Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Discussions => Topic started by: RvingJeff on October 20, 2022, 05:25:22 pm
Title: newby possible purchase advice
Post by: RvingJeff on October 20, 2022, 05:25:22 pm
Long time lurker, first time poster. Everything I read it looks like Foretravel is a good choice for my wife and I. I wanted to get opinions of those of you that went through this process. I do have a chance to a get a 99 U320 that has been very well taken care. It is a bit high on miles (over 200k) for less than 60k. Everything I have read on here is that is a decent deal. We really were not looking to purchase for about another year. Those of you that waited did you still get what you wanted and had no regrets? Those that pulled the trigger did you wish you waited? It just seems the market will take a turn down but I am not sure how that would really affect an RV in this price range. But then availability may not be there. I invite opinions as the more I learn from you "pros" the better informed my purchase.
Title: Re: newby possible purchase advice
Post by: wolfe10 on October 20, 2022, 05:42:21 pm
Long time lurker, first time poster. Everything I read it looks like Foretravel is a good choice for my wife and I. I wanted to get opinions of those of you that went through this process. I do have a chance to a get a 99 U320 that has been very well taken care. It is a bit high on miles (over 200k) for less than 60k. Everything I have read on here is that is a decent deal. We really were not looking to purchase for about another year. Those of you that waited did you still get what you wanted and had no regrets? Those that pulled the trigger did you wish you waited? It just seems the market will take a turn down but I am not sure how that would really affect an RV in this price range. But then availability may not be there. I invite opinions as the more I learn from you "pros" the better informed my purchase.
Be carful what you wish for it may come sooner than expected......
Title: Re: newby possible purchase advice
Post by: Elliott on October 20, 2022, 06:40:45 pm
If it's well taken care of and not outrageously priced, pounce on it. It's not worth trying to time the market with these and the difference between $60k and $50k will quickly be forgotten as maintenance, repairs, and upgrades inflate your total cost of ownership.
Title: Re: newby possible purchase advice
Post by: Bill and Marsha on October 20, 2022, 07:53:36 pm
We bought a little bit before we planned to however the coach checked a lot of boxes we were looking for. If it is the floor plan you like like and has a solid history don't let the timing keep you from it. Inspection is highly recommended for piece of mind. BTW 1999 was a great year for Foretravel!
Title: Re: newby possible purchase advice
Post by: Jason on October 20, 2022, 09:20:43 pm
Welcome! I concur with the above. While high end lines may drop a little, it's not one of the mass produced brands like a Jayco, Thor etc. As I see it, word has/is getting out about these and how great they are, people want them and the market won't affect these much if at all. Every year supply gets smaller on the unis, which is a direct correlation to price. Supply vs demand. And the knowledge from people is amazing, this is a great forum!
Make sure you due your due diligence and get a good PPI, a lot have used Keith including Elliot and myself. Money WELL spent imo.
Title: Re: newby possible purchase advice
Post by: Sven and Kristi on October 21, 2022, 12:20:04 pm
A lot to "unpack" here. A '99 may or may not have a slide, but more likely not. A slide makes a big difference in price. When we started RVing, we did not want a slide, but after our first long trip (3 months) with a dog, we changed our minds.
It is easy to find what looks like a good deal, but you might also find yourself putting another $30k into a coach. We bought a 2000 U320, which needed a lot of work, but went ahead because it was 36' U320 and had a mid entry, something we would not find again. Unless all the high-cost upgrades (or deferred maintenance) have been taken care of, I would pass on the deal. Maintenance history is crucial. Some things you want to see that were done (prices approximate): Slide seals ($3-5K each), tires ($4-5k), shock absorbers (($2k), 8 air bags ($?), radiator ($7-10k), front light conversion and paint ($30k), Aqua Hot service (@$1000), regular engine maintenance (at 200,000 miles, you should ask about last valve adjustment). I've had most of these done and, in many cases, saved by doing the work myself. When you "whine" to the service adjuster about the cost, they will invariably say: "You have an expensive hobby......and an expensive coach." I still whine. I don't want you to be discouraged about buying a Foretravel; you picked it for a reason and those of us here can list all of those reasons if needed. If I were to buy one, I would first look to this forum for members who have done all the work and many sell them when they are no longer comfortable or able to drive them any longer. If you are looking for a coach that is this old, you definitely should take your time and get the right one. Try for "turn key". Having been a firefighter for 30 years, I know that fire department mechanics are a really good resource, especially if you need brake work done. If you need something mechanical, I would call your local fire department maintenance facility and ask if anyone does side work. I had a mechanic working with me to replace rear brake pads and slide pins that were "frozen". It took us parts of three days on my property and cost me about $500 labor; hate to think what it would have cost elsewhere. In the past, I've helped do rear brake replacements at the fire station where it took only a couple of hours at most - but these were well maintained vehicles without rust.
Title: Re: newby possible purchase advice
Post by: RvingJeff on October 21, 2022, 02:05:11 pm
A lot to "unpack" here. A '99 may or may not have a slide, but more likely not. A slide makes a big difference in price. When we started RVing, we did not want a slide, but after our first long trip (3 months) with a dog, we changed our minds.
It is easy to find what looks like a good deal, but you might also find yourself putting another $30k into a coach. We bought a 2000 U320, which needed a lot of work, but went ahead because it was 36' U320 and had a mid entry, something we would not find again. Unless all the high-cost upgrades (or deferred maintenance) have been taken care of, I would pass on the deal. Maintenance history is crucial. Some things you want to see that were done (prices approximate): Slide seals ($3-5K each), tires ($4-5k), shock absorbers (($2k), 8 air bags ($?), radiator ($7-10k), front light conversion and paint ($30k), Aqua Hot service (@$1000), regular engine maintenance (at 200,000 miles, you should ask about last valve adjustment). I've had most of these done and, in many cases, saved by doing the work myself. When you "whine" to the service adjuster about the cost, they will invariably say: "You have an expensive hobby......and an expensive coach." I still whine. I don't want you to be discouraged about buying a Foretravel; you picked it for a reason and those of us here can list all of those reasons if needed. If I were to buy one, I would first look to this forum for members who have done all the work and many sell them when they are no longer comfortable or able to drive them any longer. If you are looking for a coach that is this old, you definitely should take your time and get the right one. Try for "turn key". Having been a firefighter for 30 years, I know that fire department mechanics are a really good resource, especially if you need brake work done. If you need something mechanical, I would call your local fire department maintenance facility and ask if anyone does side work. I had a mechanic working with me to replace rear brake pads and slide pins that were "frozen". It took us parts of three days on my property and cost me about $500 labor; hate to think what it would have cost elsewhere. In the past, I've helped do rear brake replacements at the fire station where it took only a couple of hours at most - but these were well maintained vehicles without rust.
Thanks and very sound advice. I would consider this one "turn key". I did ask about a lot of the items you have listed and they have been replaced. No slide, Bulkhead repaired, new shocks, new air bags, headlight replacement, exterior paint added, Auqa Hot is always serviced. Did not ask about radiator, valve adj. I am very capable of doing work myself. Lot of mechanical experience, maybe not on a big rig but that does not bother me. And I do have resources that a familiar with big rigs. The owner kept very good records of maintenance. Also he would do a lot of his own work so a lot of knowledge transfer is to my benefit. And thanks for your service!!
Title: Re: newby possible purchase advice
Post by: ducducdave on October 21, 2022, 03:35:45 pm
I just bought a 97 U320 this week. I, too, am a beginner owner (rented previously) and am pretty discerning about my purchases. As long as you have full service records and know what you're looking at on inspection, then a satisfactory road test of at least 40 miles, you'll make a wise purchase. These things are tanks that drive very well. Mine recently had air bags/shocks, steering box, tie rod ends, cabinet closers, etc. Also has an engine tune that helps a bit (not that they need more power). All I need to do is select the flooring I want to replace the carpet with. I won't tell what I paid, but certainly a very fair price for a 179k mi. coach.
Title: Re: newby possible purchase advice
Post by: Carol Savournin on October 21, 2022, 04:05:46 pm
When we bought our first rig, we were idiots who knew NOTHING. Less than nothing. And our best tools were a credit card and a telephone. We bought in Phoenix and learned how to drive it on the way back to Philadelphia. We learned ... and began going south for the winter and eventually selling our home and living on the road full time. Bought a second, larger rig ... and then a third... which we stuck with. BEST TIME EVER.
Whether you just do shorter trips, go seasonally or long term, just DO IT. Of course, don't bankrupt yourselves, but it sounds like you are thoughtful purchasers. There will be "coach bucks" flying out at times ... but the experiences are priceless.
I never, ever thought I would want to do the RV thing long term. I loved my home and my friends and being near family. But Mr Wonderful desperately wanted to try it. I gave him 3 years. Ha! If age and gravity and the inevitable health concerns had not interfered, I would still be happily in the coach, seeing what is around the next bend.
Best of luck to you both.
Title: Re: newby possible purchase advice
Post by: Dave Larsen on October 22, 2022, 06:52:49 am
Thanks and very sound advice. I would consider this one "turn key". I did ask about a lot of the items you have listed and they have been replaced. No slide, Bulkhead repaired, new shocks, new air bags, headlight replacement, exterior paint added, Auqa Hot is always serviced. Did not ask about radiator, valve adj. I am very capable of doing work myself. Lot of mechanical experience, maybe not on a big rig but that does not bother me. And I do have resources that a familiar with big rigs. The owner kept very good records of maintenance. Also he would do a lot of his own work so a lot of knowledge transfer is to my benefit. And thanks for your service!!
From what you are saying, if we liked the floorplan and the condition was ok, I would have been writing the check instead of asking a question here! ^.^d
Title: Re: newby possible purchase advice
Post by: Dub on October 22, 2022, 10:17:05 am
Buying a toy I pay no mind to market conditions. The older you get and if you want something to devil with markets, time is a far greater consideration. Have fun, I always enjoy the hunt and have driven away being 500 miles from home without a coach more than once, that's the rush to avoid.
Title: Re: newby possible purchase advice
Post by: dsd on October 24, 2022, 10:38:43 pm
Value is difficult to truly understand sometimes. Value is what you can sell for. I'm a fan of the U320 and had searched myself into a corner because I refused to get less. IMO they are trash trucks running gear and can be used similarly for many years and miles. Big brakes, transmission, engine that will outlive the coach. Research all the major failures and you will find very few that were not owner preventable. Good bones. Corrosion would be my number one concern. Being drove should mean that the repairs have been keep up with. I personally think your 1999 U320 like my 2001 will have needed most rubber products changed. Our first year repair list on a coach untouched since 2007 was as expected pretty big but I would also assume similar to a heavily used truck but not all at the same time. IMO it should of had the fluids changed as prescribed. Hard parts like airbags, suspension components, tire, steering gearboxes, ride height valve, HWH valves, slide maintenance if it has a slide, driveshaft maintenance, windshields, wipers mechanics, fuel lines all changed will have already been done or will need to be done. Get a third party inspection. Plan to save every penny it cost in the purchase price. Fuel cost are up and the market will follow with sales increasing at lower values. This will effect there value. Double check exactly what it will cost too register and insure. Also seek what the emissions requirements are were you plan to operate. If you live in Loss Angeles it's not going to be a good fit. This only has addressed basic running gear. Also need to figure in coach and house batteries for either and all the upgrades it has and if you want. They can consume coach bucks. $1000 dollars for a tank of fuel! If its in good shape it's a deal, if it's not it is not a deal. I paid much much less for my coach several years ago but have spent a lot since being purchased with hundreds of hours of work. 52k mileage at purchase and at like 78k today. We are very happy with our purchase but for most it would of been a train wreck. Its a big financial commitment to say the least. 5$ a gallon is just a multiplier. Also for what its worth I had no clue the mileage on my coach till after purchase. Didn't matter to me. Scott
Title: Re: newby possible purchase advice
Post by: RvingJeff on October 26, 2022, 02:36:47 pm
Thanks everyone. This has been very helpful. I was able to ask the right questions and liked the answers very much. I think this is too good for me to pass up on. So I am going through with the purchase. As a result you will see me hangin around here a lot more. Hopefully I will have something to contribute after some time and experience. Till then more questions. Jeff
Title: Re: newby possible purchase advice
Post by: Chuck & Jeannie on October 26, 2022, 03:02:26 pm
We are happy to answer questions, to the best of our ability. The vast store of accumulated knowledge available (for FREE) on this Forum is priceless.
In case you are the self-sufficient type, remember that just about every question you can possibly think of has already been asked here by somebody, at some time in the past. You can find many answers for yourself by using the Forum search tool. Even if you don't find the exact info you seek, you can still learn a lot from the old threads that pop up during your search.
Title: Re: newby possible purchase advice
Post by: oldguy on October 26, 2022, 04:52:55 pm
I have a 99 U320 also, great coach. There is a lot of knowledgeable people on this forum who are great with their advice.
Title: Re: newby possible purchase advice
Post by: Dub on October 26, 2022, 05:32:58 pm
I did my bi annual window gasket treatment today. Think of Mike Leary RIP every time I see the bottle of 303. When you get the coach home get a bottle of aero space 303 and treat the rubber window gaskets as I bet they are thirsty. 3 fingers and a micro fiber towel and away you go. Be careful on the ladder. Hope you enjoy the new coach as much as most of us have. It's a labor of love to keep the fit and finish on one as it should be. It's a lot of work keeping one in ship shape but I would be pretty much lost if I didn't have the coach and a bass boat to wipe on. Again congratulations.
Title: Re: newby possible purchase advice
Post by: Rudy on October 26, 2022, 06:07:35 pm
Okay Jeff, Congrats!! Now run your Aqua Hot on a diesel heating cycle once per month or more, more is better. Do not let it sit for weeks and months on end unless you want to service the burner often.
PM me you phone number if you wish more Aqua Hot info. My coach is a 2001 U320 4220 with a 431/12 Aqua Hot. And I am a Aqua Hot Factory Authorized Service Center for the last 13 years and can sort them out.
All the best, great choice.
Title: Re: newby possible purchase advice
Post by: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart on October 26, 2022, 06:49:34 pm
The question about "if the bulkhead has been repaired" does not mean it's a bad deal at all. It may have been from a wet bay leak that caused the need for repair. But, it could also mean that the repair was done because the coach was driven over lots of treated roads and the bulkhead repair in the past is only one of future problems.
A good inspector can tell in 5 minutes if the coach has major problems. If it does have an internal engine problem of any kind and you are not a DIY person, it's going to set you back at least $30K plus time. Figure half that for an Allison that goes south. You are not likely to find a shop that is your friend.
While high mileage on the engine is not necessarily a bad thing, it can also mean the coach was exposed to other conditions that may or may not cause maintenance issues down the road. A good inspector plus maintenance records can save a lot of $$ down the road. Our gas cars are going toward 300,000 with the diesel car heading toward 500,000 and running like the day we purchased them. All of these with only minor issues, brake pads/rotors, batteries, etc.