Foretravel Owners' Forum For owners and Fans of Foretravel Motorcoaches September 13, 2025 ...

Inherited a U270 - it's not a submarine.

July 18, 2022, 07:00:56 pm

It is a well-kept 1997 U-270 that is housed in a garage and plugged into a power outlet.  It is like a house on wheels with a  kitchen, ice maker, vacuum, heater, a/c, jacuzzi, indoor bowling lane, and helopad on the roof.  Well, not quite those last three but it might as well be because I need an experienced technician, etc., who can check this motorhome and tell me what works and what needs help.  Located between Mobile, AL and Pascagoula, MS.  Any recommendations?  Thank you

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Re: Inherited a U270 - it's not a submarine.

Reply #1 – July 18, 2022, 07:41:10 pm

Welcome. If this is something you want great, if its something you think you might like cool, at the top right of the page is a search box. I use it daily, great tool. Can't help you out recommending anyone but these coaches are more than your average motorhome. A lot of owners work on there own and unless you have deep pockets it helps. I could never afford our coach paying someone else to maintain it. Think of any 25 year old vehicle , they are in my opinion at the top of there class for the years they were produced.
Scott

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Re: Inherited a U270 - it's not a submarine.

Reply #2 – July 18, 2022, 07:43:16 pm

I would bet that you could get an experienced forum member to help you go over it, for dinner or some beer!

Then you would know what to ask of a pro inspector.

Were you near Tucson, I would volunteer!

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Re: Inherited a U270 - it's not a submarine.

Reply #3 – July 18, 2022, 08:15:48 pm

Scroll over "Community" at the top of the page.

Click on "Member Map". 

See if there are any members near you-- particularly who have made posts that suggest that they know what they are doing with their Foretravel.

And, yes, need to know if you are interested in selling or restoring.  If restoring, what is your mechanical skill level, interest and time you have to invest.

Bring back a 25 year old complex motorhome "Ain't for the faint of heart"!

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Re: Inherited a U270 - it's not a submarine.

Reply #4 – July 18, 2022, 09:05:20 pm

Get Keith Risch to go there and inspect it.  He will identify everything in need of maintenance and/or replacement.  He just returned from San Diego so near Mobile is in his range.

Keith 9 three 6  46 two  3764

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Re: Inherited a U270 - it's not a submarine.

Reply #5 – July 18, 2022, 09:24:29 pm

X2 about Keith. Would really give you a real baseline and you would know the truth about what needs repaired and a realistic amount it should cost. I definitely would recommend doing that.
Scott

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Re: Inherited a U270 - it's not a submarine.

Reply #6 – July 18, 2022, 09:41:39 pm

You can check out some of the equipment just by turning things on, like the refrigerator, lights, stove/oven, microwave, etc.
The previous owner *should* have a set of manuals as well as service records in one of the cabinets. Going over them will give you an idea of what owning and operating a coach is all about.
You may also find some tools on board as well as things like a voltage meter, tire gauge, etc.. 

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Re: Inherited a U270 - it's not a submarine.

Reply #7 – July 19, 2022, 12:14:41 am

Kick the tires and light the fires.  You will figure it out as you go, what the real condition of the coach is, and if its something you want to do.  Sounds like its been well cared for, if the tires are not aged out, it drives reasonably well, why not? 
Sure, an inspection will point out many items that are out of spec but thats an ongoing thing, there are no perfect 20 year old coaches.

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Re: Inherited a U270 - it's not a submarine.

Reply #8 – July 19, 2022, 08:41:41 am

There are ALWAYS issues that will manifest themselves only under use or stress. Check what you can. Take a short trip. Take a longer trip. This increases your knowledge and confidence.

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Re: Inherited a U270 - it's not a submarine.

Reply #9 – July 19, 2022, 09:57:32 am

Sean, have a little confidence! If your new U270 is plugged in the batteries are probably in good shape.  Sit in the driver's seat, put the key in the ignition, turn it and see what happens.  It will take a couple of minutes for the compressor for the braking system to build pressure, and you're waiting to hear the "whoosh" when the air dryer purges.  should be 120 on the gauge.

Pull the plug, put your foot on the brake treadle and release the parking brake.  Put it in drive and roll your new toy into the sun.
Set the parking brake and place the transmission in neutral.  The parking brake won't hold against a fast idle.

Find the generator button and "Push to Start."  It will take a few seconds for the generator to come on line, the clock in the microwave will start flashing.  Open the refrigerator door.  Does the light come on?  If not turn on the fridge, but remember that it needs several hours to begin cooling in earnest from a cold start.

It's fun.  Trust us.

Oh, yeah:  Before taking to the open road, and with the help of Mr. Google check the date code molded into each tire.  Seven years old or less?  Go for a ride. Older? Have a nice careful drive to the truck tire store.

Art

PS  Wait until you try to fill the water tank!  Colonel Mustard was killed with a candle stick in the kitchen.  I know where the fill is in my U225.  Every Foretravel model is different.  I don't have a clue as to where yours is located.

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