Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: U300 GV Bulkhead and Tube Structure (Read 1760 times) previous topic - next topic

U300 GV Bulkhead and Tube Structure

After months of searching and a couple of failed attempts to find a suitable repair facility, my GV is finally in the shop and opened up to reveal the feared but expected Rolock failures and tubing rust.

1989 Foretravel U300 Grand Villa
Build #3410

Re: U300 GV Bulkhead and Tube Structure

Reply #1 –
WOW!!
Now I know I am thankful we have an Oshkosh Truck chassis!! May not ride as well as yours or handle as well as yours but it doesn't require a repair such as yours and it suits our needs & uses.
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: U300 GV Bulkhead and Tube Structure

Reply #2 –
You are  fortunate, particularly in light of this condition, which is all-too common among FTs of a certain era.
1989 Foretravel U300 Grand Villa
Build #3410

Re: U300 GV Bulkhead and Tube Structure

Reply #3 –
The Unihome chassis is a wonderful thing.  Sure, if water or battery acid get into the tubing, it will rust and rot.  I had a 1990 U280 that needed attention due to those issues.  Don't fret about it too much, just fix it and move on.  It's not a terribly expensive repair, and once done you are good to go for years.  With only a little talent you can do it yourself--- there is plenty of info on that here on the forum.
As Jimmy Buffet said, " breathe in, breathe out and move on". Don't let it spoil your joy.
Current coach 1996 U320 40'
Previous coach, 1990 36' U280

Re: U300 GV Bulkhead and Tube Structure

Reply #4 –
Oh I agree-  I won't let it spoil my joy in the GV. I love the coach and will do whatever it takes to restore it. It's a lo-mileage FT and will be better than new when we're done. I'm just greatly relieved—and joyful, frankly—to have it in the shop and the project underway.

Many thanks to Chris White (gracerace) without whom I wouldn't have found a competent shop lically, and would not have developed an thorough understanding of the problem.
1989 Foretravel U300 Grand Villa
Build #3410

Re: U300 GV Bulkhead and Tube Structure

Reply #5 –
Quote from: RandallBrink –
Oh I agree-  I won't let it spoil my joy in the GV. I love the coach and will do whatever it takes to restore it. It's a lo-mileage FT and will be better than new when we're done. I'm just greatly relieved—and joyful, frankly—to have it in the shop and the project underway.

Many thanks to Chris White (gracerace) without whom I wouldn't have found a competent shop lically, and would not have developed an thorough understanding of the problem.

So happy for you. Chad at Trueline will do it right. Sorry it took a few attempts to get someone. BTW, it's not that bad. It didn't come apart. Just some welding and grinding and gluing.
Chris
Chris and Tammy White  CDA Idaho
Previous owners 1997 U295 36' 3126 Cat 300 HP Build # 4998
Former Foretravel tech & RVIA certified tech
Former owner Custom Satellite home/RV satellites 
Former owner Vans LTD  van conversions
Unemployed, panhandler, drag racer NHRA #6348

Re: U300 GV Bulkhead and Tube Structure

Reply #6 –
Was this a problem with the U300 . I have some rust in the dump compartment  :o
1992 U300 Anniversary Edition wrong color DDC6v92T Big step up from my 1983 35' fc Blue Bird .

Re: U300 GV Bulkhead and Tube Structure

Reply #7 –
Quote from: lovetogo –
Was this a problem with the U300 . I have some rust in the dump compartment  :o

The structure is common to all Foretravels except ORED's (Oshkosh chassis).
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: U300 GV Bulkhead and Tube Structure

Reply #8 –
But, Randall, look at what you will have when you have completed your repair!! An absolutely awesome coach that people will stop & ask if it is new,
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: U300 GV Bulkhead and Tube Structure

Reply #9 –
I almost wish I hadn't known about the bulkhead/floor issue on the unihomes when I went shopping in September.  Getting paranoid about a problem that is normally not that serious and is actually quite repairable is why there isn't a Grand Villa in my driveway.  If I hadn't known to look and had blindly bought one that I later found out had a problem, I would be fixing it or having it fixed.  Instead I chickened out and so I am on the outside looking in.  Yes, I would be probably be griping, yes I would be looking at the OREDs and second guessing my choice, but I would be doing, not just sitting here clicking on a keyboard.

Mike & Lilli
1991 GV U280 36' SBI, 3208 Cat, Build #3825
4320 Watts Solar
Kansas City, MO

Re: U300 GV Bulkhead and Tube Structure

Reply #10 –
My 91 has issues down there also I rebuilt my battery box area and beefed up the surrounding box tubing,But ultimately will have to open it up and I am about sure I will find the exact same damage that John Fitz did when he opened up his. This would be the way to do it Right. Rebuild it and be done with it., One day that might happen. But for now everything seems pretty tight down there and I do not have anymore water intrusion that I know of . I keep a watchful eye on it for any separation or bulging panels etc and so far everything looks ok. If it lets go I'll deal with it then. It's a 27 year old coach and is going to have some issues. I bought mine at a price that even if I rebuilt or had it rebuilt by someone else,I'd still be ahead of what I could buy in a SOB as far a Quality, Ride, and Coolness! If you want one of these things find the best one that you like and buy it. If you are looking for the Cream De' La Cream you might have a pretty long wait because the people that own them and have spent the money putting them in that condition are using them. For what a large percentage of these older Grandvillas sell for, They are in the price range as a new Jayco travel trailer maybe less.
91 GV U300 Unihome 40' Build 3811
6V92TA Detroit

Re: U300 GV Bulkhead and Tube Structure

Reply #11 –
Dear Mike in KC

I think we have reported that repairs of this nature properly done and using the one gauge stronger tubing than original runs in the $3,500 range, plus or minus.

In part cost depends on extent of the damage, it could drive cost much higher, and lower! But this typical if tube damage. You can get that estimated if willing to spend some money to really inspect it...remove the underneath cover and investigate.  If there is an alternative way that an untrained insoector in this problem could estimate the extent i am not aware of it.  Other members here may have ideas.  Also, there are several subtle signs if visual evidence.  That more though just to say, yes there is, not full assurance that there is not

My response Mike is to encourage you to move on, find what you want and have it inspected before you buy, inspected by a Brett Wolfe or Keith Risch...probably others as well could do that for you.

Heck, I was fixated on engine and tranny when we bought......the area I needed least to give worry, so I think it normal to do just what you did, trying to ascertain from our duscussions here the real secret to a purchase is this or that.  Real secret is floorplan, overall impression, rust, etc and that inspection.

Best of luck...it is out there for you.  Check the Forum Classifieds too.  PM to me if want to talk.

Mike
2001 U320 4010 Build 5878 (Gus)
Wrangle Unlimited Toad
Nacogdoches

Re: U300 GV Bulkhead and Tube Structure

Reply #12 –
Quote from: lovetogo –
Was this a problem with the U300 . I have some rust in the dump compartment  :o
All Foretravels that share the same bulkhead/tube construction. I know I harp on it but prospective buyers should always get someone knowledgable to inspect the desired coach before buying. Any driven on treated winter roads need an especially close eye and if they have a rusty engine and generator compartment, should be eliminated even if free. Winter salt damage is much, much worse than damage from water leaks. This kind of damage is localized and once repaired, the coach may be good forever if done right. Salt damage gets everywhere and will always plague the coach.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: U300 GV Bulkhead and Tube Structure

Reply #13 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
The structure is common to all Foretravels except ORED's (Oshkosh chassis).
Don't forget the FTX's with the Hendrickson like my '81
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: U300 GV Bulkhead and Tube Structure

Reply #14 –
I have had the good fortune of seeing three bulkhead repairs in process.  Two were full basement frame replacements at Bernd for a lot of $$$ and one was of the remove what is bad, weld in new and close it up type.
Frankly, the damage in all three was about the same, that is almost all of the damage was confined to within a foot of the rear bulkhead area. The full basement remove/repair  appeared to be overkill when looking at the frames on the floor at Bernd's shop.
Based on this very limited sample, here is my going forward strategy/advice.
It is likely (after 15-25 years) that most FT have some rust/bulkhead issues Unless operated in a corrosive environment, the damage is likely to be able to be cost effectively mitigated for less than $4,000.
Any purchase should include an inspection by a qualified individual.
Although there are some external indicators, (rust jacking) that suggest obvious problems, most of this damage can not be accurately diagnosed without gaining access visually to the area in question.
I am not worried about my bulkhead, but have budgeted 3-5 mental coach bucks for future remediation, which may be too much.
When I go to sell my coach, I will sell here or consign with MOT.  Before I sell I will have the coach detailed at precision, the bulkhead will be opened up inspected, and repaired as necessary in NAC (with photos), and the tires and batteries will be no more than 4 years old. Just the way I would want to see the coach if I was a buyer.
The bulkhead issue is known and manageable, and is likely far from an economic death sentence for any affected coaches. I am encouraged by the number of shops in NAC doing this important but realistic repair, and the number of coaches being repaired.
3 coach bucks is significant, but is still only 10% of the vale of a $30K coach.  Almost all coaches represented on this forum are valued at or above $30K.
Tim Fiedler    2025 LTV Unity MBL on Order
2000 Chevy Tracker 2 Door Convertible 4WD Now lifted 4.5"
1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston
Murphy Rebel on wheels with 175HP Titan
Cessna P337
1980 48' Westport MY (!/4 Share)

Re: U300 GV Bulkhead and Tube Structure

Reply #15 –
I hear you and empathize, as I am the opposite—a buyer who was blissfully ignorant of the bulkhead issue until AFTER the purchase and then panicked upon discovery.

When I actually inspected the bulkhead after knowing what to look for, I was crestfallen. I then underwent considerable time fretfully seeking a shop. If it hadn't been for this forum and the members here, I don't know what might have happened.

That's in the rearview now, and I am 1. Not regretting or unhappy to have bought my GV; 2. Not hating or revenging on the PO, who should have known and very likely did know about the issue but failed to disclose it; 3. Not worrying about the cost of repair as it will be recovered in peace of mind and coach value when the time comes to update to a new or newer FT.
1989 Foretravel U300 Grand Villa
Build #3410
 

Re: U300 GV Bulkhead and Tube Structure

Reply #16 –
Quote from: stump –
My 91 has issues down there also I rebuilt my battery box area and beefed up the surrounding box tubing,But ultimately will have to open it up and I am about sure I will find the exact same damage that John Fitz did when he opened up his. This would be the way to do it Right. Rebuild it and be done with it., One day that might happen. But for now everything seems pretty tight down there and I do not have anymore water intrusion that I know of . I keep a watchful eye on it for any separation or bulging panels etc and so far everything looks ok. If it lets go I'll deal with it then. It's a 27 year old coach and is going to have some issues. I bought mine at a price that even if I rebuilt or had it rebuilt by someone else,I'd still be ahead of what I could buy in a SOB as far a Quality, Ride, and Coolness! If you want one of these things find the best one that you like and buy it. If you are looking for the Cream De' La Cream you might have a pretty long wait because the people that own them and have spent the money putting them in that condition are using them. For what a large percentage of these older Grandvillas sell for, They are in the price range as a new Jayco travel trailer maybe less. You are so dead on! I love driving my U300 . I must say I like the GV,  nose style a bit more :)
1992 U300 Anniversary Edition wrong color DDC6v92T Big step up from my 1983 35' fc Blue Bird .