We are buying a 2002 U295.
The coach looks great even though it is 20 years old. We are worried about servicing and maintaining it. Any problems getting parts or service?
I understand the slide out mechanism in the coach was only used for one year. Is this correct and has there been any big problems getting the slide serviced?
Any and all help/info would be appreciated. Thanks
Welcome to the forum! Most parts should still be available from either fortravel or MOT. They also have service to and I'm sure there's other places around the country that can service when you need it. The slide mechanism is one year and there have been some issues along with big canopy that's air operated and no longer has parts available. But there's always work around everything. I know MOT will service the slide mechanism or if you're near our you can go to HWH and let them service it. Any servicing of the motor or transmission can be done at a lot of big rig mechanic shops for all and filters in service of that nature. If you haven't already joined the motorcade club do so has great opportunities to meet other four travel owners and some great people, also 10% off of parts and labor for service at for travel and MOT. Be sure to fill out your signature with your year and make a coach so when you ask a question people what are usually know what code you're asking about. You will love your fortravel, we have had ours for four years and love it.
One important thing to know here on the form is no question is a dumb question we all have been where you're at and had to learn one way or another. This forum has been a great help and I have learned a lot from the kind people here.
Hope to see you down the road!
Keith
Topic from 7 years ago
Feedback on 2002 Unicoach listed for sale (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=20547.0)
You might also post where this coach is that you are considering. It's quite possible that it's known my somebody here who could add commentary.
The current owner has had it since 2006 and is Massachusetts I didn't see any number on it above the driver's side like on most Foretravels. I'll double check tomorrow.
If it has an air-operated Zip Dee auto awning, budget to replace it with a manual one. A number of forum members have had issues with that awning and in particular, trying to retract it manually when it fails to come in.
If from the NE, check carefully for rust and bulkhead issues.
Those numbers are Motorcade travel club-related and not coach-specific.
The coach number is in the data plate by the driver's left knee. For a 2002 U295 it will start
F02xxxx where xxxx is the coach/build number
Foretravel Model Code [ForeForums Foretravel Motorcoach Wiki] (https://wiki.foreforums.com/doku.php?id=through_the_years:model-codes)
Maybe we checked that one out last week. I sent you a pm
Sounds like the one with major delamination issues under the slide. Please check the coach you are going to look at. The coach on RVtrader listed for $60k has the issues. Can be fixed just pricey
I have heard that the early slide year(s) are about 5CBs to fix the bladder. Unsure if this is that year or not though. Others who have more knowledge will know more.
Are you a DIYer? If so, your costs will be much lower. Even if you can do the basics- oil change, some plumbing and electrical.
As mentioned above, rust should be checked. If you are serious, you can always fly Keith in for an inspection.
If someone could walk me through how to posts pictures, I would be happy to post them of the coach in question. We saw it last week
On my 03 the living room slide was -4K and the bedroom was -3k at MoT
Keith
Yeah, they're pricey. A lot is the labor to disconnect the slide, push it in, dig out the old bladder and adhesive, clean, and reverse the process (tape, bladder, push slide back out, reconnect).
2000-2001 is probably even more expensive since the slide can't be pushed in and has to be removed from the coach with a forklift.
Pictures shown on another forum alarmed several on that site, rust,rusty, overall crustiness of pictures of engine compartment little ugly. But could have been just poor lighting........ need to poke around with a ice pick in that bulkhead joint, and determine integrity of hidden box tube the angle iron is rolocked to.
Good luck..... raise it and block it off for safety please before scooting under.
David