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Topic: Looking for a 320 (Read 820 times) previous topic - next topic

Looking for a 320

Wow, there's such a wealth of info here.  My initial thanks goes out to everyone who takes the time to post on this forum--you guys are great!

I've been looking for a new motorhome for about a year now.  My price range is at about 100k.  Since I need to tow a 24' enclosed trailer, I need at least a 10k hitch, max of 37', and a minimum 400HP motor.  I need to keep the total length at 65 feet max.  I would like at least one slide.  When someone in another forum suggested I take a look at these, I saw the prices and knew it wasn't going to happen.  I really just couldn't see the value.  After looking hard at Foretravels for the last few months, I can see why they can command such a high price. 

I'm thinking that I may be able to swing a U320 in the 1999 to 2002 range.  I'm convinced on getting Aquahot.  A larger generator would be nice for extended dry camping in the desert.

I see the 36' 2002 in Bristol, TN for $130,000 (two slides)  (it looks like the price is firm, so this one may be out)
There's a 36' 2000 in Seattle for $99,000 (one slide)
There was a 36' 2000 at MOT that sold, it had a price of $65,000 (no slides)

Any thoughts on these? 

Anyone know of any other 36' models for sale that I'm missing?
Jennifer
2003 36' U295 (# 6070)
Thousand Oaks, CA

Re: Looking for a 320

Reply #1 –
If you wish further information, let me know.

I have a lead on a 1999 40 ft U320 with a slide.  It has upgrades tv, directv, decals look pretty good, tires seem ok but I have not dated them, bulkheads seem good but I am not trying to inspect coaches for prospective buyers, just to provide assistance Forum members and friends.  Mike
Mike
2001 U320 4010 Build 5878 (Gus)
Wrangle Unlimited Toad
Nacogdoches

Re: Looking for a 320

Reply #2 –
Quote from: Michael & Jackie –
If you wish further information, let me know.

I have a lead on a 1999 40 ft U320 with a slide.  It has upgrades tv, directv, decals look pretty good, tires seem ok but I have not dated them, bulkheads seem good but I am not trying to inspect coaches for prospective buyers, just to provide assistance Forum members and friends.  Mike

Thanks Mike.  I have a hard requirement for the length at 37'max.  I do appreciate the info.
Jennifer
2003 36' U295 (# 6070)
Thousand Oaks, CA

Re: Looking for a 320

Reply #3 –
Quote from: tothetrail –
Thanks Mike.  I have a hard requirement for the length at 37'max.  I do appreciate the info.

Your 320 search is an absolute requirement to me.  Towing 10k you will find it absolutely necessary.  Most buyers of the bigger engine models unfortunately also picked the 40'. 

Depending on the trailer setup and how you set up the trailer brakes the trailer can "push" the rear of the coach around especially downhill in a turn.  Be prepared.  Longer wheelbase helps in this issue.

We are dirt bikers and personal water crafters and the 40 we have will be not optimal in non paved areas so I understand your desire for a shorter coach.

Not one customer ever complained about the engine being too powerfull.  The bigger motors spin slower and get better mpg so the 320 is the choice for me also.
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Looking for a 320

Reply #4 –
Quote from: tothetrail –
Wow, there's such a wealth of info here.  My initial thanks goes out to everyone who takes the time to post on this forum--you guys are great!

Welcome to Foreforums!

Quote
I've been looking for a new motorhome for about a year now.  My price range is at about 100k.  Since I need to tow a 24' enclosed trailer, I need at least a 10k hitch, max of 37', and a minimum 400HP motor.  I need to keep the total length at 65 feet max. 

I'm thinking that I may be able to swing a U320 in the 1999 to 2002 range.  I'm convinced on getting Aquahot.  A larger generator would be nice for extended dry camping in the desert.

Anyone know of any other 36' models for sale that I'm missing?

Many used coaches that are sold through MOT never make it to their website; I believe they keep a list of potential buyers and what they're looking for and the match is made very early on as a coach comes in on consignment.  I might suggest that you contact one of the sales guys (one of them, Mel Cordray, is a member here on the forum and very customer-oriented) and let them know the particulars of what you're looking for.

Happy hunting!

Michelle
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Looking for a 320

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Steve & Michelle –
Welcome to Foreforums!

Many used coaches that are sold through MOT never make it to their website; I believe they keep a list of potential buyers and what they're looking for and the match is made very early on as a coach comes in on consignment.  I might suggest that you contact one of the sales guys (one of them, Mel Cordray, is a member here on the forum and very customer-oriented) and let them know the particulars of what you're looking for.

Happy hunting!

Michelle

Great info, thanks!
Jennifer
2003 36' U295 (# 6070)
Thousand Oaks, CA

Re: Looking for a 320

Reply #6 –
Quote
"Many used coaches that are sold through MOT never make it to their website; I believe they keep a list of potential buyers and what they're looking for and the match is made very early on as a coach comes in on consignment."

That's good to know. We're getting closer to narrowing things down, and being able to tell MOT what we're looking for is going to make the search much easier.

Re: Looking for a 320

Reply #7 –
Here is another thread that will provide some additional info on the search piece...

Frustrated FT wannabe...

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Mark & Mary Benko
Former coach: 2005 U295 3823
Jeep Cherokee, Honda Fit

Re: Looking for a 320

Reply #8 –
Giving the same heads up to the Factory helps too. Curtis at FOT new what I was looking for and contacted me as soon as the coach we eventually bought came in. So it never made it to the web site.
Previous coach - 2007 Phenix 45'

Re: Looking for a 320

Reply #9 –
Quote from: brrving –
Giving the same heads up to the Factory helps too.

Of course, no omission of FOT intended.  I was just keying off the OP's interest in 1999-2002 coaches and I recall that FOT doesn't take anything older than 10 years on consignment so their volume of coaches in those years will be limited to trade-ins. 

Michelle
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Looking for a 320

Reply #10 –
We are the proud owner of a 01 U320 36'.  It is the perfect machine with plenty of power in the 450 Cummins....I would also suggest looking at the California Coach inventory.  They usually have a few Foretravels and may know of some.  You can't go wrong with the folks at MOT or at the factory.  When we were researching we flew out from California to the factory just to get a handle on the different units and they were very helpful as were the MOT folks.  Just really nice people who understand our coaches.
Scott, Bonnie and Bentley
2001 36' U320
2006 Hummer H3

Re: Looking for a 320

Reply #11 –
I also am very opinionated on my 01, 320 36', for my useage, it could not be a better coach nor size, frame, body, all the quality built in, retarder, large engine, heavy transmission, and it runs with cars on the upgrades, yup I love it, and handles the toad with gusto.
Now I think brother with his 45' Phenix, would be happy with a 55' version, never too much room. ;D
No such thing as too much power, but this ISM500 sure is sweet.
I wonder if I am the only one that likes and enjoys a strong running coach for the up hills ?
Y'all smile
Dave M

Re: Looking for a 320

Reply #12 –
We are very happy with our 2003 36' and have never felt that we (Pat, myself and Cosmo) needed more room or storage space.  The longest period we have spent in the coach is about 11 months and we typically spend 4-5 months at a time.  Thus far we have put about 20.000 miles on it.  We have the 400 ISL engine and it seems to have plenty of power.  Overall mileage has been 8.5 mpg.  At times we will reduce our speed to 35 mph and 3rd gear while climbing a steep pass while pulling the toad (Honda CRV).  But this is rare.  Like I said, we could not be happier.  We got lucky.... this is our first coach. 
The selected media item is not currently available.
George Hatfield

  Never ever use World Line Motors of Nacogdoches for service!
 

Re: Looking for a 320

Reply #13 –
Thanks for all of the info, you guys are good!  I edited my initial post, I should have mentioned that I would like at least one slide. 
Jennifer
2003 36' U295 (# 6070)
Thousand Oaks, CA