Foretravel Owners' Forum For owners and Fans of Foretravel Motorcoaches September 10, 2025 ...

Long time lurker, first time poster. Everything I read it looks like Foretravel is a good choice for my wife and I.
I wanted to get opinions of those of you that went through this process. I do have a chance to a get a 99 U320 that has been very well taken care. It is a bit high on miles (over 200k) for less than 60k. Everything I have read on here is that is a decent deal. We really were not looking to purchase for about another year. Those of you that waited did you still get what you wanted and had no regrets? Those that pulled the trigger did you wish you waited?
It just seems the market will take a turn down but I am not sure how that would really affect an RV in this price range. But then availability may not be there.
I invite opinions as the more I learn from you "pros" the better informed my purchase.

A lot to "unpack" here.  A '99 may or may not have a slide, but more likely not.  A slide makes a big difference in price.  When we started RVing, we did not want a slide, but after our first long trip (3 months) with a dog, we changed our minds.

It is easy to find what looks like a good deal, but you might also find yourself putting another $30k into a coach.  We bought a 2000 U320, which needed a lot of work, but went ahead because it was 36' U320 and had a mid entry, something we would not find again.
Unless all the high-cost upgrades (or deferred maintenance) have been taken care of, I would pass on the deal.  Maintenance history is crucial.  Some things you want to see that were done (prices approximate):  Slide seals ($3-5K each), tires ($4-5k), shock absorbers (($2k), 8 air bags ($?), radiator ($7-10k), front light conversion and paint ($30k), Aqua Hot service (@$1000), regular engine maintenance (at 200,000 miles, you should ask about last valve adjustment).  I've had most of these done and, in many cases, saved by doing the work myself.  When you "whine" to the service adjuster about the cost, they will invariably say:  "You have an expensive hobby......and an expensive coach."  I still whine.
I don't want you to be discouraged about buying a Foretravel; you picked it for a reason and those of us here can list all of those reasons if needed. 
If I were to buy one, I would first look to this forum for members who have done all the work and many sell them when they are no longer comfortable or able to drive them any longer.  If you are looking for a coach that is this old, you definitely should take your time and get the right one.  Try for "turn key".
Having been a firefighter for 30 years, I know that fire department mechanics are a really good resource, especially if you need brake work done.  If you need something mechanical, I would call your local fire department maintenance facility and ask if anyone does side work.  I had a mechanic working with me to replace rear brake pads and slide pins that were "frozen".  It took us parts of three days on my property and cost me about $500 labor; hate to think what it would have cost elsewhere.  In the past, I've helped do rear brake replacements at the fire station where it took only a couple of hours at most - but these were well maintained vehicles without rust.

Thanks and very sound advice. I would consider this one "turn key". I did ask about a lot of the items you have listed and they have been replaced. No slide, Bulkhead repaired, new shocks, new air bags, headlight replacement, exterior paint added, Auqa Hot is always serviced. Did not ask about radiator, valve adj.
I am very capable of doing work myself. Lot of mechanical experience, maybe not on a big rig but that does not bother me. And I do have resources that a familiar with big rigs. The owner kept very good records of maintenance. Also he would do a lot of his own work so a lot of knowledge transfer is to my benefit.
And thanks for your service!!

Till then more questions.