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Topic: Urgent request for info - buying 2001 U320, 42 dbl sld, ceiling mirror crack (Read 1418 times) previous topic - next topic

Urgent request for info - buying 2001 U320, 42 dbl sld, ceiling mirror crack

In process of making purchase.  Have found cracked ceiling mirror and horizontal cracks on both corian shower walls.  The salesman has indicated both probably occurred when the owner got the coach in a bind.  Coach drove well and did not detect any other signs of problems.

Not sure if such damage could occur from getting the coach twisted AND if there is likely to be any other residual problems.  Is anyone aware that something like this could happen.

I want the coach...............but not additional headaches. PLEASE respond if you have any knowledge in this area!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 
Dan and Phyllis Shiner
2001 U320 42'
Texarkana, Texas

Re: Urgent request for info - buying 2001 U230, 42 dbl sld, ceiling mirror crack

Reply #2 –
Another coach of the same year, length, etc. also had horizontal cracks in the shower wall.  I don't recall if they have mirrors in that coach as well or not (I'm thinking not).

http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=9941.msg45113#msg45113
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: Urgent request for info - buying 2001 U230, 42 dbl sld, ceiling mirror crack

Reply #3 –
thanks for the two responses.  I will trust and verify.................very pleased so far with MOT, we'll see how this works out.  A good inspection and some discussion with the current (hopefully soon to be former ... owner) should identify the cause of the cracks and the remedies.

Warm regards from a newbie.
Dan and Phyllis Shiner
2001 U320 42'
Texarkana, Texas

Re: Urgent request for info - buying 2001 U230, 42 dbl sld, ceiling mirror crack

Reply #4 –
another correction!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  It is a          U320.  Hope I haven't confused anyone.
Dan and Phyllis Shiner
2001 U320 42'
Texarkana, Texas

Re: Urgent request for info - buying 2001 U230, 42 dbl sld, ceiling mirror crack

Reply #5 –
Quote from: shiner –
another correction!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  It is a          U320.  Hope I haven't confused anyone.

NP - I fixed the subject on the first post for you  :)
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: Urgent request for info - buying 2001 U320, 42 dbl sld, ceiling mirror crack

Reply #6 –
Particularly if you see evidence of stress, be sure to check the front and back bulkheads-- I recommend doing it on any Unibody or Unicoach.

Here is a recent thread for reference:  http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=10312.msg47994#msg47994

20 minutes with a torque wrench and a good look-see will give you the FACTS-- no need to speculate or worry about this.

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: Urgent request for info - buying 2001 U320, 42 dbl sld, ceiling mirror crack

Reply #7 –
If you are looking at the 2001 at MOT that is grey I have the exact same one but with a slightly different floor plan. The shower crack is because FT put the soap dish in the corner. I had my entire shower replaced at MOT and they did the work. I would ask the previous owner to pay for it.  As to mirror inserts, that can happen from many things. I was at MOT and a 03 came in and they were in Iowa and stored theirs outside and the winter cold cracked it. It could also have had a crack when they installed it and it took cold weather to make it go the rest of the way.  I watched them slightly crack three panels before they drilled one without spider cracks.

I would not worry about the cracks that way. It is understandable. I would look at the sides of the slide for delamination though.

I think I met you when you were there looking. I left MOT on Friday afternoon.

John
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: Urgent request for info - buying 2001 U320, 42 dbl sld, ceiling mirror crack

Reply #8 –
Nice thing about fixing a cracked shower wall is that you pick some new Corian, you can pay for new replacement fixtures, and your shower is brand new even though the rest of your coach is 9 years old.  We really really like our new-fixed-up-old shower!
2001 Foretravel DGFE U320 - 4220
Yellow Jeep Wrangler
2 pups -- Doodle & Lolly

Re: Urgent request for info - buying 2001 U320, 42 dbl sld, ceiling mirror crack

Reply #9 –
Thanks to all.  Not worried.  Former owner got the shower crack on his second trip out.  It could have been covered by warranty, but he lived in New Jersey and just didn't take the time.  Regardless, we bought it.  Mirror are being replaced with a smoked lexan and shower is being repaired.  THANKS to John (we did meet), I am having the headlights updated and TV cabinet modified to take new flat screen.  A few other minor corrections and we're good to go.  We're very pleased so far.  MOT, the factory customer service rep and others including those on this forum have been exceedingly nice.  I don't normally embrace things like this........................but I feel like we've joined a new family.  Thanks.

Dan
Dan and Phyllis Shiner
2001 U320 42'
Texarkana, Texas

Re: Urgent request for info - buying 2001 U320, 42 dbl sld, ceiling mirror crack

Reply #10 –
Congrats and welcome to the family!

Steve and I are scheduled to be in Nac next week - maybe we'll get to welcome you in person.

Michelle and Steve
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: Urgent request for info - buying 2001 U320, 42 dbl sld, ceiling mirror crack

Reply #11 –
Congrats and welcome to the family. Make sure you tell Beverly over at the motorcade club you bought a coach. You get a free years dues. You can also sign up for the grandvention as I think there may still be space. It is in Branson this year at the end of the month if you get out by then.

John
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: Urgent request for info - buying 2001 U320, 42 dbl sld, ceiling mirror crack

Reply #12 –
Welcome aboard, Dan --
 
You are perceptive and wise beyond your years.
George Stoltz.  Retired from full-time living in a great Foretravel and now are back to living in a traditional sticks and bricks in Florida.

Re: Urgent request for info - buying 2001 U320, 42 dbl sld, ceiling mirror crack

Reply #13 –
Just wondering, is the cracking and mirror issues more on the 42' ?  So far my little 36' shows no sign of either, so makes me wonder if it is more of a length issue due to more twisting just from the additional length.
Dave

Re: Urgent request for info - buying 2001 U320, 42 dbl sld, ceiling mirror crack

Reply #14 –
In the four years I've been on there has not been this issue associated with 42' coaches.  Certainly not with mine.  The tag provides a lot of support.  It handles my motorcycle on its lift just fine.
Regards,
Brett

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

Re: Urgent request for info - buying 2001 U320, 42 dbl sld, ceiling mirror crack

Reply #15 –
No dave, it is not a 42 foot specific issue it is an installation and temp issue.  If you put a hairline crack in it drilling the pilot holes it will crack sooner or later. If it gets really cold, like 20 plus below and no heat they will also crack if they have that said hairline crack already too.
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon