any pictures or video of the plant and construction back then?
Hello everyone. I'm new to this forum. Right now I'm looking at a 2001 ForeTravel U320 40 ft.. to purchase from Motorhomes of Texas which is located close to the ForeTravel Factory. If buying an older ForeTravel motorhome , will I have more repairs and downtime than I would buying a younger motorhome. Thank you in advance.
If maintained and serviced based on cost yes!
It totally depends upon how it's been maintained. If the previous owners have given it comprehensive care then the costs will be low. If it's been neglected then you'd better have deep pockets!
Your looking at an almost 20 year old, highly complex machine. Expect the worst and be pleasantly surprised when everything turns out OK.
I have number 4470 also with a prima system
A thorough inspection by Brett Wolfe (here on the forum) or Keith Rische at MOT, will uncover most of the things that need to be addressed. If you have good service records from previous owners have a look there. The big one you want to rule out is rust jacking of the bulkheads ....this alone can be quite expensive to fix.
In our experience with our 2000 Foretravel here are the most likely items you'll need to consider assuming the engine has had regular service of fluids and filters:
1. Airbags
2. Fuel lines
3. Shocks
4. Tires
5. Brakes
6. Air system leaks
7. Radiator leaks
Many of these items are user serviceable (if you're handy with that type of thing) as you'll discover using the "Search" function on the forum.
When asked the question you posed my common answer is have the financial resources to invest an amount equal to what you pay for your coach. If done early in ownership you can be confident that you'll be doing most of them for the last time during your ownership. If done "as things break" you'll end up in the same place financially but you'll have interrupted trips...usually at the most inconvenient time.
Finally....invest in a comprehensive inspection and together with service records you'll have far fewer surprises.