Foretravel Owners' Forum For owners and Fans of Foretravel Motorcoaches September 10, 2025 ...

Looking At Older 1998 U320

June 30, 2022, 09:24:47 am

Wanted to ask this in a wealth of knowledge environment. Wife and I are retired military and want to purchase an older  Foretravel U320 or U295 maybe the 2007 Nimbus. I am looking at Motor Homes Of Texas and wanted to see if I should have all fluids and filters changed and start with new tires? Is there a reason to also change all the air bags as well?  I like the quality of these rigs, like the pre def years and want to have a nice quiet ride. Any issues that are prevalent in any of these? I do not think there are any records on any of the above units I am looking at so.......

Thanks In Adnvance

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Re: Looking At Older 1998 U320

Reply #1 – June 30, 2022, 09:44:27 am

Full service is a good way to start, tires only if over 5 years or so and don't look good. Check tha age of the batteries house and start. You can see the air bags. A professional pre purchase inspection is highly recommend.

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Re: Looking At Older 1998 U320

Reply #2 – June 30, 2022, 09:55:26 am

Welcome to the Forum, RalphA.  This is the place to learn about Foretravel coaches - both the good and not-so-good stuff.

IF a late 90's coach still has the original factory installed air bags then they are a quarter century old...

In that case, getting a new fresh set of air bags installed before purchase would be a worthwhile investment.  One less thing to worry about. 

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Re: Looking At Older 1998 U320

Reply #3 – June 30, 2022, 09:56:03 am

Ralph, sent you a PM.  All the best

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Re: Looking At Older 1998 U320

Reply #4 – June 30, 2022, 10:10:40 am

We have a 1998 U320, purchased a couple of years ago.

The air bags were overdue - not leaking, but coming apart.  Worst spots were where we could not see easily.  If the air bags are original, it is time,  Also a good time to consider new/ upgraded shock absorbers.

Will you have any service records?  MOT may have done previous work.  We addressed the fluids and filters over the first six months to a year.  Important that it be addressed, but the fluids don't suddenly turn from good to bad.  If the fluids look and smell good, don't worry about driving the coach home.  If the fluids look or smell bad, well that is different!

Consider having the tires inspected.  If they look good and have not timed out, enjoy the windfall for a few years.  Tires are so expensive.

The older coaches have lots of issues, but most are not big bad surprises.  More typical for a 20-plus year old vehicle.  DO get an inspection,  DO have the "bulkhead" looked at carefully.  You may also be looking at failed generator and engine insulation, old and tired inverter, exhaust leaks, seeping fuel lines, etc.

There is a wealth of information on this forum. and some scary smart people.  Do spend a couple of days reading old posts, researching the common problems, and asking questions!  There are better minds around here, but I will be glad to answer any specifics via PM.

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Re: Looking At Older 1998 U320

Reply #5 – June 30, 2022, 11:35:03 am

Ralph, Welcome to the foreforum and (potentially) to the Foretravel family.  As Matt said, spend time reading previous posts on the forum.  Use the search bar in the far upper right corner on the main page to focus your searches.  There are many previous threads concerning things to look for in the purchase of a coach.  Also, as Matt said, you may use the "personal message" function to communicate directly with individual forum members.  Almost all of us would welcome such communication.  As an aside, there are many veterans and retired military members here, so again, welcome to the family. 

Richard

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Re: Looking At Older 1998 U320

Reply #6 – June 30, 2022, 11:58:33 am

Welcome, Ralph. When I saw your post about "older" coaches, I thought you might be talking about us. We're full-timing in a 1993 U300.

As was mentioned, tires, batteries, shocks, and air bags are all external items that may need attention. Appliances inside may also be nearing the end of their useful lives. Other interior stuff, such as upholstery, is a taste question.

The bulkheads are the BIG issue on a Foretravel. They WILL need repair at some point. An inspection by Keith would be time and money well spent. He may have already inspected the coach you are looking at for someone else who decided that they didn't want to deal with the issues there.

If you need to do shocks or air bags I suggest you do both at the same time. It may not save you much, if any, money, but will save time.

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