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Topic: Possible purchase New to forum (Read 1168 times) previous topic - next topic

Possible purchase New to forum

Hi all,

 I happened across a 1997 Foretravel u270 and got intrigued so went on the hunt & here I am.

 Read the history so here is my story.

 I know nothing about these other than it was expensive when new (239,000.00), seller is asking under 15k for what looks
to be a very well kept unit. Uncle bought it new, he passed it to his brother he owned it till he passed, son now has it & looking to sell due to his mom needing money for medical things. it has been driven recently a couple weeks ago and runs great.

 What I have gathered is, needs some work, front step is gone, the arms that control step are still in position & working, guess it might have got torn off (no water leaks from roof) potential spots to look for roof leaks sounds like reasonable use, has 125000 miles so it has been used, missing large canopy over the windows, all other window canopies are looking old due to sun, needs an inverter, that is about all I know so far.

Is the 97 drivetrain fairly bullet-proof

Advice greatly appreciated
8.3 Cummings HP = ?
is this a basic mechanical pump
turbo should be a HolsetHX40 ? so no caps issues

Blowby out the oil fill cap,
oil leaks around front cover, injector attachment point, rear cam, rear crankshaft seal area, front cover


Allison 3060R  = what is this retarder I've seen mentioned ?
I see (WTEC2 controller) mentioned,
I see talk of unlocking 6 gear ?

I do not know rear end ratio = how to know ? tag somewhere on rea-rend ?

Thanks in advance for any information you can provide
Mark

Re: Possible purchase New to forum

Reply #1 –
Good Day Mark - welcome to the Forum.  I'm providing links below to some info sources that may be helpful.

1997 Foretravel Motorhome / Specifications Brochures & Photos

https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?media/album/foretravel-library.165/

https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?media/album/through-the-years.113/

https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?action=GoogleMap

50 things to check before you buy your used foretravel

1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Possible purchase New to forum

Reply #2 –
First welcome to the Forum. I have also just recently joined after acquiring a 2008 Nimbus.
Foretravel is a wonderful brand with some interesting history.  I respect the desire to keep these older coaches on the road. This could be a great journey. But you need to be prepared for some struggles including the financial. Here are some of my basic thoughts:
Whatever you will pay for it, it is just the down payment or the initial deposit.
If you can't afford to own it from new or at least near new, you may struggle to keep it going.
It is for sale for a reason, or multiple reasons. You need to find them and add to the evaluation if this is for you.

So now for the reality checks. This is a 27-28 year old coach. While low mileage for its age, under 5,000 miles/year, how was this mileage accumulated. It has spent significant time in some level of storage. The engine has been short cycled, all systems exposed to old/stale fluids especially the fuel, you mentioned blowby at the oil filler. Is there white foam or brown deposits? Water in the crankcase form the short cycles, starting the engine without driving far and fast enough to get the oil hot enough.

Some off the things mentioned indicates maintenance not done proactively. Broken steps? Why wasn't the step assembly replaced when needed?

First priority is the condition of the body and frame. Look for signs of water in the walls, rust at the base of the walls and any signs of rust, separation at the storage compartments. Search online for rear bulkhead separation.

Every hose, gasket, plastic or rubber part is likely aged or aging out. Brake parts, fluid hoses including fuel, mounts, air bags *if equipped) etc. will need attention as this coach is put back to work. Probably needs tires just to get it home. Radiators, heater cores, AC systems probably need some attention.

What is your capabilities to do things yourself? Here on Long Island specialty Labor is approaching $300/hour. What is your tolerance for risk?  Can you walk away or cover the cost if the engine blows? Keep this in mind as you begin repairs and upgrades.  As your investment increases do you feel you need to get your money back? Even if something goes wrong.

Personally, I would like to see this older coach resurrected and placed back in service. I have much experience with folks wanting older vehicles being used for travel. It is a bit of an art to make it happen. Good luck if you go for this. Folks here and other lists will offer some help on the way. This could be a very rewarding journey.


Dennis Haynes
Bohemia NY
2008 Nimbus 342 SE Carlyle
Build #6475
Motorcade #19148

Re: Possible purchase New to forum

Reply #3 –
Hi Mark, welcome to the best owners forum around, so much great information here.

You haven't mentioned where you (or the coach) are located, but you may find there's a member nearby who may be willing to help you out. I strongly recommend you have the coach fully inspected by someone who knows the brand, before you commit to buying it. It may cost you a little money, but it may save you a lot more in the long run. Strongly suggest you complete the profile section with some more info.

The mileage is nothing for these units, they are generally able to do easily double that, depending on who you ask. Being used frequently is also better than sitting still. Having a decent idea of the maintenance would be good to discover, it's not uncommon for owners to keep the records onboard, so check the cupboards when you get the chance.

HP for the 8.3C is between 300-350 normally, some have been turned up a little. A little under-powered by todays standards, but not bad.
All the canopies/awnings were made by Zip Dee I believe, you can contact them and request a quote to replace here.
Home - Awnings by Zip Dee

Inverters, lots of threads about those, may I suggest you use the search function at the top right hand corner of the page. You will have a lot to get through.

Make sure you check the dates on the tires before you drive it. Out of date tires are prone to rot & blow out causing damage, anything over 5 years is suspect, over 7 years is really not good, even if they visually appear in decent shape.

A transmission Retarder has a similar effect as a jake brake, in that it slows the vehicle down on hills, but bears no resemblance in design. Loads of threads on the topic, to read at your leisure.

The step might be something you could find at a RV Parts place, or you could replace with an electric operated one. Extreme have a nice one I think, but it's not cheap. If you are handy you could also build one from wood and fiberglass and attach it to the actuator arms.

Don't forget the Wiki, loads of good info.
Foreforums Foretravel Wiki
1998 U295 36'
Build# 5358

SMILE!....it makes people wonder what you have been doing.

Re: Possible purchase New to forum

Reply #4 –
If that's the coach on FB marketplace, be sure to get a thorough pre-buy inspection from a Foretravel guru like Keith Risch.  The guy says no rust and there's a picture of the front step rusted OFF. 
2001 4010 U320 build #5865 "Bluto-d-Bus" since 09/18
2006 Honda Element ESP Toad
Full timing since 2016 in Western MT
Copilot: Sitka
1975 GMC 260 Avion: sold

Re: Possible purchase New to forum

Reply #5 –
Like any used vehicle find someone competent with the particular vehicle. Foretravel makes great coaches. Woody mentions who I would recommend. Ive never met Kieth and yet I highly recommend him. I have never heard anyone with negative comments. He will save you every penny he costs. These coaches should not be purchased on a whim. They ALL are needy and expensive. They can also be equally rewarding. Be aware of its tow limitations and any engine transmission issues for those years. Corrosion is a big deal and you dont want to own a pile of rust. They hide it fairly well but all can suffer from it. Get Kieth to check it. Good luck. Choose wisely

Re: Possible purchase New to forum

Reply #6 –
Sent Mark a pm.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Possible purchase New to forum

Reply #7 –
Well went to look at it, after doing a days research & finding this very nice forum = I am OUT of the market.

I replied to another member but am just going to copy & paste that as a reply here with a couple additional
mentions.

Yes this was on Facebook market here in the Houston area. $13,500.00 is the asking price.
Price drop to $9,500.00 7/2/2024

I can easily see spending another $20,000.00 = a big NOPE

The step wasn't rusted of, my guess it was broken off somehow, yes I could fab a new step, don't think
a step from wood & fiberglass would be my choice, maybe a nice aluminum one.

Yes I can do the majority of any work, electrical is my downfall

 Went to look at it and just to many things wrong, I could easily see spending 20K on this, tires
are $850.00 times 6 = $4500.00 = that's a big no for me. Now I understand why people are stealing
rims & tires off of trucks.
 I was looking at the rear axel and noticed the passenger side had a larger gap,
much larger than drivers side looking at the body, air bags were sitting at an odd angle on a relative flat area.
 I went underneath looking for a cause, something
broke, an accident, couldn't see anything on a quick look.

Just as quickly as I thought about having one of these, I quickly realized I don't need one. = just like a boat.

I was giving myself as many excuses as possibly, wife's grand kids could come visit, if major storm
hurricane/tornado approaches we could load up & move out of the way with paperwork, having
your own place while on the move. = just doesn't balance the scale to own one for me.

I can do maintenance, just don't have the large tools, could fab tools together. have a lathe & milling machine,
welders, the skill = still not balancing out.

Then on to insurance, talked to progressive = another expense, then a place to park it when not in use or needing
to be jacked or worked on, a covered spot to protect it as well as possibly from the Texas or any sun.

While we aren't broke, I'd say we aren't rich either, just found out yesterday what my wife received as inheritance
& almost fell over, along with what I have in all my accounts, house was built by hand & paid for as I built it, sits on
3.46 acres, selling it would pay for both, a new different place & an 800 mile move. I think the money would be better
off finding a barn dominium closer towards Florida so she can be closer to her kids & grand babies, a covered space for my
(STUFF).

Guess I am out of the market now.

Best of safe travels to all you & Thanks to those who responded
Mark
 

Re: Possible purchase New to forum

Reply #8 –
There are several older Foretravel coach's out there that do not need that kind of repair. If you are still interested in any motorhome, follow the classifieds in this forum. Some real deals show up here from time to time...  ^.^d 
The selected media item is not currently available.
Gerry & Brenda
CHARLOTTE HARBOR, FL
1994 Grand Villa - # 4466
U300 Unihome - 6V92 Detroit
4 speed Allison - Jake Brake

Re: Possible purchase New to forum

Reply #9 –
Quote from: Gerry Vicha –
There are several older Foretravel coach's out there that do not need that kind of repair. If you are still interested in any motorhome, follow the classifieds in this forum. Some real deals show up here from time to time...  ^.^d

I like to think the ones that active forum members advertise here are generally better maintained than most. 

@Markvon  if you think you'd consider a purchase in the future, let the forum know what you're leaning towards/looking for.  You never know if a member is considering selling but hasn't yet advertised their coach.  You can also place a wanted ad in the Classifieds.
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Possible purchase New to forum

Reply #10 –
Have a picture of the misaligned rear axle,it's a must see-er,can send it to your phone,still figuring how to post here,pm me a number.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Possible purchase New to forum

Reply #11 –
I agree with the others, most aren't going to be such a train wreck as the one you describe. That said, this was a good mental exercise for you to go through. If the cost of tires/bags/etc.. makes you reconsider owning one of these then it isn't a good fit for you. Regular maintenance is very expensive and the occasional "whoopsie" easily wanders into the high single, low double digit thousands.

There's no shame in choosing to spend your money on something else...particularly if it's a more reliable way to buy happiness.
1987 Grand Villa ORED
2001 U320 4010

Not all that wander are lost... but I often am.

Re: Possible purchase New to forum

Reply #12 –
Quote from: John44 –
Have a picture of the misaligned rear axle,it's a must see-er,can send it to your phone,still figuring how to post here,pm me a number.
Here's the pics of the rear axle John referred to.  What could cause this?
Steve and Cassi
2007 Foretravel Nimbus 42'

Re: Possible purchase New to forum

Reply #13 –
Was thinking maybe the same thing that got the step,or that panel is a replacment??
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Possible purchase New to forum

Reply #14 –
Quote from: stevej –
  What could cause this?

First thought without looking under it myself is trailing arm bushings have failed. OR the trailing arm anchor has failed.

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Possible purchase New to forum

Reply #15 –
Was talking to Mark while he looked underneath,think he just did'nt know what to look for,may be the torque rods but something
ramed the axle to cause that gap.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Possible purchase New to forum

Reply #16 –
The older Oshkosh chassis will be the cheapest to buy and keep.  Pre 89.

The FTX even cheaper with flat glass

Re: Possible purchase New to forum

Reply #17 –
Quote from: Michelle –
I like to think the ones that active forum members advertise here are generally better maintained than most. 

@Markvon  if you think you'd consider a purchase in the future, let the forum know what you're leaning towards/looking for.  You never know if a member is considering selling but hasn't yet advertised their coach.  You can also place a wanted ad in the Classifieds.

I am out of the market for a rolling home.
Found a place (property) in Wicksburg, Alabama I am considering, it only 6 hours of travel for my wife to visit her family.

May you all have safe travels

Mark
 

Re: Possible purchase New to forum

Reply #18 –
Saw it on market place for $9500,would still run like Jagger.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.