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Topic: 1996 U295 (Read 930 times) previous topic - next topic

1996 U295

Today I spoke with someone selling a 1996 U295 Unicoach at a price I can handle comfortably.  Without seeing it yet, it sounds very promising.  A plane ride for a personal inspection is probably in my near future.  What it does not have are dual pane windows and ducted A/C.  I figure I can live without ducted A/C and I will give Suncoast Designs in Florida a call on Monday to see what upgrading to dual pane might set me back and figure that into the cost comparison with another motorhome (SOB) also on my radar.

Anything in particular about 1996 models that I should check for?  Or be aware of?  Questions peculiar to Foretravels of that vintage that I should ask?

I recently learned that dual pane windows and ducted A/C became standard in 1997, so I may decide to wait until a later model the suits me comes along, but for now this one seems very tempting.

Thanks for your patience with someone (me) who is trying to buy his third motorhome, first.  ;)  :D

Wayne

Re: 1996 U295

Reply #1 –
Wayne, remember that standard items may have been options in earlier years. It is possible that it already has dual pane windows. Certainly worth asking.

Re: 1996 U295

Reply #2 –
Wasn't the U295 coach that was in Havasu a 1996?  It was recently listed here for sale again and I believe it had the option of dual-pane windows.

On edit:  Found it:
1996 U295 36' reduced 
The selected media item is not currently available.Brad & Christine Slaughter
Was:  1990 U280 36'
Was:  2002 U270 36' (With a bathroom door) Build #5981
Is:  2021 Leisure Travel Van Wonder 24RL
2015 Jeep JKU, 2003 S10 QC 4x4 or 2017 C-Max
Lake Havasu City, AZ (or Gillette, WY)

Re: 1996 U295

Reply #3 –
Quote from: kb0zke –
Wayne, remember that standard items may have been options in earlier years. It is possible that it already has dual pane windows. Certainly worth asking.
I already asked.  In fact that was my first question to the current owner.  No dual pane.

Brad -- A few days ago, I spoke with Stewart/Stuart at MOT about a 1996 model they have listed.  He said I should be looking only at 1997 and later models because dual pane wasn't even an option before 1997, when it became standard.  I'm not so sure about that, but . . .

Wayne

Re: 1996 U295

Reply #4 –
Our 1996 had dual panes in the bedroom.  The coach was custom built for its original owner.
Gayle McNeece

Re: 1996 U295

Reply #5 –
Door and screen different from 96 to 97?
Mike
2001 U320 4010 Build 5878 (Gus)
Wrangle Unlimited Toad
Nacogdoches

Re: 1996 U295

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Brad & Christine Slaughter –
Wasn't the U295 coach that was in Havasu a 1996?  It was recently listed here for sale again and I believe it had the option of dual-pane windows.

On edit:  Found it:
1996 U295 36' reduced

I'm looking at a different 1996 U295. 

That one has dual pane windows, but the one I'm looking at is priced about $20K less.  I figure I can upgrade to dual pane for a lot less than $20K.

Wayne

Re: 1996 U295

Reply #7 –
Our 96 U295 doesn't have a screen, and supposedly wasn't even offered with one. We don't have dual pane windows or ducted air, and don't care. It's a great coach.
Steve & Ginny Hill
96 U295 36'/Wrangler
Tampa

Re: 1996 U295

Reply #8 –
We have neither dual pane windows, nor ducts. Love our coach.
1996 U295 36' WTBI

Re: 1996 U295

Reply #9 –
I did not mean for this to be sidetracked into a discussion of dual pane windows.  Those are probably non-negotiable in my climate, based on previous experience.

I/we camp a lot in late fall / early spring in the mountains of WV for trout fishing.  Weather is cold and damp.  Condensation on single pane windows is a big issue.  Been there, done that.  If necessary, I am willing to spend $3K or $4K to upgrade to dual pane.  A call on Monday will tell what that will cost.

My question here is whether there are any special issues with FTs of this vintage that I should be aware or things I should be careful to check for.

Those who have reported being happy with their 96's are reassuring.  Thanks!

Other comments on 1996 models appreciated.

Wayne

Re: 1996 U295

Reply #10 –
If you find a coach with dual pane windows, look for the seals to be creeping, or snaking.  The repair cost is reported about $300 per window to have it corrected.  A 1996 with single panes might be a better choice, and then you upgrade to new windows with better seals.  Several members have upgraded or replaced old windows, as seals failed or they were getting a full body repaint.
Dave Cobb
Buckhorn Lake Resort The Club, #6202, Kerrville TX
check the map.  I do rent it out when I am traveling!
2001, U320, 36' #5887, in Kerrville, FT Club #17006, (7/23 to present)
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Summit, white
EX: 98 U295, 36' #5219, (mid door), (4/13-10/23)
EX: 93 U225, 36' (4/11 to 4/13)

Re: 1996 U295

Reply #11 –
I have learned by PM that this is the same 1996 U295 as is the topic of discussion in the "What is this? (Water damage)" thread.

So, I think I too will pass on this one.

I think I will still give a call to Suncoast Designs to see what upgrading windows for an entire motorhome would cost.  I may still find a nice older coach that would be worth the upgrade.

But I do appreciate the feedback.

Wayne

Re: 1996 U295

Reply #12 –
Maybe Barry and Cindy will reply, they had there windows replaced with Motion Windows when the had the coach, best I can remember it is about $4000.00.
The selected media item is not currently available.Bill&Doris 97 U270 36'
University of Parris Island Class of 66
Semper Fi  Build# 5174 MC#17094

Re: 1996 U295

Reply #13 –
FWIW,
I have a 96 u295 and it has single pane windows.  I took it to Breckenridge Colorado over Christmas in 2012.  This is my 4th motorhome and I can say everything went well.  I did some special precautions with regard to basement but that would be the same for a 2014 (I think).  I haven't felt the need to change to dual pane windows.  The windows and the lack of ducted air have not been an issue.  My FT has been a great motorhome.  There are some things that I truly would like to have added or changed about this one.  But for the money I have in it, Love it.  All the things that I would like to have would require me to change FT's.  I am not able to justify the expense to do that right now. Right now, tickled pink with my u295.  I have had it 3+years too. 
Best of Travels

Re: 1996 U295

Reply #14 –
Our '96 U-295 had the optional dual-paned windows and the only one that's been a problem was in the door. Had it replaced at FOT and that's that ;D
Larry
1996 U295 36'
Build # 4805
Actually we sold it but just like to lurk

Re: 1996 U295

Reply #15 –
I had Suncoast rebuild all my windows last fall.  The total cost was $2534.83 for 11 windows.  Only five windows actually had bad seals.  If I had it to do over again, I might only have done the bad windows, but I would have replaced all the glass.  I found after the fact that new glass was only $25 apiece.  While Suncoast's cleaning process was excellent, some hard water etching remained.
Regards,
Brett

'99 42' Foretravel Xtreme
'14 Brown Motorsports Stacker
'05 Chevy SSR
'02 BMW R1150R

Re: 1996 U295

Reply #16 –
I called Suncoast and asked about upgrading from single pane to dual pane.  I was told that they cannot do it.  Coach would have single pane window frames and they need existing dual pane frames. 

I'll buy a coach with dual pane.

Wayne
 

Re: 1996 U295

Reply #17 –
Quote from: Mountain Couple –
I called Suncoast and asked about upgrading from single pane to dual pane.  I was told that they cannot do it.  Coach would have single pane window frames and they need existing dual pane frames. 

I'll buy a coach with dual pane.

Wayne

Thanks Wayne  Good info
Ed and Michele
2000 U295  36'  (Build #5600)
8.3 ISC 350HP.
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee (Toad)
2001 Lance Truck Camper (Sold)
2001 Lazy Daze (Class C). RK Floor Plan (Sold)