Can anyone provide any information or opinions on the Foretravel Phenix models? I am looking into the older U320's but my wife wants something a little newer, but I insist on a "prior DEF" motorhome, and the Phenix seems to fit that. I think they came out in 2006 or so.
Anyone know of any particular issues, pros or cons, etc. for the Phenix model?
Thanks,
Wade Griffin
Do a search on pto and inverter problems.
Also search for slide out delamination on 06-8 models I think.
Some of the Phenix's have the Cummins ISX motor with the dual overhead camshaft that too frequently required rebuilding.
I appreciate all the responses and a couple private messages. I think I will stick with my first impression, and continue looking at the U320's. I am in no hurry at the moment, but it does help if I have one direction to focus on.
Thanks,
Wade Griffin
Wade there's a lot of options out there. But if you get yourself a 2000 through 2003 u320 that's been well taken care of, and put some money into it you'll be much happier I think. Unless your other half knows a lot about motorhomes it's up to you to school her not the other way around. A lot of people think newer is better but not necessarily the case in this realm. Sure I would love to have a new ih-45 with independent front suspension. I drove one once and it was a dream to drive. Didn't much care for the interior though since I'm not a rockstar, a politician, or frequently going to Las Vegas lol. I prefer the older coach interiors.
That's just my two cents worth but I've been in enough other coaches to know that paying more doesn't necessarily get you more sometimes you get less.
To get some first hand Phenix information I would pm Brad Metzger. He drives a 2010 and can tell you about the Generator and the inverters. You will find him on around the fire ring. They are a fine looking coach but like all others they have their points .. They all do, he knows more about that particular rig than many.
I have had twp phenix coaches. A 2006 and my current one a 2008. These are basically a 320 on steroids because of the ISX engine. I have never had a problem with either one other the PTO shaft that had to be replaced. My coach has a Onan 12.5 generator that works great. Now my unit was the last 40ft built with solid axle and air operated steps. The next ones built had independent suspension and electric steps. I have followed the ISX engine posts and in general the ones with any issues were built after 2007 with various smog attachments. My unit was the last pre-smog engine built that was in Foretravel stock and thats why I pulled the trigger on a new coach since I knew that a new coach was soon in the future. I would just buy without hesitation a phenix that appealed to you based on layout and milage. Cummins switched to a single overhead Cam engine in 2010 vs the double overhead Cam when they went to a pressurized injection rail that didn't require the second cam to control fuel. The power of the ISX 600 is amazing and having owned two 320's years before its the best riding and responsive coach I have ever driven. Like with any used coach purchased, plan for the potential expense that are inevitable, but enjoy.