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Topic: Thinking About an Upgrade – Would Love Some Thoughts (Read 602 times) previous topic - next topic

Thinking About an Upgrade – Would Love Some Thoughts

Hello Folks need some help!

We are currently considering upgrading from our 2000 U320 3610 (just over 200,000 miles). We have owned her since 2019 and have put approximately 30,000 miles on her during that time. She has been a great coach, and we have invested in quite a few improvements over the years, including hardwood floors, ShadePro blinds, new tires, new front airbags, headlight upgrade, and a Victron MultiPlus II inverter replacement, so it is not a decision we are taking lightly.
Right now, we are looking at:
•   A 2009 Nimbus 42 CE with around 100,000 miles, three slides, and lots of options—including independent front suspension.
•   A 2011 Phenix 4240 with about 68,000 miles (though it may already be sold)
Yes, the Phenix has the dreaded ISX 650 and Hybrid Generator, which gives us a bit of pause.
We love our current setup, but the idea of something newer, more spacious, and with fewer miles is definitely appealing. That said, we are trying to weigh reliability, maintenance, and long-term value carefully.
If anyone has experience with either of these models, or insight on the ISX 650, Hybrid Generator, or the Nimbus, we would really appreciate your thoughts.

Tracy
Tracy and Misty Peace
2000 U 320 36'
Build #5637
18295

Re: Thinking About an Upgrade – Would Love Some Thoughts

Reply #1 –
Why do you care about total mileage? If you know your current RV and have done lots of the required maintenance for age and mileage, it very likely will be more reliable than the newer RVs in the list.

Miles mean use. Use is good.

If it's a budget calculation thing....the cost to purchase newer, the cost of changing over to a new rv, taxes, higher insurance, etc.......all that will pay for a LOT of maintenance on your existing RV.
1998 U270 34'

Re: Thinking About an Upgrade – Would Love Some Thoughts

Reply #2 –
krush,
Totally agree, regular use and good maintenance count for a lot.
 I am just starting to travel more and have been thinking about moving into something with a bit more space. My current rig's been solid, but more room would definitely help with longer trips.
Mileage is part of the equation because mine is getting up there. I know that can start to affect resale, even if it has been well maintained, some buyers just will not go for higher-mileage rigs. So, I am trying to balance that with the cost of upgrading, which, as you said, could easily pay for a lot of continued maintenance.
Appreciate the perspective, definitely helps me weigh both sides.
Tracy
Tracy and Misty Peace
2000 U 320 36'
Build #5637
18295

Re: Thinking About an Upgrade – Would Love Some Thoughts

Reply #3 –
I would say that at 200k miles you're already past those buyers that would be concerned about high milage.  I understand the appeal of the Nimbus and Phenix being newer but I would also be extremely concerned about the problems associated with the more advanced technologies on those as well as the 650 motor and hybrid generator.  If your 36' 320 does not have any really serious problems I think you have the most sought-after unit now.
George Mann
2002 U320 #5934
2017 Rubicon
2013 BMW GS
Waterford MI

Re: Thinking About an Upgrade – Would Love Some Thoughts

Reply #4 –
Quote from: TMPeace –
Mileage is part of the equation because mine is getting up there. I know that can start to affect resale, even if it has been well maintained, some buyers just will not go for higher-mileage rigs.

You have a 25yr old RV with 200,000miles. Resale is the least of your worries. There is no resale value....any $$$ you get selling it is merely a bonus!

COVID caused a massive mis-pricing of RV's. If i got anything over $20-25k for my 1998 in 2025, I'd say I'm doing well. And guess, what....the insurance company thinks the same (which is why I switched to liability only). We all want to be special, but a 25yr old Foretravel is still a 25yr old RV. A very nice RV with lots of life left, but still 25yr old.

The systems on your 2000 are simple and bulletproof. The models you think of upgrading to have lots of bells and whistles, some of which will likely not be supported in the future.

If you want more space, tow a trailer? Or take less stuff, haha.
1998 U270 34'

Re: Thinking About an Upgrade – Would Love Some Thoughts

Reply #5 –
The 2004 I have I picked up at an estate sale. The number of people that looked at it and said they would never buy it because it had 130k mile on it was quite high. Most people don't know the differences in the RV brands. My buddy and I just laughed at those people. 130k on a Foretravel is just getting broken in. I would bet there are some electronic components on that 2009 that are already obsolete, which means when they fail, you need to get lucky with a replacement that someone has on the shelf, or rework the system. It's probably the same with the 2000, but there are less electronics on it. The engine and transmission electronics would be fine. Those are popular enough that there will be parts for those. But the other house stuff, fan controller, smart wheel, etc, could become problematic.
1991 U300 Side Aisle 6V92 Silver #3897
2004 U320 40' #6246

Re: Thinking About an Upgrade – Would Love Some Thoughts

Reply #6 –
Maybe just look for a 40 or 42 U320 with fewer miles like this (for example):
2001 Foretravel U320 4010 WTFE | Motorhomes of Texas
Dave and Kelli
1997 U295 40' Build #5188 CSGI
1995 U240 36' Build #4621 SBID-SOLD
2006 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

Re: Thinking About an Upgrade – Would Love Some Thoughts

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Dave Larsen –
Maybe just look for a 40 or 42 U320 with fewer miles like this (for example):
2001 Foretravel U320 4010 WTFE | Motorhomes of Texas
That's my old coach. Happy to discuss it if anyone's interested in it
1987 Grand Villa ORED
2001 U320 4010

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

Re: Thinking About an Upgrade – Would Love Some Thoughts

Reply #8 –
I appreciate all the replies, lots of great perspectives here.
Like many of you, I really value the simplicity and reliability of the older (pre-2005) coaches. My 2000 U320 has been rock solid, and I know how lucky I am to have something that just works. The systems are straightforward and built to last.
That said, I have been looking at models like the Nimbus or Phenix and I completely understand the concerns about newer tech, hybrid generators, more complex electronics, and potential support issues, and I am not taking those lightly.
Still, I would really love to hear from folks who actually own or have owned a Nimbus or Phenix. What is your real-world experience been like? Worth the upgrade? Or more trouble than it is worth?
Thanks again, this group always brings solid insights, and it is helping me think things through.
Tracy and Misty Peace
2000 U 320 36'
Build #5637
18295

Re: Thinking About an Upgrade – Would Love Some Thoughts

Reply #9 –
PM Keith and Dawn on the forum. They went from a Nimbus down to an older U295 I believe. He's been on both sides of the fence. We are spending the summer in a 17' trailer. That will make your 36' seem palatial.
1998 36 foot U270 Build No. 5328 WTFE, 900 watts solar, Victron controller, B2B, bat monitor, 600 AMPH lithium with 2018 Chevy Colorado toad, SKP #110239, Motorcade #17781, 2021 Escape 17B for when Coach is broken down and campsites are too small, retired and full-timer since Dec. 2020. Part of RV family since 1963.

Re: Thinking About an Upgrade – Would Love Some Thoughts

Reply #10 –
Others will share that their original coach was always better.  Known beats unknown.  Many wish they had their old coach back.

Re: Thinking About an Upgrade – Would Love Some Thoughts

Reply #11 –
ISX 650 is a problem child on cylinder #6 do to heat from the EGR system, there is an updated fix to the tune of about 30k. The hybrid generator is another problem child on the inverter side, I would keep looking for units that avoid both of these issue's. I have a 1994 Dodge Ram 5.9 Cummins with 400K miles and it runs like a swiss watch, I would not let the mileage get to you on your coach it's just getting broken in.
Mike & Donna Mariana + Angel & Rusty
2003 U295 3620
Build# 6118
2021 Jeep Wrangler 392
 

Re: Thinking About an Upgrade – Would Love Some Thoughts

Reply #12 –
Thanks for all the replies and Thanks to Michelle for bringing this topic back after I mistakenly deleted it. :-[  :-[
Tracy
Tracy and Misty Peace
2000 U 320 36'
Build #5637
18295