what makes a u320 special

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what makes a u320 special

August 24, 2020, 10:55:25 pm

I am looking at good used motorhomes. So far wanderlodge, beaver and a few others. I am looking at older units in the 95 to 2001. My question here is what advantages do foretravels have or how do they compare to other brands in these years? I can't find info on how they are built only specs. Anyone care to educate me or give me a source to get what I need? In specific looking at a 36ft 2000 u320. Thanks

Re: what makes a u320 special

Reply #1 – August 24, 2020, 11:40:12 pm

You can see at this site

Foretravel Motorhome 2000 Foretravel U320 Specifications | All Things Foretravel

Then compare what the others offer.

Re: what makes a u320 special

Reply #2 – August 24, 2020, 11:45:02 pm

The u320 Foretravel is the top of the line for those years. Monaco's Signature was their top of the line for those years. I owned a '96 Signature and it doesn't compare to the Fortravel in most features. You need to go look at the 2000 you are talking about and compare it to the others.

Re: what makes a u320 special

Reply #3 – August 24, 2020, 11:50:15 pm

The link below will list specs and floor plans for many Foretravel coaches, including the 2000 U320.

Easier to read format than the link in Reply #1:

Foretravel Specifications, Floor Plans, Photos & Brochures

Re: what makes a u320 special

Reply #4 – August 24, 2020, 11:52:39 pm

For a few m11 Cummins 450HP/1450 torque, trans retarder, 194 gal fuel, 8 bag air ride, solid wood everywhere, 3 8D house batteries, large fresh and holding tanks, large propane tank, air disc brakes. The factory still welcomes you for parts and service.

Re: what makes a u320 special

Reply #5 – August 24, 2020, 11:54:34 pm

Wander lodges require harder to source servicing. No factory support anymore. Heavy metal box. Hot in the sun. Cold in winter.

I sold older Beavers before Monaco bought them and they were carefully built top quality.

Another top coach is country coach. Precision made.

I good test of a coaches build quality is whether the cabinets were installed over the coaches carpeting. Versus laid and stretched.

Foretravel, bluebird and country coach were laid and stretched. Old Beavers were also. Monaco produced were probably built over carpeting

Signatures wooden cabinet doors use vertical pieces of mismatched wood.

Foretravel uses longer wood pieces that are very closely color matched.

My coach has a few lighter pieces of walnut but they are in the underside of the bedroom rear cabinet.

Re: what makes a u320 special

Reply #6 – August 25, 2020, 12:05:00 am

Larry you've found a very good source on information right here. There is a lot of information inside the forum. I too was looking at the same coaches as you and that's what lead me to the Foretravel U320. Good tow capacity, standard all wheel disc brakes, transmission retarder in most of the coaches. Very heavy built running gear. Probably best power to weight ratio available that is still in the running. ISM engine is outstanding although others get better fuel economy. Transmission, Allison 4060 I was unable to find a catastrophic failure, although I'm sure they exist. Basically trash truck running gear. Put your location and I'm sure someone would be willing to walk you thru there coach. That being said there is a vast amount of systems that need to be maintained. Good luck and do some reading. Search function is your friend.
Scott

Re: what makes a u320 special

Reply #7 – August 25, 2020, 12:06:49 am

An ad for a 2001 36' U320 was just placed in the classified section today. I saw this coach a year ago (owner changed mind about selling it back then) and was very impressed. A 36' with the ISM engine is fairly rare, but you could look for years to find one with independent front suspension (it will allow you to make a U-turn where others would have to go around the block). I imagine only a handful were made. A 2001 has a few upgrades over the 2000, among them wheels that have a permanent shine (forgot what they call it) and a fancier overhead with air ducts a little closer to the front seats.

I would be tempted to trade my coach, but have made too many upgrades to consider it. Also, Kristi (DW) won't give up our mid entry - another rarity. Good luck, this coach will not be on the block for long.

Re: what makes a u320 special

Reply #8 – August 25, 2020, 12:09:06 am

Chuck I thought I broke that link from over use. Countless times I would go back and re-read.
Scott

Re: what makes a u320 special

Reply #9 – August 25, 2020, 12:26:54 am

Bottom line from what you are looking at: Foretravels still have parts and service the older models and that is a plus for most all of us! Bluebirds are heavy and no factory support; Country Coach was a top of the line manufacture, but no more. This is our second Foretravel and we have looked and drove all the others you have mentioned on your list. If I won the lottery tomorrow, I would be hard pressed to not buy a iH45, Newell or XLII. Just my opinion!

Re: what makes a u320 special

Reply #10 – August 25, 2020, 02:06:36 am

Another good thing about owning a Foretravel is the help and knowledge in this forum.

Re: what makes a u320 special

Reply #11 – August 25, 2020, 11:44:00 am

As oldguy said, these forums make the difference. Sure there are other forums with specific make subforums, but I don't think you can find a better place for info on your coach than on these forums. That sir is invaluable.
I looked at Prevost, blue bird, country coach online before deciding on a foretravel, and that was before ever actually being in one. These forums help me to figure out what I was looking for. I like my coach. And after over 2 years of messing with it, know it alot. Not as much as I will know it in 5 years, but still. And when I need to find out something new, I come here and ask. There will always be someone that will be more than happy to take the time out of their day to answer me. As I have done the same.
I like the U320 for the aquahot. That alone is a deal breaker for me. For some, they don't like the expense and hassle of maintaining it. I don't need slideouts. I don't need a tag axle. If I had them, I am sure I would like them.
I am seeing quite a lot of other brand coaches out here, and very few if any Foretravels. Thats ok with me. Time and time again, a fellow RV'er with another brand comes up to me to say how he admires Foretravel and wishes he had bought one instead of... and mine is all white right now with no decals. No full body paint, no expensive headlight upgrades.... and my wheels are not shiny. Don't have the time for that right now...
Just make sure the coach you get was well maintained by a respectful owner. Get it inspected by someone that knows Foretravels. Have the budget to fix the issues that will be sure to crop up on a older coach. And you will be more than happy with it.
Bob

Re: what makes a u320 special

Reply #12 – August 25, 2020, 12:22:11 pm

"Just make sure the coach you get was well maintained by a respectful owner. Get it inspected by someone that knows Foretravels. Have the budget to fix the issues that will be sure to crop up on a older coach. And you will be more than happy with it."

That line from the previous post is worth repeating. If you are looking at these coaches, including the brands you mentioned, you have to keep in mind that while these coaches have fine amenities, they are much more complex (complicated) than your average Coachman or Winnebago. If you need shocks, you have to get 8; same with airbags. There are height adjusters an air system that operates slides and brakes that can also be very expensive. House batteries are outrageously expensive as are the commercial grade tires that need to be replaced every 6-8 years. These coaches also have inflatable seals on their slides that cost $3000-$5,000 to replace. When looking at a prospective coach take a close look at what has been done, because you will be doing what hasn't . On the good side, you will have a coach that rides like a Greyhound bus and you would have a great "support system".

Re: what makes a u320 special

Reply #13 – August 25, 2020, 09:16:17 pm

Hello and thank you for your responses towards my purchase. I own a winnebago and won't buy another, I've looked at every brand I could at rv shows and was amazed that the manufacturers put more effort into useless gimmicks that abound on new dps. But had loose hardware, glue smeared all over woodwork and seals for windows that were installed wrong. Maybe its the aircraft mechanic and pilot in me but workmanship and proper execution triumph over glitz. The unit im interested in is 400 miles away and I cannot find one closer to even look at but its en couraging that your responses are all positive. If i am successful in a purchase be ready for alot of questions. In the meantime thank you !
!

Re: what makes a u320 special

Reply #14 – August 25, 2020, 09:48:47 pm

Quote from: Harrylagooty – August 25, 2020, 09:16:17 pm

Hello and thank you for your responses towards my purchase. I own a winnebago and won't buy another, I've looked at every brand I could at rv shows and was amazed that the manufacturers put more effort into useless gimmicks that abound on new dps. But had loose hardware, glue smeared all over woodwork and seals for windows that were installed wrong. Maybe its the aircraft mechanic and pilot in me but workmanship and proper execution triumph over glitz. The unit im interested in is 400 miles away and I cannot find one closer to even look at but its en couraging that your responses are all positive. If i am successful in a purchase be ready for alot of questions. In the meantime thank you !
!

Where are you located?

Re: what makes a u320 special

Reply #15 – August 25, 2020, 09:54:47 pm

I bought mine in Michigan and I live in Burnaby BC. I had 10 states and a border to deal with so 400 miles is a breeze and it was
more than worth all the uncertainty.

Re: what makes a u320 special

Reply #16 – August 25, 2020, 10:30:26 pm

You are where we were about seven or eight years ago. We had narrowed our search for a full-time RV to a Bluebird Wanderlodge, a Foretravel, or a Newell. I was on all three brand-specific forums and asked a LOT of questions. I had already eliminated Country Coach because they were no longer in business. I was going to eliminate the 'Birds, but the forum convinced me that the necessary knowledge was there. As it turned out, I've seen a few 'Birds at FOT for service, so it is available.

The biggest point for me is that 'Birds use drop-down jacks for leveling. Given their weight, that can be an issue. A year ago I saw first-hand what that meant. We were camphosting with another couple, who have a 'Bird. One host site has an asphalt pad, while the other is concrete. They started out on the asphalt one, and were sinking into it, so they had to switch sites. Both Foretravel and Newell use the air bags for leveling, so the tires are always taking the weight.

'Birds are very well built. The story is told of a Chevy Astro t-boning a 'Bird. The collision damaged the paint and a basement door latch. The Chevy went to the junkyard. That strength means weight. A 'Bird will weigh a LOT more than a Foretravel or Newell. That weight means more fuel used.

I checked into Beaver. At that time you had to own a Beaver in order to be a full member (able to post) of their owner's forum. I could read all I wanted, but couldn't ask questions, so I decided that I wasn't interested.

Bob may well have better information, but as far as I'm concerned, the top motor home choices are Foretravel and Newell. EVERY Newell is a custom build, so asking the forum about where the switch is for something is a waste of time. A Newell will cost you more for the same age coach, compared to a Foretravel. Put the other way, for the same money initially you will get a newer Foretravel than Newell.

Newell does have one feature that may well be worth the price of admission (unless they have changed it). No matter what the age of the Newell, the owner has 24/7/365 access to the factory people. Just call, and no matter what time of the day or night, or even what day, the right factory person will call you back within 30 minutes. No, they aren't going to come out to wherever you are, but they will talk to you on the phone and try to either get you going or do a remote diagnosis over the phone so that you can tell the repair people exactly what the factory thinks is wrong.

As far as luxury is concerned, all three brands offer sufficient creature comforts for me. Yes, a U320 will have more bells and whistles than a U295, which has more than a U270. Some of those features may be important to you, or maybe not. As was mentioned above, check out the specs and decide for yourself. For example, some people feel that the Aqua-Hot is absolutely necessary, while others wouldn't have one on a bet. FWIW, I believe that most, if not all, 'Birds have a competing brand, and all Newells have an Aqua-Hot. Rudy would know.

All three have different skin materials. 'Birds have stainless steel skins with fiberglass caps front and rear. Foretravels are all fiberglass. Newells are aluminum. To my mind, the paint color is more important than the skin material. That's why I like my (mostly) white Foretravel.

If you find a coach that has been used (not just parked) and has been well maintained you can probably be happy with any of the three. No matter what, though, you will be spending money to repair some things and upgrade others. Plan on it.

Re: what makes a u320 special

Reply #17 – August 25, 2020, 11:52:26 pm

Let me explain it like I told customers long ago, "do you live in a painted metal house? Have you had a metal rv in a hailstorm? Are any smaller boat in the harbor not white fiberglass? How much do you want to run the gen and the roof airs?

I still have rv's owned by new owners I sold new in the 80's. Obviously built differently.

Fabrics, paint and floor plans are how most rv's are sold. Ah. Third or fourth time owners ask about the box..

Old marquis's were exceptional. Best box made ever. I walked mr Fore through a marquis back then. As a favor

Re: what makes a u320 special

Reply #18 – August 26, 2020, 11:40:42 am

"My question here is what advantages do foretravels have or how do they compare to other brands in these years?"

Just for starters, ducted A/C...bus-style bay doors...air leveling instead of jacks...auto generator start...the only people that don't like AQUAHOT are folks who don't have it...a factory shop that will work on it for as long as you own it...in-stock parts...a free campground to stay while it is being worked on...they pull it out of the shop at 4:30 so you can stay in it overnight instead of going to a hotel...the list goes on and on.

Larry

Re: what makes a u320 special

Reply #19 – August 26, 2020, 11:53:23 am

Keep the sparkling star lights and glitz and give me hardwood and leather if I have to choose... But with some model FT's you can get both. I just have the hardwood and real leather and the wife is good with it. Matter of fact some of my leather still has cow hair on it, well maybe not but it is real, price on the invoice speaks for it. Good luck in your search, I enjoy the search and have logged the miles to prove it. I have driven 1000 miles and never got out of my pu when I drove up to one.. Man had a hell of a camera and not so much coach.. Everyone's notion of "clean" varies all over the scale.

Re: what makes a u320 special

Reply #20 – August 26, 2020, 12:04:24 pm

320 = aqua hot and 10k towing.

Re: what makes a u320 special

Reply #21 – August 26, 2020, 02:08:24 pm

I have to empathize with Dub. Promises of "excellent" condition and great photos sent us to a small town in the middle of Iowa from San Diego.
There was very little that didn't need to be fixed and much of it is documented here. We bought it because of a great paint job/ headlight conversion and a mid entry on a 36' U320 (we knew we would not find another). Incidentally, we had the owner bring it to a RV center and a truck shop to have them inspect it, prior to our making the trip. I spoke to the managers from both places, asking specific questions, and they flat out lied to me (they knew they had to live with the owner while I was some guy from California).

Re: what makes a u320 special

Reply #22 – August 26, 2020, 03:49:45 pm

Some are trying to deceive and some just don't know what clean is.. Either way we don't know until we go look and more times than not it's a considerable distance..

Re: what makes a u320 special

Reply #23 – August 26, 2020, 06:07:04 pm

Quote from: bigdog – August 25, 2020, 09:48:47 pm

Where are you located?

Tampa florida

Re: what makes a u320 special

Reply #24 – August 26, 2020, 06:21:49 pm

Quote from: Dub – August 26, 2020, 03:49:45 pm

Some are trying to deceive and some just don't know what clean is.. Either way we don't know until we go look and more times than not it's a considerable distance..

Let me tell you a little story. I answered an ad for a featherlite vogue 40ft that said travel like a rock star in our custome built coach. Inside pics were great and well lit nice interior. Outside was at a distance and dark. So I contacted owner, after asking some direct questions he gave me the whole story. It needs front swaybar bushings, 3 new roof airs, a new invertor, fridge is shot, dash ac inop, and oh yeah the roof leaks probably at roof air or where awning attaches. So I asked for good picks of exterior and roof. There were major areas of delamination down both sides front to back. And the clearcoat was shot. After it sat for a month he lowered price 10k. But two weeks after he raised it back up. Thing was junk but he lied and misrepresented it, sad.

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