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Topic: What major repairs have you done to your 2000-03 Coach? (Read 1772 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: What major repairs have you done to your 2000-03 Coach?

Reply #25 –
Grc good luck on your search.  As you can see, we are a loyal bunch when it comes to our Foretravels.  I think I'm most amazed at some ladies in their 70's and 80's we have met traveling across the country in their Foretravels even though they don't do any maintenance themselves.  That speaks to the reliability of our older coaches.  There will always be repairs that need done on Foretravels or any other brand.  That said, people invest many thousands just getting an older, well-cared-for Foretravel decorated the way they want because they are so solid structurally and mechanically. 
Rick & Rhonda
2003 U320 4220  Build #6199
Was
91 36' GV 300 Caterpillar, 92 40' U280 300 Cummins, 97 36' U295 300 Cummins, 2002
U320 450 Cummins
(Guess we're hooked)

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Re: What major repairs have you done to your 2000-03 Coach?

Reply #26 –
Quote from: Johnstons –
Grc good luck on your search.  As you can see, we are a loyal bunch when it comes to our Foretravels.  I think I'm most amazed at some ladies in their 70's and 80's we have met traveling across the country in their Foretravels even though they don't do any maintenance themselves.  That speaks to the reliability of our older coaches.  There will always be repairs that need done on Foretravels or any other brand.  That said, people invest many thousands just getting an older, well-cared-for Foretravel decorated the way they want because they are so solid structurally and mechanically. 

Thanks so much.  We have been fulltime in a Hitchhiker 5th wheel for several years now and I have very much appreciated their user's forum.  In fact, I feel a bit like a betrayer to be batting around the idea of moving to any kind of motorhome.  Still, I think it is time for us to consider a change and that's what this research is all about.

Re: What major repairs have you done to your 2000-03 Coach?

Reply #27 –
Grc -

We moved into our first 2002 36' FT about six years ago.  Prior to that we had a 33' Komfort TT with a Duramax and Harley Electraglide Classic.  We are now into our second Foretravel. 

The FT is more convenient and comfortable.  It is more like a home.  They both have cost us some $$$$ but the life that we have had since ownership have been better than OK.

Someday we will may have a fiver or some other wheeled vehicle but until then we continue.

There are many knowledgeable, helpful and kind people on this web site.  Some of us are a bit geekey, might even be considered compulsive/obsessive.  Carol and I could not be living this lifestyle in our FT without the support of this forum and it's membership.

Most of our "friends" these days are FT people that we have met through this forum.  We connect with them from time to time, and place to place during our travels while we spend time with our family.

I spent my business career in Carbon sheet steel and didn't twist many wrenches.  With the assistance of this forum and it's members, Carol and I have completed a number of repairs and upgrades.  We have also contributed to the Nac Community Fund.

Good luck in your search.

If you and your bride would like to chat, PM me.





Scott & Carol Seibert
2001 42' double slide U320 - Sold
Previous - 2002 36' U320

Re: What major repairs have you done to your 2000-03 Coach?

Reply #29 –
Quote from: Travelin' Man –
w
Good one, Just like buying anything used
Chris and Tammy White  CDA Idaho
Previous owners 1997 U295 36' 3126 Cat 300 HP Build # 4998
Former Foretravel tech & RVIA certified tech
Former owner Custom Satellite home/RV satellites 
Former owner Vans LTD  van conversions
Unemployed, panhandler, drag racer NHRA #6348

Re: What major repairs have you done to your 2000-03 Coach?

Reply #30 –
Quote from: gracerace –
Good one, Just like buying anything used


Or even new.
They're turning out travel trailers in Indiana using a 60 hour work week and Tiffin isn't providing service on any product over four years old now because they're too covered up with warranty work.

Re: What major repairs have you done to your 2000-03 Coach?

Reply #32 –
Radiator, air bags, fuel lines, new Dometic fridge, new Uline ice maker, gussets for hoses new crank batteries.  Most were proactively done to avoid on the road issues.  Although we have invested nearly half the original acquisition price on these and various cosmetic upgrades, we have far less invested than even a mediocre new gas coach and zero issues this summer on a 10,000 mile trip taking over 5 months. Coach goes in for its annual service next week and we'll religiously do what's needed each year to give us and "Ole Red" many years of trouble free miles.  "Stuff" can still happen but we'll have done our best to limit these to minimum.
Randy (N4TDT) and Karen Crete
Sarasota, Florida
SOLD:  2000 U270 34' WTFE Build 5756 "Ole Red"

Re: What major repairs have you done to your 2000-03 Coach?

Reply #33 –
Radiator,Waiting on intercooler  arrival time mid Jan,  waiting on house refrigerator hole is nearly ready new crank batteries new coach batteries, rebuilt alternator & starter removes muffler replaced with resonator  pull out carpet, couch, loveseat dinette table and J couch new floor, duel recliner, TV lift cabinet 
I agree with Randy it can still break but I try to be proactive because I have been down on side of road and do not like the feeling!
I'm sure I have forgot something!
It is starting to look like home!
Chris
1999 U 320 DGFE
Build Number 5523
Chris & Elka Lang
In the field, Lonoke AR

Re: What major repairs have you done to your 2000-03 Coach?

Reply #34 –
The proactive part is hard for most to do. 
"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: What major repairs have you done to your 2000-03 Coach?

Reply #35 –
Our 40', '02 320 single slide with tag axle was a repo that had been neglected...but the purchase price reflected this.
Tires, shocks, all air bags (tag axle air bags were "may pops"), stress crack and subsequent delamination in the fiberglass at the fridge outside vent (top front & bottom rear corners) taken care of @ Extreme Paint & Graphic's, also spiffed up the roof with new A/C units/satellite "dish and receivers"/OTA TV antennae (King Jack)/  Thomas 12v air compressor/moved AquaHot filter to the AquaHot bay and replaced pump,control (silver) box, coil, and normal service/Fully serviced and updated the(DIY) the Magnum-Opus vac toilet & pump, had cracked crossover pipe from toilet to the vacuum pump (toilet is pass thru bathroom, so toilet is on street side and pump is on curb side).
Replaced the Damnetic 1492 fridge with a Samsung 18 @ MOT (and installed the "Fridge Fixer" to keep door/drawer shut when traveling) .
Replaced the 2 burner Gaggabunch cooktop with a 3 burner cooktop with gas oven (gotta have my biscuits in the morning) @ Dave & LJ's in Woodland, WA.
Replaced the original(train system-one year only) slide seal @ HWH in Moscow, IA (factory)

Yet to do..
Replace carpet with tile
Front door seal
Finish up replacing remaining light fixtures/bulbs with LED's
Purchase chest type deep freeze w pull out tray in the basement
purchase pull out tray for tool box, also goes into the basement
Rebuild the Zip Dee patio awning arms and controls (due to vandalism)
Keep chasing loose ground screws thru out coach (vandalism by former owner or his heirs, screws are a half turn loose)
replace/rebuild steering box....when it is needed...

Would I do this again if I had known the extent of repairs needed??? HELL YES!..The Qualities of a Foretravel far far exceed nearly all other manufacturers offerings...(The exceptions "Might" be Prevost conversions and possibly Newell's)

Happy Hunting....!
'02 40' U320t  4010WTFS Build 6036 1 slide
Motorcade # 17841
SKP 151920
Retired truck driver
 5 million miler
Still have itchy feet for travel