Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: problem issues with 1999 U320, M-11? (Read 1325 times) previous topic - next topic

problem issues with 1999 U320, M-11?

A couple days ago we made the last 12 monthly payments ( in one day ) on our coach....so now it's paid off :)
I have already decided that we wll keep it for 3 years and no more, then we'll buy a 1999 U320 with the M-11. I am curious as to the bad or trouble issues with this combo?

I've read a lot about bulk head separation and suspect that this style could be one that's been affected...is that true?

As a side note....after seeing a few other models for sale, I have to say that our 1991 U280 is really super solid and extremely clean.

I would like as many comments about the things that are most likely to be issues with that year and model, if it's not to much to ask?

I fully understand that a lot could depend on where it's been and for how long, if it's sat long or not and how well it's been taken care of. But, lets suppose that we are at the right place at the right time and find a winner....what would be the most likely things to give us a fit and what could we look at spending to make things right?

I also wonder if anyone could speculate what our 1991 U280 36' could be worth as long as it's in really really good condition and well maintained?

Just asking :)
Carl Sandel
1991 36' U280
Northern Michigan

Re: problem issues with 1999 U320, M-11?

Reply #1 –
Quote
On 9/2/2010 8:26 PM, Carl Sandel wrote: 
A couple days ago we made the last 12 monthly payments ( in one day ) on our coach....so now it's paid off :) I have already decided that we wll keep it for 3 years and no more, then we'll buy a 1999 U320 with the M-11. I am curious as to the bad or trouble issues with this combo?
 
I've read a lot about bulk head seperation and suspect that this style could be one that's been affected...is that true?
 
As a side note....after seeing a few other models for sale, I have to say that our 1991 U280 is really super solid and extremely clean.
 
I would like as many comments about the things that are most likely to be issues with that year and model, if it's not to much to ask?
 
I fully understand that a lot could depend on where it's been and for how long, if it's sat long or not and how well it's been taken care of. But, lets suppose that we are at the right place at the right time and find a winner....what would be the most likely things to give us a fit and what could we look at spending to make things right?
 
I also wonder if anyone could speculate what our 1991 U280 36' could be worth as long as it's in really really good condition and well maintained?
 
Just asking :)
 
I would say $25-30K as long as everything is good.
The selected media item is not currently available. Dave Head & Megan Westbrook
Titusville, FL - The Great Outdoors
'98 270 buying this month
Toad is a 2018 F150 XLT

Re: problem issues with 1999 U320, M-11?

Reply #2 –
Hi Carl,
  Bulkhead separation can happen with any engine/trans combo. It has been reported with just about all engine makes. The M-11 seems to have held up very well. I'm sure others will let us know. Brett Wolfe, and others, have posted many informative replies here concerning bulkhead separation.
Raymond & Babette Jordan
1997 U 320
1998 Ford Explorer XLT

Re: problem issues with 1999 U320, M-11?

Reply #3 –
As recent buyer/owner of U320 '99 40ft having FOT comb rig am extremely satisfied

To the bulkhead separation, FOT is strong on this and best to consult as they are Mother Ship
Virginia Cunningham
Motorcader # 16992
'99 U320 40'
'06 Black Silverado 2500HD 4x4 Crew Cab

Re: problem issues with 1999 U320, M-11?

Reply #4 –
Carl, I understand that you plan to wait three more years, but prices for used coaches are very low right now. After working with Jeff S. in his quest for a newer coach, it looks like prices are 20% to 30% under normal market values. Although you would have to take a lower price for your old coach since your upgrade would cost a lot more you would save a great deal more buying your 99 sooner rather than later.

Just a thought. I love spending other peoples money.
The selected media item is not currently available.Kent Speers
Locust Grove, OK
1993 U300 SSE 40' (Restored at FOT 2009) Build 4323
720 watts Solar
6V92TA DDEC Silver Engine
2014 Subaru Outback

Re: problem issues with 1999 U320, M-11?

Reply #5 –
Quote
I have already decided that we wll keep it for 3 years and no more, then we'll buy a 1999 U320 with the M-11. I am curious as to the bad or trouble issues with this combo?

We bought a '99 U320 36' WTFE with M11/450 three years ago. It now has 145K mi (118K when bought).

Aside from the bulkhead issue, check to make sure the accumulator bracket has been properly strengthened or replaced.

The engine and transmission have had no problems.  Had valves reset at 120K mi. Engine was slow turning over on start, but cleaning battery cable connections and adding new pos/neg cables to starter (ala Ben Harris mod) solved the problem. Had to have the radiator recored due to small leak and cooling fins failing and falling off.

Needed new rear brakes because, I suspect, of improper greasing. Added Koni FSD shocks when replaced the tires. Think the old Right front shock was shot. Old tire had severe cupping. Ride and handling top notch.

Replaced rear view camera. I do not recommend using Javelina as I did. Way too expensive and still tends to wash out in bright sunlight.

Worry about needing to replace the original refrigerator but so far, so good.

We are very pleased with the quality of our '99. Best of luck in your search.





Re: problem issues with 1999 U320, M-11?

Reply #6 –
The M-11  ISM is smallest engine that Cummins calls Heavy Duty,
 The B, C, ISB, ISC, ISL are considered medium duty.
The weak link on the newer ISM series is the EGR, not a huge deal but the weakest link.
Relax and enjoy.
 Dave

Re: problem issues with 1999 U320, M-11?

Reply #7 –
Here is the link to my earlier post on Bulkhead Separation.  It is something I check on every mechanical inspection I do on any Unibody or Unicoach Foretravel: http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=8612.msg37885#msg37885

Don't make more of this that it is.  As long as it is caught early, it is an easy and reasonably inexpensive fix.  Sure, if totally neglected, it can get out of hand.  I have seen coaches with: (1) no separation and no broken bolts (check with torque wrench), (2) no separation and a couple of broken bolts (like our coach was) and (3) a few with separation and lots of broken bolts.

Most of the latter  were from up north with lots of rust showing and likely some rust jacking contributing to the separation.  The only "southern" coaches I have seen with a significant problem had water leaks in the wet bay that were of long enough duration that they ended up soaking through the floor to the wet bay and leaving the front of the rear bulkhead box beam wet all the time.  I call that gross neglect!

Yes, check it, no don't focus too much attention on it-- 20 minutes with an inch-lb torque wrench will give you the FACTS on any coach.

Brett
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: problem issues with 1999 U320, M-11?

Reply #8 –
Carl,

I love my coach.  The engine/transmission has been bulletproof.  I've repaired my bulkhead.  At this age coach, you need to this about replacing rubber components, like hoses and door and window seals.  Remember the creeping worms in Creation windows.  10 years is the normal life for gel coat and paint unless the coach has been stored inside for much of its life, so you'll need to think about exterior refinishing.
Regards,
Brett

'99 42' Foretravel Xtreme
'14 Brown Motorsports Stacker
'05 Chevy SSR
'02 BMW R1150R

Re: problem issues with 1999 U320, M-11?

Reply #9 –
Amos, I don't mean to be argumentative but I'm not sure I agree on the 10 years life span for Gel Coat. My coach is a 1993 and has never been stored inside. It has spent its life in Oklahoma and Texas. It has a very nice gloss level but the first owner and I stay on top of it by waxing several times per year and power buffing every three years. Jeff Savournin's 93 spent its life in Texas and Arizona and is also very glossy. To my knowledge it has always been stored outside. Again, vigorous buffing and staying on top of waxing is the key.

Foretravel used very high quality polymers for their fiberglass and Gel Coat. I don't know for sure, but my 30 years in Polymer Manufacturing tell me they used epoxy rather than polyester. Epoxy is more expensive but properly formulated fiberglass epoxy gets stronger with age rather than more brittle and it is less susceptible to UV damage than Polyester. I'm guessing that the newer models were also made from high quality polymers.

I would be interested to know for sure what Polymers are used for Foretravels if any of our more knowledgeable members know.
The selected media item is not currently available.Kent Speers
Locust Grove, OK
1993 U300 SSE 40' (Restored at FOT 2009) Build 4323
720 watts Solar
6V92TA DDEC Silver Engine
2014 Subaru Outback