Time To Introduce Myself

Topic: Time To Introduce Myself (Read 1037 times) previous topic - next topic

Time To Introduce Myself

July 13, 2022, 12:05:02 pm

G'day everyone.

Well, it's coming up on 4 yrs of lurking around here, waiting to purchase one of these fine machines. I finally did, so here goes.

Purchased a 1998 U320, mid-entry in May/June of this year. I was the guy who had Keith Risch head up to Albany NY to inspect Makin' Memories - Nancy and John Alquire's coach. To make a long story short, I bought it. Many thanks to Nancy for her wonderful hospitality during the purchase process.

After John's unfortunate passing a few years ago, Nancy downsized, so the rig has sat for the better part of 3 yrs. As I've read many times, these coaches don't do well not being used, and I have 2 pages of issues from Keith's inspection to prove it. Most minor, some not so much.

After having sat so long, I was a bit uncomfortable driving all the way home so had some PM done on the coach in NY and spent more CB's than I was expecting. Driving home I noticed the rear PS inner dual was running 30 deg hotter. Local diesel truck shop tells me the caliper has seized on the pin and the rotor is cracked. More CB's I wasn't expecting. Also, local RV storage in Central IL is difficult to find, and outdoor storage is dicey given the local catalytic converter thefts going on. So, indoor storage it is - paid for the whole year in advance to save some dough in the long run, but more CB's out the door in the short run. Having previously owed a Rinker cruiser as well as a houseboat, I have come to accept the unexpected, and expected, expenses associated with such ownership.

So, as I'm not much of DIY'er, my initial plan was to take it to Keith in Nac to work on those 2 pages of issues. With diesel being sky high, and those higher than anticipated initial expenses, that will have to wait for a bit. Oh well. Lots of little things to do on the coach till then - emphasis on little lol.

Well, that's about it for now. I've been reading and learning from all of you for a while now. Thank you for the wealth of information. Hopefully one of these days I can contribute to this body of knowledge instead of just benefitting from it.

Michael

Re: Time To Introduce Myself

Reply #1 – July 13, 2022, 01:33:15 pm

Quote from: dijon – July 13, 2022, 12:05:02 pm

outdoor storage is dicey given the local catalytic converter thefts going on. So, indoor storage it is

Michael,

Welcome to the group. Don't underestimate your skills as you can do a lot more DIY than you think. You have a large data base along with some of the best tinkerers in the RV world to help you along. Ask questions go to work and when you get stumped ask more questions. The learning curve is pretty steep but it will get better the more you do for yourself.

Your coach don't have a catalytic converter but you would be blessed if someone stole the 55 gallon drum muffler so you can replace it with a resonator.

On a side note what is your build number? Here is a link to the special decoder ring to find your build number .
Foretravel Model Code [ForeForums Foretravel Motorcoach Wiki]

Mike

Re: Time To Introduce Myself

Reply #2 – July 13, 2022, 01:46:19 pm

Welcome!!
I too have a 1998 U320. Not a mid entry, but non the less, the same coach with all the same wow factors and the small issues as well! Any questions just ask! Care to elaborate on the two pages of issues? Would be interested to see if you had/have the same issues as when I bought our coach two years ago!
Peter

Follow-ups
- Thoughts on resonator

Re: Time To Introduce Myself

Reply #3 – July 13, 2022, 01:51:31 pm

Quote from: Pamela & Mike – July 13, 2022, 01:33:15 pm

... you would be blessed if someone stole the 55 gallon drum muffler so you can replace it with a resonator.

Mike, tell me more. I've heard anecdotal reason about why to do so but would love to hear from someone with your background. I'm not fond of making the coach louder though.

Re: Time To Introduce Myself

Reply #4 – July 13, 2022, 02:08:25 pm

Welcome Michael!

You titled your post; "Please allow me to introduce myself"
Are you a man of wealth and taste?
Have you been around for a long, long years?

Art

Re: Time To Introduce Myself

Reply #5 – July 13, 2022, 02:47:32 pm

Mike - no catalytic converter huh? Didn't know that. That won't be the last time I type that phrase. I updated my sig to include the build number, etc. Also, re. DIY - after watching my dad try to fix things and end up paying twice as much, perhaps I learned that lesson too well lol.

Dicksop - sure, I'm a transparent kinda guy. I'll include the list in the next post.

Elliott - I thought you were talking to me and was perplexed that you'd want my know-nothing opinion on resonators. Then the light bulb went on.

Art - Pleased to meet you. You don't need to guess my name.

MM

Re: Time To Introduce Myself

Reply #6 – July 13, 2022, 02:50:57 pm

Re. inspection - here's the raw list.

Water leaks in wet bay
Ice maker water solonoid leaks thru
Rear bulkhead upgrade
Needs new air regulator - front tank
Recheck alternator and isolator
Winn system removed - advise Racor replacement
Boost switch seems inop
Horn inop
Driver side dock light inop, 1 aux light out
Gauges not accurate on javelina
Aqua hot won't work on 110
Refer not working on propane

Window gaskets pulling in
Refer door lock broke
Wiper arms missing adj screws
Trim on coach needs sealing
Compartment doors need adjustment
Dash a/c not cooling

Mirror switch knob missing
Driver seat knob missing on switch
Retarder lever loose at base
Blend knob loose on dash
Hot cold knob loose in dash
110 plug loose under K cabinet
Several lights out in coach
Rear a/c vent louver is broken
Bose system inop
Entry step needs to be sealed
Refer light inop
Could not get cb to work

Re: Time To Introduce Myself

Reply #7 – July 13, 2022, 04:47:05 pm

I know Nancy and knew John as well. you are right that the coach that sits for a couple years will develop issues but it is a good coach and you will have a great coach once you get it all taken care of. They spent the winters in AZ so that coach did not get much northern salt so it should e good that way but the bulkhead and the age means you probably need to have that looked at.

Re: Time To Introduce Myself

Reply #8 – July 13, 2022, 05:05:06 pm

Quote from: dijon – July 13, 2022, 02:47:32 pm

Art - Pleased to meet you. You don't need to guess my name.

MM

Well read and a sense of humor. I can work with that and you have my sympathy on your fear of doing it yourself. But most of the DIY chores only require more reading before beginning. None of this is rocket science, but if you're interested in rocket science there's a book by Goddard you can read. Some of the stuff on your list the members can talk you through.

Re: Time To Introduce Myself

Reply #9 – July 13, 2022, 05:12:43 pm

Yes, quite a lot of that list is well within the capabilities of anyone who is interested in doing them.

Start by either reading up on "that next item" or by posting a new topic and asking for specifics.

Re: Time To Introduce Myself

Reply #10 – July 13, 2022, 05:38:42 pm

Looks like you found yourself a fine coach!

Re: Time To Introduce Myself

Reply #11 – July 13, 2022, 06:03:57 pm

Keith is a great guy, but can be a man of few words at times. I did hear him mutter under his breath 'nice coach' a time or two during the inspection though. He also did summarize the bulkhead as pretty good but did advise to come see him to get the fortification done to keep it in good shape. The water leaks are the most concerning to me. We can't use the water system due to the extent of them. Nancy apologized for them, stating she didn't think she did the winterization very well. She's a very sweet lady, she did the best she could.

Re: Time To Introduce Myself

Reply #12 – July 13, 2022, 06:11:48 pm

Welcome.
I'm not that far from you, I live in the Far N.W. side of Chicago.
If you ever have a question or need something feel free to contact me.

Re: Time To Introduce Myself

Reply #13 – July 13, 2022, 07:02:32 pm

Quote from: dijon – July 13, 2022, 02:47:32 pm

1. Didn't know that. That won't be the last time I type that phrase.
2. I updated my sig to include the build number, etc.
3. DIY - after watching my dad try to fix things and end up paying twice as much, perhaps I learned that lesson too well lol.

Michael,

1. This is normal for the learning curve you have just embarked on.
2. You done good now when you ask a question we won't have to hunt around to find this info. What works on a '98 could be different than a '97.
3. You are already doubting your hidden skills. like others have said there are a lot of the items on your list can be done as a DIY. Pick out a project, do a search, ask questions, just do it. No need to pay someone to learn on your coach when you can learn for yourself. Fixing a bulkhead issue is above several here so you aren't alone there but you can do more than you think. We have professional (white collar) people here on the Forum hat had never turned a wrench when they got their coaches and have become pretty good tinkerers. We are here to help you out.

Mike

Re: Time To Introduce Myself

Reply #14 – July 15, 2022, 03:27:01 pm

Lon and Cheryl - thank you. will do.

Mike - thanks for the vote of confidence. I'll definitely work on a few things on the list. As a physician, I've learned well to recognize my limits. Has saved my bacon a few times. As I contemplate wrenching, all I see is getting in way over my head and screwing it up even more lol. Might not be the best attitude but there it is. In medicine, there's and old saying - see one, do one, teach one. This website definitely helps with the 'see' part - have done countless searches on a variety of topics. Just gotta have the conjones to now get onto the 'do' part.

Re: Time To Introduce Myself

Reply #15 – July 15, 2022, 07:27:35 pm

Pick what you think is the easy jobs first then go from there. Soon you will be able to tell which jobs you can do and which to leave to professionals. And welcome!

Re: Time To Introduce Myself

Reply #16 – July 31, 2022, 11:24:12 pm

Congratulations on your new coach
We have a 99 U270 and love it.
The window seal creep is repairable in Arkansas, a perfect stop on the way to Nacogdoches.
They have hooks up and get the job done in a day
It's about one hour drive north if Little Rock
RV Fog Dr. Searcy Arkansas
501-278-3015

We have a 99 and having made two stops there have perfect windows!
David

Re: Time To Introduce Myself

Reply #17 – August 02, 2022, 01:39:35 pm

Congratulations on joining the FT Family, I'm sure you will love it. (most of the time anyway)
As for the list of things, I thought when I bought mine the list would get shorter, hasn't worked out that way yet!
Just like you, mine had sat for a while without enough TLC, so we planned for the first 2 years to cost a little more than usual.
So far we have been right about that, but I've learned to do a whole lot of things I had no clue on when I started.
Best of luck, enjoy the learning, most of it isn't that hard to understand, but it may be hard to reach.

Re: Time To Introduce Myself

Reply #18 – August 08, 2022, 03:56:12 pm

Congratulations on the coach. We also have a mid entry U320 and are happy with that setup, despite a few restrictions. I learned from a young age to work on cars, etc, mostly because I couldn't afford someone else to do it. You will find that these coaches cost quite a bit more to maintain than most others, so whatever you can do or learn will be a great help, unless you are as Art wondered, wealthy. Half the battle is a willingness to try. The other part is having tools and "a little help from my friends", which is why we are here. Good luck.

Re: Time To Introduce Myself

Reply #19 – August 08, 2022, 04:18:35 pm

Congratulations.... I was looking at your fix list and I think you can do a lot of that. Just keep your head up and your chest pooched out. You'll be proud of yourself. I was in Nac about a week ago and visited with Keith for a little bit. He's a busy man these days but he will have you fixed up when you get to go..... Enjoy the trip.

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