Understanding the models....

Topic: Understanding the models.... (Read 1004 times) previous topic - next topic

Understanding the models....

December 11, 2015, 12:24:28 pm

We are looking to upgrade to a Foretravel MH. As we will be looking in the '97-2000 year, would anyone like to inform us as to the important differences between the U270, U295 and the U320. Not sure if we will get a 36 or a 40 and are the 3 models available in either 36 or 40?

Just love the quality and look of the these spectacular motor homes. Thanks...

Bill

Re: Understanding the models....

Reply #1 – December 11, 2015, 01:14:54 pm

Bill,

Welcome to the ForeForum.

Here a link to Foretravel specs and floorplans: Foretravel Specifications, Floor Plans, Photos & Brochures by Year

Re: Understanding the models....

Reply #2 – December 11, 2015, 01:19:19 pm

Short answer is check out Barry B's great web site at beam alarm.com, or use search function here on Forum.
All models came in 36 and 40, slides rare in 1999, common in 2000. Price, equipment and trim level increased as you move from 270 to 320. Chassis the same, but engine usually bigger in 320. Options on 279 and 295 can narrow that gap

Re: Understanding the models....

Reply #3 – December 11, 2015, 01:36:49 pm

Welcome to the forum, Bob. We are ex-your neck of the woods (Suquamish) When we decided to retire our Airstream 310 of 25 years, Foretravel was our only choice. I searched for months (not in a hurry) to see what was what and found our sweetheart 36 ' close to us, which counts, but be prepared to fly anywhere to buy your honey. There are FT owners up there who could help and possibly give you a tour . This is your place: These guys know their stuff!

Re: Understanding the models....

Reply #4 – December 11, 2015, 03:14:52 pm

Quote from: mike leary – December 11, 2015, 01:36:49 pm

Welcome to the forum. This is your place: These guys know their stuff!

Re: Understanding the models....

Reply #5 – December 11, 2015, 04:07:07 pm

Hi Bill, Welcome to our community. We are here to help as you need it.

Great years for FT. Both sizes available in all three models. Reading the spec sheet will get you started but figuring out the details is usually a Q&A thing. So don't hesitate to ask.

Re: Understanding the models....

Reply #6 – December 11, 2015, 11:49:56 pm

I liken it to the old chevroltets from early 60's, Biscayne, Bel-Air and Impala(SS). Same basic body just more goodies in the inside and different engines. Boy I miss my 64 SS...sigh!

Re: Understanding the models....

Reply #7 – December 13, 2015, 05:57:27 pm

Thanks everyone. I have toured a 97 40' 320 as well as a 98 36' 295. Seems like if we end up with a non slide unit, it will work better for us as a 40'...not sure I can handle the cost of a 2000-2001 40' U320 with a slide. But we sure love the coaches.

Bill

Re: Understanding the models....

Reply #8 – December 13, 2015, 06:53:25 pm

I am quite sure that a 40' without a slide has more square feet than a 36' with a single slide extended. More room in the bathroom in the 40' either way. The LR in the 36' slide models have just a bit more than the non-slide 40's. They are just arranged a little differently. The floor plans in the non-slide coaches are a bit different from the coaches with slides to use the space more efficiently. Basement access from the driver's side in the better in the non slide coaches in the 99-01 years. The non-slide coaches have more overhead cabinet space along the driver's side in the living room. The 1999 models with a slide had none. The 2000 and 2001s with slides had narrow overhead, about 1/3 the size of the coaches with no slides.

Its the details.

Know your budget, allow for a reserve, work through the details and floor plans, get the best possible coach you can find that fits your budget and needs. Be patient. Sometimes that takes a while.

Re: Understanding the models....

Reply #9 – December 13, 2015, 06:59:44 pm

The slide coaches have a reversed floorplan. Kitchen is on the passenger side. Dinette is on the drivers side.

Later non slides are reversed and the original design.

As are the newest coaches which require the plumbing to flex as the slides go in and out. Plastic plumbing flexing can require service

Re: Understanding the models....

Reply #10 – December 13, 2015, 07:53:37 pm

Quote from: Roger & Susan in Home2 – December 13, 2015, 06:53:25 pm

I am quite sure that a 40' without a slide has more square feet than a 36' with a single slide extended.

A 40' non-slide will also have measurably more basement storage than a 36' with a slide ;-)

Re: Understanding the models....

Reply #11 – December 13, 2015, 08:07:25 pm

Thanks Michelle, you are correct of course and that is another difference that is worth noting between the 36' and 40' with ot without a slide,

Unless your kitchen or bathroom are in the slide you will not have those plumbing issues. It the years you are looking at and 36' and 40' I don't think that is an issue.

Re: Understanding the models....

Reply #12 – December 13, 2015, 08:27:21 pm

We are living in our 36 ft no slide coach for 8+ years now. The floor plan was right ( Karen loved it) and we find that with towing a car behind us we are still close to 56 ft or more- plenty long. We try to use the philosophy of less is more in the coach, so we don't tend to accumulate too much stuff. After all, full timing in an rv is about traveling, having fun, not accumulating stuff.

Find the coach that feels right, fits your budget, is in condition that is satisfactory to you at the start, and then begin the adventure.

Best of luck and we hope to see you down the road sometime- soon maybe.......

Re: Understanding the models....

Reply #13 – December 13, 2015, 08:43:40 pm

Welcome, Bill! You've already heard from some of the most expert Forum members — but if there is anything any of us can do, just post and say so!

Re: Understanding the models....

Reply #14 – December 15, 2015, 03:06:54 pm

95' and up SE U320 40' will cover most anyone's dreams. It took me months of looking to locate the one I have and I would not have a problem with a newer U320 model. All that being said, the only basic thing with any of the U320s is price.
Newer ='s $$$. pc

Re: Understanding the models....

Reply #15 – December 15, 2015, 04:56:03 pm

Quote from: wbonsell – December 13, 2015, 05:57:27 pm

Thanks everyone. I have toured a 97 40' 320 as well as a 98 36' 295. Seems like if we end up with a non slide unit, it will work better for us as a 40'...not sure I can handle the cost of a 2000-2001 40' U320 with a slide. But we sure love the coaches.

We are very happy with our 95 U320 40ft coach--for us. When we have our adult children and/or grandchildren stay with us it would be very nice to have the additional room a slide would provide allowing for a more-comfortable pull-out couch. However, our primary use is for just the two of us and we are very pleased with avoiding the potential problems associated with having a slide. We have plenty of room for entertaining six for drinks and visiting, and it's not even a problem when six are eating a meal.

We deliberately chose a 40ft non-tag unit in order to get the increased storage space as well as the (at least by our tastes) much-improved bathroom layout. The extra length has never been a problem when driving and only occasionally when finding a place to camp. We definitely believe any downside to a 40ft unit is well worth it to get the numerous upsides.

Re: Understanding the models....

Reply #16 – December 15, 2015, 06:39:20 pm

I couldn't have said it better myself David

Re: Understanding the models....

Reply #17 – December 15, 2015, 07:32:19 pm

I am a relative new owner of a 40' 1998 U320. Although I have put over 4000 miles on it since September

I like mine and would recommend going to the 40' over a 36', although there are advantages to a 36'.

The extra 4' basement bay, as well as extra foot or so in each section (LR, BR, Bath) gives a nice feel to the U320.

Re: Understanding the models....

Reply #18 – December 15, 2015, 09:03:42 pm

So far the only downside I've found with our 40' coach is that twice now I've had to take sites that required me to put two layers of 2x6 planks down under one axle. Otherwise this seems to be an ideal coach for us.

Re: Understanding the models....

Reply #19 – December 15, 2015, 09:18:16 pm

Well lots if votes for 40' coaches. Look closely at both. A 40' is fine if it will fit where you want to go. We stay in a lot of state parks where the choices for 40' sites are limited. So a 36' works very well for us. A bigger bathroom would be nice especially if we wanted a washer and dryer. If we were full timing then a 40' would be good. But for what we are doing now, 2-4 months at a time, the 36' works just fine, it holds everything we bring along with room to spare.

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