Hello Foretravel community!
I am looking at a 2002 U320 and have two questions for this wonderful group. First I must say please go easy on me, I am a newbie to RV'ing AND Foretravels. In doing my research I have come to love FTs and I am very interested in buying one.
My two questions:
1) It has 144k miles on it, is that too much? its priced at $85k. Just looking for opinions & evidence that FTs can go those extra miles, hoping some of you have put 200k on your rigs.
2) How do I confirm the bulkhead condition, I asked the saleman and was told the modification was done and sealant was also applied. I don't recall seeing anything regarding adding a sealant as part of the bulkhead repair process.
I appreciate any help you can offer.
With only 144k miles on it. The engine is just getting broken in.
See if you can find out when the bulkhead was done and who did it. 2002 and later are slightly different than 2001 and prior, I believe.
See if you can find out when the slide bladder(s) were last replaced (typical life is 7-10 years, cost per bladder around $2-4K)
Does it have the original Zip Dee air-operated awning? If so, factor in the cost to replace it with a manual awning. (2002 was the only year to use that awning)
Age of tires, batteries, air bags?
Records on most recent chassis (fluids/filters), generator (fluids/filters/end bearing - bearing depending on hours), and AquaHot service (filter, nozzle, clean combustion chamber)?
Length-flooring-bedroom slide? If 40', does it have a tag axle? Some 2002 40' U320's were built as single rear axle, and between the heavier drivetrain, bedroom slide, and ceramic floor there can be weight concerns on those. Not an issue on a tag axle coach.
Stick your head underneath at the wheel wells and look up. Look for any signs of rust or corrosion on the hardware securing the walls. If a northern or coastal coach it will be obvious. If the rear of the basement rusted out to the point of needing repair, there is more rust in other places. The most important part of this purchase consideration is the condition of the chassis, wall structure, and roof. The mechanicals just take money and if the thought of a major repair really scares you, an RV this old, if any may not be for you. The engine and transmission are just some parts of all the systems that can go wrong, and roadside repairs quickly become 4- or 5-digit events. RV's do not have million-mile engines. Consider getting 3rd party inspection.
Ask yourself the reasons why you are considering this coach. Do you really like the style and layout and want this regardless of other factors? Or do you want a Foretravel and this is the limit of your budget? Do you have a place to store it, pad and power? Are you planning to do repairs, maintenance, and upgrades yourself? Sometime the purchase and getting it home is the easy part. Often for classis and collector vehicles the purchase price becomes the down payment. Are you prepared? There are so many choices, is this the one you want or are you settling? Settling sucks as the next upgrade can be costly.
Sorry If I am coming across as negative. This is a commitment. If prepared it can be extremely rewarding. More rewarding than the coach is the memories you and family will make and participation in the communities. Few folks hate their Foretravel. But I see the disappointment or the desire to get their money back way too often for other vehicle choices.
Oh, and I forgot :facepalm:
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