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Topic: Considering buying 2005 U320 with bunks (Read 1032 times) previous topic - next topic

Considering buying 2005 U320 with bunks

So, I've put a deposit hold on a 2005 U320 4020 with bunks. I was curious if anyone is personally familiar with this rig (previous owner).  I have a call into Keith Risch for a prebuy. What in particular, would one request when going through the buying process. I don't want to be hit with a multiple thousand bill a few months from now. I've already asked about the tires and coach batteries.

I'm a long time Airstream owner and we're wanting to step up to a coach. I've been eyeing Foretravel and looking specifically for a bunkhouse, as we are a family of five.

[edited topic title for clarity to show person is asking about a specific coach, rather than placing a "WTB" ad - Michelle]

Re: Looking to buy 2005 U320 with bunks

Reply #1 –
Be sure to be there when Keith does the inspection and wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty. 

Ask Keith questions-- what needs to be done right now?  Within the next year? etc? He is VERY good.

Plenty of information here on the ForeForum on what will likely need to be done (or has already been done-- important to ask for maintenance records) on a 15 year old coach. Familiarize yourself with any maintenance records before you go over the coach with Keith so he can give you a more realistic picture of what needs to be done.

Said another way ,it is difficult to tell whether hydraulic fluid, engine coolant, etc were just changed or are several years old.

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: Looking to buy 2005 U320 with bunks

Reply #2 –
If you can have all fluids sent to be analyzed.
Frank & Daisy
NO LONGER  "looking for the perfect Foretravel
36' or less non slide preferred."  She has been found and is ours.
2003 U320 36' non slide  Unit 6103
Cummins ISM 450
Allison 4000MH

Re: Looking to buy 2005 U320 with bunks

Reply #3 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
Be sure to be there when Keith does the inspection and wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty. 

Ask Keith questions-- what needs to be done right now?  Within the next year? etc? He is VERY good.

Plenty of information here on the ForeForum on what will likely need to be done (or has already been done-- important to ask for maintenance records) on a 15 year old coach. Familiarize yourself with any maintenance records before you go over the coach with Keith so he can give you a more realistic picture of what needs to be done.

Said another way ,it is difficult to tell whether hydraulic fluid, engine coolant, etc were just changed or are several years old.



Great advice, I'll be sure and be there and wear some old clothes.

Re: Looking to buy 2005 U320 with bunks

Reply #4 –
Foretravel coaches with bunks are rare. Keith will j ow the history. We're a special order or a remodel after initial delivery
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: Looking to buy 2005 U320 with bunks

Reply #6 –
While fluid analysis can certainly be done, Keith will likely be able to alert you if he sees anything to indicate that this is needed (even as just a "feel good").

If so, write the purchase agreement with a: "Subject to acceptable fluid analysis with answer within (reasonable window of time)." If a seller will not agree to this, RUN.
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: Looking to buy 2005 U320 with bunks

Reply #7 –
That coach will have a enviable 18k tow capacity. Very nice.
Scott

Re: Considering buying 2005 U320 with bunks

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Corynolen –
So, I've put a deposit hold on a 2005 U320 4020 with bunks. I was curious if anyone is personally familiar with this rig (previous owner).  I have a call into Keith Risch for a prebuy. What in particular, would one request when going through the buying process. I don't want to be hit with a multiple thousand bill a few months from now. I've already asked about the tires and coach batteries.

I'm a long time Airstream owner and we're wanting to step up to a coach. I've been eyeing Foretravel and looking specifically for a bunkhouse, as we are a family of five.

[edited topic title for clarity to show person is asking about a specific coach, rather than placing a "WTB" ad - Michelle]
Glad you got a hold of Keith....
The selected media item is not currently available.Keith & Jo
2003 U320T 4025 PBBS Designer series
Build 6203    Cummins 500hp
2000 U320 4010 WTFE / Build 5762 —Sold—
Motorcade #18070   
Pasadena, Texas
2015 Jeep Wrangler Sahara-Sunset Orange pearl coat
Don't argue with a fool, people watching might not be able to tell the difference.

Re: Considering buying 2005 U320 with bunks

Reply #9 –
That coach looks like Lyle Reeds old coach our I should say his first coach.
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: Considering buying 2005 U320 with bunks

Reply #10 –
Lyle Reed's was a 42' and is owned by a member in Livingston, Texas. It has changed hands a few times over the years. It always sells very very quickly (most early bunk coaches do). The one at MOT is the only 40' I have ever seen with factory bunks and three A/Cs. MOT had the 40' for sale about a year ago also. It has a "C" stock number and I am wondering if it actually sold last year or if the same consignor who owns it now had it back then and pulled it out of inventory.
Cody, Gretchen, Paul, and Benny
Lufkin, Texas USA
2004 42' U320 #6270 Bunk Coach - Current
1985 35' FTX ORED #2479 - Previous
2000 40' U320 #5665 WTFE - Previous
Motorcade #17797
2008 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon AEV 392 HEMI toad
2012 Honda Odyssey EX-L toad

Re: Considering buying 2005 U320 with bunks

Reply #11 –
Quote from: codytayloe –
Lyle Reed's was a 42' and is owned by a member in Livingston, Texas. It has changed hands a few times over the years. It always sells very very quickly (most early bunk coaches do). The one at MOT is the only 40' I have ever seen with factory bunks and three A/Cs. MOT had the 40' for sale about a year ago also. It has a "C" stock number and I am wondering if it actually sold last year or if the same consignor who owns it now had it back then and pulled it out of inventory.

Good information, I'd love to talk to a previous owner if anyone knows who they are.

Re: Considering buying 2005 U320 with bunks

Reply #12 –
The coach that you are looking at is beautiful.  Doubt that you'll ever find something similar.  MOT won't give names of previous owner until you purchase the coach.  It mostly comes down to whether you can afford it (MOT will NOT haggle) and have the finances to make repairs that you encounter.  Most MOT consignments need new tires and batteries before you drive it off the lot.  There is no such a thing as a used coach on the market that doesn't need some work done on it...maybe lots.  My advice is to buy it.  If I hadn't bought just a new coach (for us), I would have snatched it out of your fingers.  My advice is don't dally.

Larry

Re: Considering buying 2005 U320 with bunks

Reply #13 –
Contrary to most opinions, I would forego the inspection on such a nice coach - particularly at MOT.  After you buy it, Keith will tell you what needs fixed and won't charge you for it.  Apply the inspection dollars towards repairs. 

Please note this advice applies ONLY to nice-looking coaches at MOT and NOT to private sellers. As a rule, MOT doesn't consign junk coaches.

Larry

Re: Considering buying 2005 U320 with bunks

Reply #14 –
Quote from: U295 Owner –
Please note this advice applies ONLY to nice-looking coaches at MOT and NOT to private sellers. As a rule, MOT doesn't consign junk coaches.

Larry

Larry, et al;

Sorry, but have to disagree with you.  There are excellent coaches for sale (both cosmetically and mechanically), there are coaches where the owner spent a lot of $$ on interiors and totally neglected maintenance and the are coaches that have had both cosmetics and maintenance neglected..

Appearance alone is just one indicator of coach condition.

One of the nicest interiors and polished exteriors I inspected last year was from up north and had SIGNIFICANT rust, bulkhead issues, etc. That coach would not have made a good choice! Yes, this coach was at MOT.  NOT MOT's fault IMO.  Most coaches at MOT are CONSIGNMENT  coaches.  They will span the whole range of conditions-- mechanical and cosmetic.  May be different for coaches that MOT buys and reconditions-- probably is.
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: Considering buying 2005 U320 with bunks

Reply #15 –
I'd like to reiterate - MOT coaches....

Larry

Re: Considering buying 2005 U320 with bunks

Reply #16 –
My lone question about that coach is why there are air fresheners hung throughout the interior. Owned by a smoker?
 

Re: Considering buying 2005 U320 with bunks

Reply #17 –
Very good eye! I hadn't noticed that till you pointed out. I'll add that to my questions before I drive 3 hours to look at it.