Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Thinking about a newer coach (Read 1371 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Thinking about a newer coach

Reply #25 –
John has been wanting a bus conversion for a long time, Me, I would encourage him to get one and get it out of his system. I am sure once the newness wears thin, and the added cost of maintance, fuel, Va tax and insurance are calculated, the ole FT looks real good. 
I had a MCI for 20 years, got that out of my system for sure.
But some times you just have to do it, so go for it John, enjoy.  :))
Dave M

Re: Thinking about a newer coach

Reply #26 –
Quote
To Quote JC: "I believe it is time to bale before my machine craters from the poor bulkhead design, "

JC, The bulkhead fix, even if both front and back bulkheads have to be repaired, is not terribly expensive (about $2,000). Once fixed, annual inspection is about all that is necessary. IMHO there must be more serious issues to justify bailing out of one's FT 320. 1999 was a GOOD year for U-320's.

I repaired the rear bulkhead myself (13 new through-hole bolts) and just had XtremeGraphics fix the front bulkhead. Problem addressed and solved.
Don Hay
'92 Grandvilla, U-280
The Hayfever Express
Build #4055
'97 GEO Tracker
Life is like licking honey off a thorn.

Re: Thinking about a newer coach

Reply #27 –
Dave, you are right about the VA tax.  I have been thinking about all the responses I have received here as well. You can convince yourself of most anything as it is only money right... But seriously, I have a great coach and it runs great and they have their issues too. I was looking for input that is wider than I have had so far.  I may get one still but right now I would say I am leaning with keeping this coach and seeing if FT builds one that can go 600,000 miles. Maybe it will be in the factory showroom next to the early model one.
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: Thinking about a newer coach

Reply #28 –
Foretravel did a half dozen prevost conversions in the 70's.  36 feet.  Foretravel dropped out when prevost went to 40 only

I like not running the gen or needing to be plugged in always.  Painted metal is hot.  And cold. 

Do you live in a painted metal house.? 

The h3's driver is at a lower level and you are not "in" the coach.

Did the finally figure out a screen door for a prevost?

I have several unihome customers that the last time I saw them that had 300k on them and one ored 300 guy, Pete youngdahl, that did 300k on his coach in five years.  Minor repairs.  Side drive fan had issues
"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: Thinking about a newer coach

Reply #29 –
Interesting on the 300K milage. I do not really care about the screen door. I do not really ever leave my door open with the two dogs we carry. I know that I saw the dark painted coaches and they were much hotter than the sides of the XLII or my mostly white coach.  I have paint but a lot of the coach is white with the standard 2001 graphics.  What did the coach in 5 years with 300K look like? Could you tell and was it worn out?  DId it sell or did it take a huge hit?
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: Thinking about a newer coach

Reply #30 –
John, why worry about what another looks or looked like after 300k and "did it sell or take a hit" if you look after it and keep it up yours will look as good as new?? I have seen some 1 yr old coaches that are a mess because people are pigs and in their home too, so they do not know any other way.
I have a feeling that the cost part is not an issue and you are not able (or do not want to) do any of the fixing/replacing that is inherent on these or other coaches-so that as I see it Dave M is right, just go do it then after a year or 2 revisit the notion and see if it was a good answer.
I have no problem with flying or driving back and forth across the continent and actually love driving (70k + kms doing it in Mexico over the years) I am either mad or enjoy it!!
Why not drive say twice to see them but spend a longer time when there than if you go 4 times. Friends that live in San Carlos Mexico full time do the trip to north east Ontario to see there G Kids each summer driving their CC 42' and stay 3 months to baby sit. They are G Kidded out after that but do it each year. Anyway, you will decide what is good for you so go do it and enjoy the "ride"
John H
Coachless, now use aircraft. 2003 Ford Travelair TC280 class C. Super shape. Just for 1 yr .
1994 Ford E350 ClassC,total renovation inside and out. Now sold.
2000 U295  36' Cummins 350 c/w Banks Stinger, Resonator upgrade,Solar, LED lites.Residential fridge with slide out pantry. Build 5674. Sold
ex 92 GV 022C ored Cummins. Sold
ex 95 GV240 cat 3116. Sold
2017 Mini cooper s & 2016 land Rover LR2 HSE  LUX.
jhaygarth@aol.com    SKP #130098
treat everyone as you would like to be.

Re: Thinking about a newer coach

Reply #31 –
John,
I had a similiar conversation with a friend in the Prevost conversion business. He stated if you are going to buy a Prevost select either a Marathon, Liberty, or Millennium.
If you are considering a Newell I would go to the plant in Miami, Ok. Newell provides a 2 year warranty on their used coaches that are within 8 years of the current model year. They are building 2013's  so you would get the warranty on a Newell as old as a 2005 model.  We test drove a Newell with the steering tag axle and found the turning radius to be AWESOMELY impressive.  The interiors on all the Newells we looked at are definitely acceptable.  We've looked at Foretravels and are not all that impressed with the living area configurations, it seems the Newell slides are deeper giving more interior space.
We looked at Country Coach along with the others mentioned here and have found the floor plans/living areas in the CC yield the best living amenities and comforts.
We owned an '04 U320 Foretravel with 2 slides so we have a definitive idea of interior space differences.  Good luck with your search.
Regards,
Reese Cantrell

Re: Thinking about a newer coach

Reply #32 –
condos cheap right now, so is interest. condos may have bottomed out, coaches never will. Condos can often be rented on VRBO by the week/month for a premium if not used personally.

Like the idea. we have a few homes in FL and condos in Chicago, they enable our MH "habit"
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: Thinking about a newer coach

Reply #33 –
Well, the decision was made.  I will have a high milage Foretravel. We will have to see how tough these things really are.  Thanks for the 325K miles heads up.  Helps a lot.
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