Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Looking at buying a 2001 Foretravel U295 (Read 1643 times) previous topic - next topic

Looking at buying a 2001 Foretravel U295

This would be my first DP and wanted some insight on what to look for. Coach has about 80,000 miles on it. I took it for a test ride and it seemed to wander. Is this a easy fix or is this just what you get with an older coach? The dealership says they recommend a complete fluid change for the engine, generator and transmission at a cost of $3,200.00. Is that reasonable? I've had gas coaches and the pricing sort of shocked me. Any items I should look at with this particular coach? Any inherent problems with this coach?
Any help with a DP newbie is appreciated!

Ted

Re: Looking at buying a 2001 Foretravel U295

Reply #1 –
ted,

What is mileage?

FLuids should be changed, call Motorhomes of Texas or FOretravel for a price comparison.

Wander is very likely after 100,000 miles, often worn front end parts, sometimes toe n setting, tires, and or poor shocks.

Welcome!
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 at buying a 2001 Foretravel U295

Reply #2 –
80,000 miles. I'll compare with Foretravel.

Thanks!

Re: Looking at buying a 2001 Foretravel U295

Reply #3 –
Where are you Ted?,one of us could possibly help you look,can you change the fluids yourself,would be alot cheaper.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Looking at buying a 2001 Foretravel U295

Reply #4 –
Welcome Ted! That's way high for the service. If your mechanically inclined you can do the generator, it's the same as doing a car oil change.  The big motor is the same just a larger amount of oil.. Wallyworld has 1gallon and 2.5 gallon jugs of Delo, my Cummins M11 takes 9 gallons not sure on your motor. All filters are ~$125-150 (my motor and generator  has 7 total including fuel). I had a friend get his oil changed at one of the truck oil changing places on the freeway near me for $250 and he supplied the filters...... Depending on what fluid you choose  for the tranny will vary your costs, choose transynd and the oil alone is around $450( but is good for 600k miles)......
Dp's are definitely more expensive to operate than a gasser but I promise you will never think about going back..

Go ahead and get the TSD card for fuel now, you can thank me later...

Again welcome to the family and hope to meet ya down the road


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: Looking at buying a 2001 Foretravel U295

Reply #5 –
Looks like the rough estimate for labor is around 2K,run like hell.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Looking at buying a 2001 Foretravel U295

Reply #6 –
I just had a complete fluid/filter change on my engine (M11), transmission (Allison 4000), and generator a few months ago. $1000 even and the guy came to me and did a chassis lube service while he was at it.
1987 Grand Villa ORED
2001 U320 4010

Not all that wander are lost... but I often am.

Re: Looking at buying a 2001 Foretravel U295

Reply #7 –
Also, FWIW, I once asked Keith Risch if he recommended installing the oft recommended Safe-T-Plus steering stabilizer. His response was "if you think your Foretravel needs one, there's something wrong with your Foretravel".
1987 Grand Villa ORED
2001 U320 4010

Not all that wander are lost... but I often am.

Re: Looking at buying a 2001 Foretravel U295

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Elliott –
Also, FWIW, I once asked Keith Risch if he recommended installing the oft recommended Safe-T-Plus steering stabilizer. His response was "if you think your Foretravel needs one, there's something wrong with your Foretravel".
On other forums, I have seen several people add stabilizers (on non-FT) without checking to see what is wrong.  They seem confused that a stabilizer does not heal ball joints, replace worn bushings, correct bad alignment, shim a steering box, make old tires round again, correct improper loading...
Matt B
1998 u-320

Re: Looking at buying a 2001 Foretravel U295

Reply #9 –
Quote from: John44 –
Where are you Ted?,one of us could possibly help you look,can you change the fluids yourself,would be alot cheaper.
Right now we're about 1 1/2 hours north of MOT. We're from Wisconsin we were supposed to be heading home today but looking at this coach has pushed our departure time back.

Re: Looking at buying a 2001 Foretravel U295

Reply #10 –
We are just north of Memphis,if you need help on way home let me know.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Looking at buying a 2001 Foretravel U295

Reply #11 –
Yahoo-o-o-o Another Foretravel coach owner in Wisconsin!!
Seems like every year I learn of more folks from WI buying Foretravel coaches.
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: Looking at buying a 2001 Foretravel U295

Reply #12 –
I installed the safety plus stabilizer to hopefully keep from wrecking coach if I happen to hit something and have a blowout
Just some more insurance as for as I am concerned!
Chris
1999 U 320 DGFE
Build Number 5523
Chris & Elka Lang
In the field, Lonoke AR

Re: Looking at buying a 2001 Foretravel U295

Reply #13 –
I wouldn't pay that. Neither should you.
In addition to worn parts, the sheppard steering box is likely needing a rebuild. Seems it's not the miles but the time. After I change mine along with new shocks my steering was so much better.
Where are you looking? I would think twice before buying from any dealership. And you might want to look at MOT (motorhomes of Texas). Also from a private sale here on the forums. And a inspection by a knowledgeable owner on any coach.
 
'99 U320 40 WTFE
Build #5462,
1500 Watts Solar 600 amp Victron lithium
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Hemi
Instagram bobfnbw
Retired

Re: Looking at buying a 2001 Foretravel U295

Reply #14 –
Quote from: Elliott –
Also, FWIW, I once asked Keith Risch if he recommended installing the oft recommended Safe-T-Plus steering stabilizer. His response was "if you think your Foretravel needs one, there's something wrong with your Foretravel".


Keith is always right; however the safe-t- plus  is NOT meant to be a correction for wandering steering, it's meant to help maintain control in a front end blow out. Keith installed mine for the possibility of front end blow out, and I'm thankful it's there.
1996 36' U295 Build #4879 Motorcade #18088
2007 Jeep Liberty 4x4 FMCA #F474816
Foretravel Mid-South
There's no happy like Foretravel happy!

Re: Looking at buying a 2001 Foretravel U295

Reply #15 –
Quote from: jhardman –

Keith is always right; however the safe-t- plus  is NOT meant to be a correction for wandering steering, it's meant to help maintain control in a front end blow out. Keith installed mine for the possibility of front end blow out, and I'm thankful it's there.


Actually, the Safe-T-Plus does both-- has centering force which keeps you tracking straighter AND helps you maintain control with a blow out. Also helps wheels return to center after a turn.

Agree with Keith, it is not "necessary", but may be desirable.
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 at buying a 2001 Foretravel U295

Reply #16 –
Well folks, after having the inspection done on the coach there were too many things that needed to be repaired for me to be able to make a deal. So we're back in Wisconsin and will continue the search. Thanks for all the help!
 

Re: Looking at buying a 2001 Foretravel U295

Reply #17 –
Reference to answer # 4  from Keith,

I also have a 2003 U320 and want to change the engine oil only after a 6000 mile trip. Confirmation on the oil filter numbers or cross reference how to find these on the Forum would be appreciated.

Regards

Klaus
The world is not interested in the storms you encountered, but whether or not you brought in the ship.
Raul Armesto

2003 U 320 4020 Unit 6145