Advice for a newbie's first motorhome purchase.

Topic: Advice for a newbie's first motorhome purchase. (Read 1048 times) previous topic - next topic

Advice for a newbie's first motorhome purchase.

February 17, 2013, 08:41:19 am

After a huge amount of researching various motorhomes I have become more convinced about purchasing a good used Foretravel. This has been especially heightened by reading in this forum some of the advice and comments given to other wet-behind-the-ears newbies. I have come across a 37' 1986 GV with a 3208 Cat and 4 spd Allison with 175,000 miles on it. By the listing and talking to the owner it sounds like it has all the bells and whistles from its inception.

The owner has already told me that it is in need of new tires on the back because of the age. Front tires were replaced 2 yrs ago. I am planning on going to see it tomorrow if the snow and ice can hold off and the owners schedule will align with my schedule. My biggest question is what should I be looking for in order to not get burned to badly. My wife & I are virtual newborns as regards to motorhomes so I don't want to make a big mistake. Even though we have pockets, they aren't terribly deep. Any ballpark price range which this should fall into? From what I have gleaned on line the price of under $15K seems to be a good value. I have researched more in the U320 line up than the GV so I am not sure what to expect there also.

So many questions, so little time. I want to thank you for your help in advance. I am learning a great deal from your advice in this forum and really setting my "hitch itch" up to full throttle.

Re: Advice for a newbie's first motorhome purchase.

Reply #1 – February 17, 2013, 12:24:39 pm

Quote from: ohsonew – February 17, 2013, 08:41:19 am

My biggest question is what should I be looking for in order to not get burned to badly. My wife & I are virtual newborns as regards to motorhomes so I don't want to make a big mistake. Even though we have pockets, they aren't terribly deep.

Welcome to the forum!

If I may make a suggestion, if you find a coach you are seriously interested in hire someone like Brett Wolfe inspect the coach for you. It could save you a lot of money and peace of mind in the long run.

Good luck in your search!

Michelle

Re: Advice for a newbie's first motorhome purchase.

Reply #2 – February 17, 2013, 12:33:28 pm

agree with michelle

Re: Advice for a newbie's first motorhome purchase.

Reply #3 – February 18, 2013, 03:10:30 pm

I got to see the GV this morning. For the age it is pretty good shape. It is good enough that the wife said to go for it!!
If I gathered my info correctly, Brett Wolfe is in the Houston area. I (unfortunately) live in the Kansas City area, so I don't think that it is feasible for me to get it to him.
I have an excellent RV repair facility nearby home to inspect tanks, appliances, etc. When I called the Freightliner repair facility in the area I was given a reasonable quote for inspection of the chassis, oil & tranny analysis. However, the service manager didn't speak highly of the Cat 3208 engine. He said they had a history of issues such as blown head gaskets, etc. He was very leery of one with 183,000 miles on it.

Has anyone else had issues with the Cat engine? This service tech has me gotten me a bit gun shy. Any and all help would be truly appreciated. Once again, thanks in advance.

Re: Advice for a newbie's first motorhome purchase.

Reply #4 – February 18, 2013, 03:23:25 pm

Quote from: ohsonew – February 18, 2013, 03:10:30 pm

the service manager didn't speak highly of the Cat 3208 engine. He said they had a history of issues such as blown head gaskets, etc. He was very leery of one with 183,000 miles on it.

Has anyone else had issues with the Cat engine?

In addition to the knowledge base here, you might also join the DieselRvClub's forum Diesel RV Club, an FMCA Chapter (a little bias here, Steve helped with their forum site as well

) They started as the CatRVClub, so there's lots of Cat engine knowledge over there.

Michelle

Re: Advice for a newbie's first motorhome purchase.

Reply #5 – February 18, 2013, 03:26:07 pm

Michelle, I see why everyone says you are such a lifesaver;)) Thanks for the info. I really do enjoy what Ive been able to learn here on this forum.

Re: Advice for a newbie's first motorhome purchase.

Reply #6 – February 18, 2013, 04:00:32 pm

Quote from: Michelle – February 18, 2013, 03:23:25 pm

In addition to the knowledge base here, you might also join the DieselRvClub's forum Diesel RV Club, an FMCA Chapter (a little bias here, Steve helped with their forum site as well ) They started as the CatRVClub, so there's lots of Cat engine knowledge over there.

Michelle

Agree with Michelle. There are several forums that feature CATs. Suggest you do a search until you find the right forum with your questions. Just because you heard some negatives from one mechanic, don't accept it as the last word. Everyone has their favorite engine and any other engine(s) that has given them trouble gets the black spot. Lots of "experts" have learned to type.

Pierce

Re: Advice for a newbie's first motorhome purchase.

Reply #7 – February 18, 2013, 04:16:14 pm

Why the scarcity of Cummins forums... or have I just missed finding them?
Dick

Re: Advice for a newbie's first motorhome purchase.

Reply #8 – February 18, 2013, 04:27:35 pm

Quote from: Dick S – February 18, 2013, 04:16:14 pm

Why the scarcity of Cummins forums... or have I just missed finding them?
Dick

There is always the Cummins Engines - iRV2 Forums. You have to remember that most diesel engines are in commercial class 8 vehicles and the owners usually have their own mechanics and have not real need for forums. They have trade magazines.

Staying on topic, I agree about the Cat 3208 being a engine to stay away from. But there are a lot of motorhomes out there with Cat 3208s running around yet. But certainly not the engine of choice today!!!

Re: Advice for a newbie's first motorhome purchase.

Reply #9 – February 18, 2013, 05:01:25 pm

Thanks for the replies. I have always favored the Cummins engines, was wondering if one could be slipped into the Cat spot;))) If that's possible, maybe the 6 spd tranny with a retarder too..............

Re: Advice for a newbie's first motorhome purchase.

Reply #10 – February 18, 2013, 07:14:34 pm

Before I went to all that work, would just find a coach that came equipped with the cummins, 6 speed and retarder

Re: Advice for a newbie's first motorhome purchase.

Reply #11 – February 18, 2013, 08:13:50 pm

I agree, if you don't want the Cat, don't buy the coach. Also, if you are basing your decision on Frieghtliner of KC in Olathe, don't. My experience with them has not be great, not terrible but they aren't the brightest candle on the cake.

Olathe Ford/RV in Gardner, KS is reliable for evaluating the coach.

I think you are probably going to be very satisfied with a Foretravel, even one that old but checking things out up front is certainly the smart thing to do.

Good Luck!!

Re: Advice for a newbie's first motorhome purchase.

Reply #12 – February 18, 2013, 09:35:34 pm

Thanks Red, but I was just kidding about the engine swap. I hope to upgrade as time goes on however.

Kent, I appreciate the advise about Freightliner. Never dealt with them before so I was shootin in the dark. I have however dealt with Olathe RV. Almost bought a Patriot Thunder from them a couple of years ago. They were knowledgeable, pleasant & good to deal with, just couldn't talk myself into that much more debt. Lookin back we are glad for that.

Keep the comments coming, I thank you all. It helps me in the decision making process.

Re: Advice for a newbie's first motorhome purchase.

Reply #13 – February 18, 2013, 10:03:14 pm

Cat 3208 is one of the best pre-electronic engines ever made. Change oil once a year and your good to go.

Re: Advice for a newbie's first motorhome purchase.

Reply #14 – February 18, 2013, 10:05:10 pm

Most all of our engines have been used in boats so you may be able to get a lot of info at a boat forum. Another good reason is they are typically tuned to produce 100 to 200 horsepower more compared to RV installations so you get an accelerated engine life profile with all the strong/weak points. Lots of what to do and what not to do.

Pierce

Re: Advice for a newbie's first motorhome purchase.

Reply #15 – February 18, 2013, 10:46:06 pm

But down to the nitty-gritty, any Cummins, CAT or Detroit 2 cycle that is in good shape is going to be just great for traveling down the road to all the good spots you have dreamed about. The more important consideration is the condition and how the coach has spent it's life to this point. A nice clean coach with minimum corrosion underneath has a better chance of having a good, well maintained engine. Forum research will get you ready to decide what makes a nice clean coach when you find one you want to look at. We had to travel all the way across the U.S. to pick ours up.

Pierce

Re: Advice for a newbie's first motorhome purchase.

Reply #16 – February 18, 2013, 10:58:08 pm

Everyone I know that has owned a 3208 missed it terribly when they went to a new coach...

Re: Advice for a newbie's first motorhome purchase.

Reply #17 – February 19, 2013, 01:51:00 pm

I had a lot of 3208 engines in our fleet. They were mostly in dump trucks coupled to an Allison trans. In the winter they were loaded up with a salt spreader, under-body scraper and large street plow. The six wheelers grossed out at 56,000lbs but were often over that. Tough duty. We never had to do any major repairs during their life cycle. Even on the one that was rolled over. I would not worry too much as the motor-home application is light duty for them. I would want to see evidence of regular serviceing according to CAT recommendations though.

Keith

Re: Advice for a newbie's first motorhome purchase.

Reply #18 – February 19, 2013, 06:34:13 pm

I went from a Cat 3208 turbo/allison 4 speed coach to a cummins c8.3 turbo with allison 6 speed MD3060 coach. The cummins is my absolute preference.

Re: Advice for a newbie's first motorhome purchase.

Reply #19 – February 19, 2013, 08:43:26 pm

I really appreciate all the input from everyone here. It helps put my mind (and imagination) at ease. I still have a lot of things to ponder over on other matters in this particular rig, still not certain its the right one. Talked to another member on the phone and he helped me with many questions and pointers on improvements in slightly newer models which would be priced similarly once tires, batteries and other maintenance issues are resolved.

Still looking and thinking. Thanks again.

Re: Advice for a newbie's first motorhome purchase.

Reply #20 – February 20, 2013, 06:38:56 pm

Ron Hawkins owns a RV repair place and is a FT owner. he might be able to help you out. I think he is in Kansas or somewhere close.

Re: Advice for a newbie's first motorhome purchase.

Reply #21 – February 20, 2013, 08:15:27 pm

Quote from: John S – February 20, 2013, 06:38:56 pm

Ron Hawkins owns a RV repair place and is a FT owner. he might be able to help you out. I think he is in Kansas or somewhere close.

Innovative Coachworks, Goddard, KS

Here's Ron's forum profile:

http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?action=profile;u=147

Affiliate Notice