36 ' vs 40' U320 and U295

Topic: 36 ' vs 40' U320 and U295 (Read 2352 times) previous topic - next topic

36 ' vs 40' U320 and U295

May 11, 2017, 11:18:29 am

Hello everyone,
DW and I have been I debate over a number of issues on buying a FT.
This would be our 2nd FT. That was a 98 40' U320 FBP. We loved it
But that was 10 years ago. I'm now in my 70's
So the first issue is size. DW not to enamored with the bath on a 36'
Also kitchen looks smaller. We looked at a 2002 that had a booth. Seemed
to take up a lot of room (36). Also the 36 did not have a W/D
Another issue is engine size. We both think the u320 (450hp) would
be our choice, but in the u320 a little skittish about a AH. We had one in
our 98 and it pooped out and cost a lot to repair (just saying)
Looks like the 2001 or 2002 are the same animal
We would only need the coach for 6 months of the year as we has
a winter residence in Yuma AZ.
We are sort of perplexed
Appreciate any and all opinions
thanks
Lowell and Gloria

Re: 36 ' vs 40' U320 and U295

Reply #1 – May 11, 2017, 02:03:26 pm

We have 03 u295 36' two slides , it was a big step up from SOB 27' , we spend about 6 months each year traveling, never stay in one place longer than 4 weeks.
If we decided to do less traveling and stay in one spot I would be looking at a 45' coach . In fact I would buy one now if I could persuade the boss

Re: 36 ' vs 40' U320 and U295

Reply #2 – May 11, 2017, 02:14:59 pm

Jimmy,
Maybe the 40 wold be better for us. We just came out of a 5000 sq ft
home. We sold most of our furniture but still have stuff in storage.
Having had a 40 U320 (non slide) it did hold a lot. I think if we go 40
the U320 would be a priority. Not being fond of AH maybe we wouldn't
have to use it. On our last coach the owner said it just needed a "tune up"
Well that tune up cost me 2,000
thanks for your input
Lowell

Re: 36 ' vs 40' U320 and U295

Reply #3 – May 11, 2017, 02:20:41 pm

We have a 40-ft U320 with an Aqua-Hot and would not trade for a smaller model or for one without an Aqua-Hot. The 40-ft unit has the larger bath and we really appreciate it, as well as the additional inside and basement storage (when compared to a 36-ft unit). The Aqua-Hot has been trouble-free over the nearly five years we've owned it, and we really appreciate the continuous hot water and nearly-silent heat it provides.

Re: 36 ' vs 40' U320 and U295

Reply #4 – May 11, 2017, 02:46:40 pm

I think it would depend a lot on your usage profile.

Parked more than driving, most time spent in warm climates a 40' U295 would be great.

Driving a lot, and hanging out in cold climates a 36' U320 would be the choice.

Your intended use is likely neither of the extremes above so it comes down to what is more important. Big horsepower and endless hot water are worth more to some than others. Minimal maintenance and repair is something everybody wants of course. You are the only one that can determine the tipping point between the two.

Re: 36 ' vs 40' U320 and U295

Reply #5 – May 11, 2017, 02:56:41 pm

We have a restored, 40ft U300 GV that we are madly in love with. My wife wasn't happy about a 40 foot anything but has grown to appreciate the additional storage and bigger bathroom. That doesn't mean she has agreed to drive it yet, however.

The only negative for us, and the only reason we'd consider selling our coach would be to move to a 320 with an aqua hot and thermopane windows to comfortably extend our cool/cold weather travels with breaking the propane bank and our eardrums...our furnaces are pretty loud. Early spring and fall are our favorite times to travel.

I've learned here on the forum that an Aquahot with regular annual maintenance is pretty reliable.

Re: 36 ' vs 40' U320 and U295

Reply #6 – May 11, 2017, 03:18:46 pm

Jeff & Sandy
my wife wants a 40'
she took one look at the comode in a 36 (in a photo)and '
said no way. We had a really nice bath in our last coach.
98 u320 SE 40
lowell

Re: 36 ' vs 40' U320 and U295

Reply #7 – May 11, 2017, 03:40:04 pm

We are totally happy with our 38' U295. No AH, feels like 40' inside.

Re: 36 ' vs 40' U320 and U295

Reply #8 – May 11, 2017, 07:52:16 pm

Our previous coach was a beam axle single rear axle 37' Bluebird BMC. The 2003 FT U320 (40') tag axle we are in now turns and backs in just as sharply and well as the 37' did (with the tag axle raised).

If turning radius is the issue, a 40 tag turns as well as a 38'. Turning Radii [ForeForums Foretravel Motorcoach Wiki] (chart at top of page)

Re: 36 ' vs 40' U320 and U295

Reply #9 – May 12, 2017, 11:58:04 am

If where you can park it is a consideration, you might want to look at this-
RVs up to 19′ in length fit in 98% of all national park service campgrounds.
RVs up to 25′ in length fit in 93% of all national park campgrounds
RVs up to 29′ in length fit in 84% of all national park campgrounds
RVs up to 32′ in length fit in 81% of all national park campgrounds
RVs up to 35′ in length fit in 73% of all national park campgrounds
RVs up to 37′ in length fit in 60% of all national park campgrounds
RVs up to 40′ in length fit in 53% of all national park campgrounds (Remember that many of the parks will only have a few sites this size, however. Book long in advance if reservations are available–otherwise you run the risk of not having a spot)
RVs up to 41′ in length fit in 7% of all national park campgrounds (Remember that many of the parks will only have a few sites this size, however. Book long in advance if reservations are available–otherwise you run the risk of not having a spot)

Ideal RV Length for Fitting into National Park Campsites - Camper Report

the larger you go, the fewer places you can take it.

Re: 36 ' vs 40' U320 and U295

Reply #10 – May 12, 2017, 09:02:20 pm

There is a beautiful 2002 36' 295 with 1 slide for sale on rvtrader.
John M

2002 Foretravel FORETRAVEL M-3600U295, Maurice LA - - RVtrader.com

Re: 36 ' vs 40' U320 and U295

Reply #11 – May 12, 2017, 09:17:32 pm

How can it have a 45,000lb. gvw?

Re: 36 ' vs 40' U320 and U295

Reply #12 – May 12, 2017, 09:42:11 pm

Gvwr

Re: 36 ' vs 40' U320 and U295

Reply #13 – May 12, 2017, 09:58:25 pm

Quote from: Caflashbob – May 12, 2017, 09:42:11 pm

Gvwr

Still too high must be gcwr

Re: 36 ' vs 40' U320 and U295

Reply #14 – May 12, 2017, 11:22:55 pm

Quote from: craneman – May 12, 2017, 09:17:32 pm

How can it have a 45,000lb. gvw?

Craneman,
2002 U295's have a 34,500 lbs. GVWR and a 44,500 lbs. GCWR (tow and stop 10K lbs. over the 34,500 coach GVWR).
So listed in a less than fully informative manner. Good looking coach!
Neal

Re: 36 ' vs 40' U320 and U295

Reply #15 – May 13, 2017, 08:22:58 pm

The Louisiana 2002 U295 looks OK except for the hydraulic oil tank and air cleaner canister look like they have been damaged. I would worry about a bent up air cleaner canister.

Re: 36 ' vs 40' U320 and U295

Reply #16 – May 13, 2017, 09:50:47 pm

Really looked at a 36' non slide before we bought the 40' tag with one slide... The AH is dependable and very silent, also the added interior room made the decision for us... no brainer..

Re: 36 ' vs 40' U320 and U295

Reply #17 – May 13, 2017, 09:52:37 pm

Quote from: Roger & Susan in Home2 – May 13, 2017, 08:22:58 pm

The Louisiana 2002 U295 looks OK except for the hydraulic oil tank and air cleaner canister look like they have been damaged. I would worry about a bent up air cleaner canister.

Roger,
Good eye. I didn't catch that. He must have backed in to something and replaced or repaired the engine gate.
John M

Re: 36 ' vs 40' U320 and U295

Reply #18 – May 13, 2017, 10:02:35 pm

Well spotted, must of been quite a ding to push that in , would insurance not instruct shop to replace damage if you were pulling door off etc ??

Re: 36 ' vs 40' U320 and U295

Reply #19 – May 14, 2017, 12:57:11 pm

Since you have already had a 40', you have more information than I could offer with regard to maneuverability and parking - it sounds like you are sold on the larger RV. The separate commode compartment is a definite plus if either of you has to "get up" during the night or gets up earlier in the morning. The pocket door is noisy, where the swing door doesn't have that problem.
We don't have issues of storage space (we started out in a 24' Class C) and would be inclined to fill a larger unit with stuff we don't need. We do most of our cooking before trips (Seal a Meal bags in the freezer and ice maker) so don't need a lot of kitchen space. The J couch is a real plus, especially if we have guests over and are playing board games. We like the Aqua Hot for reasons others have mentioned, but don't need a washer/dryer (ours was removed), when we can do larger loads at camp grounds.
I have a friend with a 40' who says his rig is sluggish compared to ours because of the weight. We also like having windows on both sides of the bedroom for ventilation, access to the engine, view and less expense (a friend's FT bedroom slide sheared off the bolts when the magnetic switch failed).
It all comes down to personal preferences.

Re: 36 ' vs 40' U320 and U295

Reply #20 – May 14, 2017, 03:22:58 pm

Our 2001 36' has two closets with swinging doors in the bathroom area. When I get up in the middle of the night to do what many of us seniors do I just open the closet door, it covers the sliding door opening into the bedroom, the LED lights in the closet come on and all is ready for the task at hand.

We have looked at several private bath models and are not fans of the toilet in a small space at the expense of a closet. It seems to us that it would be harder to clean as well. But you have to try them out for size to know for yourself.

Re: 36 ' vs 40' U320 and U295

Reply #21 – May 14, 2017, 04:00:21 pm

Having owned an Airstream and SOB with conventional furnaces, I really like the AH! Yesterday took a shower and had hot water apparently heated from the Cummins while we were driving. Sweet.

Re: 36 ' vs 40' U320 and U295

Reply #22 – May 14, 2017, 05:25:16 pm

Mark the water will be hot still for a while and I used the AH in the winter with no diesel just engine heat to keep the coach warm as well.

Re: 36 ' vs 40' U320 and U295

Reply #23 – May 14, 2017, 05:32:17 pm

Engine heated AH will stay warm easily overnight except up nort in the middle of the winter. In the winter use the engine heated aquahot to heat the coach while driving, set the thermostat to 75 otherwise the dash heat will shut it off.

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