Looking for a 2002-2004 Foretravel Cap Issues

Topic: Looking for a 2002-2004 Foretravel Cap Issues (Read 1290 times) previous topic - next topic

Looking for a 2002-2004 Foretravel Cap Issues

March 16, 2013, 11:14:26 am

I'm thinking of upgrading my 2000 Foretravel non-slide to a 2002 to 2004 Foretravel with slides. This is about the years that fit my budget. I'm trying to find out what issues to look for in the newer models. I believe most of the running gear is the same as my 2000, but if not please let me know.

Cap issues are one issue I know about, but how do I know if it was fixed correctly? If I find a coach, I assume with the VIN Foretravel could tell me if they fixed the cap. I read they had a few different ways to fix the crack and maybe someone could tell me what the final fix was.

I would like to know what I need to check out on the slide/s. Do I need to see when the bladders were replaced? I also know a few issues with the glue used on the slide itself. Does this mean if the slide has not been repaired that is something that needs to be addressed or if the glue is still holding after 10 years it is not subject to failure? Any other test for slide operation besides making sure they work.

Any help would be appreciated,

Re: Looking for a 2002-2004 Foretravel Cap Issues

Reply #1 – March 16, 2013, 01:49:01 pm

Our 2003 never had any such issues. I believe FT solved it before ours was built.

Re: Looking for a 2002-2004 Foretravel Cap Issues

Reply #2 – March 16, 2013, 05:11:02 pm

Ours was repaired by Foretravel for the prior owner. I found detailed service/repair records in a reciept binder that was kept up to date. FOT covered the entire cost of the fix at the time.

Other than the records I cannot find any sign of a repair being done, which is a good thing.

Dean

Re: Looking for a 2002-2004 Foretravel Cap Issues

Reply #3 – March 17, 2013, 03:25:32 pm

Does anyone know the build number cutoff from where the problem was identified and corrected? Thanks, David

Re: Looking for a 2002-2004 Foretravel Cap Issues

Reply #4 – March 18, 2013, 12:21:07 am

Pretty sure mine is after the cutoff, build number 6209, a later 2003 build.

Re: Looking for a 2002-2004 Foretravel Cap Issues

Reply #5 – March 18, 2013, 10:28:13 am

No bulkhead or end cap issues with our 2003. It has been a wonderful coach with very few issues. I think 2003 was one of FT best years.
George

Re: Looking for a 2002-2004 Foretravel Cap Issues

Reply #6 – March 18, 2013, 10:43:22 am

Our 02 with the factory end cap repair is build number 6039.

Re: Looking for a 2002-2004 Foretravel Cap Issues

Reply #7 – March 18, 2013, 11:19:07 am

Our build 6106 had the issue and repair.

Re: Looking for a 2002-2004 Foretravel Cap Issues

Reply #8 – March 18, 2013, 11:22:55 am

Quote from: Michelle – March 18, 2013, 11:19:07 am

Our build 6106 had the issue and repair.

Ours is the Pre production 2003 model Build # 6014 and so far I have seen no evidence of it.

Re: Looking for a 2002-2004 Foretravel Cap Issues

Reply #9 – March 18, 2013, 11:40:27 am

The best thing to do if someone is looking at an 02-04 coach or owns one and has any doubts, is to get the vin # and call the factory,they can tell if it has been repaired or if it had the fix in production.

Re: Looking for a 2002-2004 Foretravel Cap Issues

Reply #10 – March 18, 2013, 03:44:35 pm

Quote from: Michelle – March 18, 2013, 11:19:07 am

Our build 6106 had the issue and repair.

As I previously posted our's was repaired too and with build 6095 our's was manufactured just 10 coach's before yours. Wonder if it was just a partial year issue....

I would do as Bill W said and ask the factory.

Dean

Re: Looking for a 2002-2004 Foretravel Cap Issues

Reply #11 – March 27, 2013, 01:48:26 pm

Just my opinion.......when I was looking for a coach I intentionally stayed away from slides. Slides have definitely improved in the last 10 years and FT makes one of the best slides available. They do make the coach roomier and more attractive, but that come with a cost and maintenance issue. Everyone knows of owners who have had problems with slides wheather it be leaking, hydraulics and/or future maintenance issues. I know many people who have slides, but I for one have decided to stay away from the issues that the slides present now or at some time in the future. Consider all the costs involved...then make an informed decision. whatever that may be. Its like a convertible car....fun, cool but not without issues.

Re: Looking for a 2002-2004 Foretravel Cap Issues

Reply #12 – March 27, 2013, 09:24:22 pm

Bill Willet said it straight. call the factory and give them the #s. They will give you some info.

Beyond that, the ONLY person that gave me what I felt as absolute truth with a long winded (which I asked for and prodded for..) explanation of the cap issue was the big gent at Extreme/nacogdoches. james/the owner, is one of the nicest, most honest gents I've met..

I asked specifics and got 'specific' answers. you might have to do it in private...I don't know. but his explanation was spot on.

Re: Looking for a 2002-2004 Foretravel Cap Issues

Reply #13 – March 27, 2013, 09:31:54 pm

My 02 ---2002U2954020AGDS build nr is 6054. This coach had the caps repaired by FOT under warranty by the original owner.
When i saw this coach for sale the first thing I did was call FOT and they had the records of the repair and all the service records for the coach. This gave me a comfort level in buying the coach. Have been a happy camper since all the repairs I had MOT and FOT do for me after buying the coach has made the coach very enjoyable. DAN

Re: Looking for a 2002-2004 Foretravel Cap Issues

Reply #14 – March 27, 2013, 10:06:05 pm

I've got build 6070. It was repaired by the factory before it was sold brand new to the owners I bought it from.

When I called the factory before purchase, they wouldn't release any info to me, stating privacy rights.

Re: Looking for a 2002-2004 Foretravel Cap Issues

Reply #15 – March 27, 2013, 10:49:21 pm

Just my opinion but if you find doors closed to information, service or inspection, walk away from the deal.

Re: Looking for a 2002-2004 Foretravel Cap Issues

Reply #16 – April 05, 2013, 09:57:17 pm

I got all the FT maintenance records when I bought my coach. If you meet any resistance, just go up the ladder.

Re: Looking for a 2002-2004 Foretravel Cap Issues

Reply #17 – April 05, 2013, 10:42:06 pm

I also got most of the FT maintenance records when we bought our coach but it was only because the first owner left a copy of every invoice in the coach. That was 10 years worth of records. The second owner only had it for 10 months and left no records. FT would not provide me with records for that period because of privacy issues but did confirm that the coach was painted and the headlight mod was done during that time.

Re: Looking for a 2002-2004 Foretravel Cap Issues

Reply #18 – April 06, 2013, 08:31:32 am

Update: I have confirmed that FOT repaired the caps in early 2008

. Seems like a long time from the build in late 2002. Maybe it was fixed more than once.

Thanks to all for your help,

Re: Looking for a 2002-2004 Foretravel Cap Issues

Reply #19 – April 06, 2013, 11:45:32 am

Quote from: Brad – April 06, 2013, 08:31:32 am

Update: I have confirmed that FOT repaired the caps in early 2008 . Seems like a long time from the build in late 2002. Maybe it was fixed more than once.

Quite possibly (on the more than once). The original owner of our coach had it fixed in either '03 or early '04; in 2009 we had a crack appear on one side at the rear (in the black stripe, so watch those dark colors) and had it repaired.

Michelle

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