Considering purchase of 1997 Foretravel U270 Unicoach

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Considering purchase of 1997 Foretravel U270 Unicoach

October 01, 2010, 08:01:40 pm

We have located a 1997 Foretravel U270 Unicoach and we are seriously considering purchasing it. It has a 325 Cummins C8.3 diesel, 6-speed Allison (MD3060R) transmission and approximately 90,000 miles. It appears to have been very well maintained.

As we are newbies concerning MHs and not very familiar with the Foretravel MHs, what are your comments, thoughts, suggestions concerning this as a first motor home. What are the strengths and weaknesses of this model unit?

Are there any items we should specifically check for?

Any suggestions on what a reasonable purchase price range might be for this model?

Thank you very much.

Re: Considering purchase of 1997 Foretravel U270 Unicoach

Reply #1 – October 01, 2010, 08:15:40 pm

Quote

We have located a 1997 Foretravel U270 Unicoach and we are seriously considering purchasing it. It has a 325 Cummins C8.3 diesel, 6-speed Allison (MD3060R) transmission and approximately 90,000 miles. It appears to have been very well maintained.

As we are newbies concerning MHs and not very familiar with the Foretravel MHs, what are your comments, thoughts, suggestions concerning this as a first motor home. What are the strengths and weaknesses of this model unit?

One important question is whether it has a Retarder. We had a 1997 Foretravel with the great 325 Cummins C8.3 diesel and 6-speed Allison (MD3060R) transmission and loved it. Now we have a 1999 U320
___

best, paul
"Thriving not surviving" <(*¿*)>
Paul Schaye (at 2008 NYC Marathon) "Life is what happens when you are doing other things!" "If you are not living on the edge, you are taking up too much room!"
See our blog at LazyDazers.com

Re: Considering purchase of 1997 Foretravel U270 Unicoach

Reply #2 – October 01, 2010, 08:22:58 pm

Quote from: Paul Smith – October 01, 2010, 08:15:40 pm

One important question is whether it has a Retarder. We had a 1997 Foretravel with the great 325 Cummins C8.3 diesel and 6-speed Allison (MD3060R) transmission and loved it. Now we have a 1999 U320

The listing says "325 HP Cummins (C8.3), 6-speed Allison (MD3060R), Transmission Retarder Auxillary Brake".

I presume the Transmission Retarder Auxillary Brake is preferred. Is this correct?

Re: Considering purchase of 1997 Foretravel U270 Unicoach

Reply #3 – October 01, 2010, 08:31:46 pm

1997 the retarder was standard. To be certain, look for the joystick or look at the data plate on the side of the trans. If you call FOT with the coach number (Foretravel 4 digit number) they can tell you for certain. But the 'R' designation tells you.

Re: Considering purchase of 1997 Foretravel U270 Unicoach

Reply #4 – October 01, 2010, 08:34:11 pm

Quote from: ncaabbfan – October 01, 2010, 08:22:58 pm

The listing says "325 HP Cummins (C8.3), 6-speed Allison (MD3060R), Transmission Retarder Auxillary Brake".

I presume the Transmission Retarder Auxillary Brake is preferred. Is this correct?

It sure is! The retarder really makes a difference slowing down, going down hills, etc.

Here's a post with a great list of things to check that John Sichenze put together a while back. There's also additional great feedback and ideas in that thread as well.

http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=9895.msg44874#msg44874

Welcome to the ForeForums!

Michelle

Re: Considering purchase of 1997 Foretravel U270 Unicoach

Reply #5 – October 01, 2010, 08:39:13 pm

Quote

The listing says "325 HP Cummins (C8.3), 6-speed Allison (MD3060R), Transmission Retarder Auxillary Brake".

I presume the Transmission Retarder Auxillary Brake is preferred. Is this correct?

Yes once you drive with a retarder you'll never want to drive without one. It really helps going down hills safely.

best, paul

Re: Considering purchase of 1997 Foretravel U270 Unicoach

Reply #6 – October 01, 2010, 08:47:49 pm

Hi BBall Fan,
Not all 1997 models come with the joystick retarder controller. They can have the three step brake pedal operation type. Joystick is the way to go. The joystick controller is fairly easy to add, and for less than five hundred dollars. Enjoy your search. You picked a great brand to start with.

Re: Considering purchase of 1997 Foretravel U270 Unicoach

Reply #7 – October 01, 2010, 08:48:49 pm

If it has a joystick, it will have a retarder. However, it may have a retarder without a joystick. Our 1997 U295 had no joy stick when we bought it. We added it, and were pleased when we traveled through several mountain ranges.

Our coach did, however, have a "Retarder" rocker switch on the panel below the transmission control. That may be a better clue as to whether the retarder is present.

The specifications at http://beamalarm.com/foretravel-links/models/1997-u270-foretravel_specifications.htm indicate that the 1997 U270 would have a retarder. The MD3060R also indicates that the retarder is present. There are people who will inspect a coach for you. There are also lists of issues to check. Search for PDI in the Foreforums.

We bought a 1997 U295 in April and have put about 6,000 miles on it during one long trip and several shorter ones. We find it to be a remarkably better coach than our previous diesel pusher that was about the same size and vintage.

Re: Considering purchase of 1997 Foretravel U270 Unicoach

Reply #8 – October 01, 2010, 08:54:42 pm

Dear Mr. Basketball (I hope you don't mind, but you did not sign the post),

As a current owner of a 1997 U270, I can tell you that you'll be very happy with this model Foretravel. To establish value you'll need to have an appraisal done by someone who knows what to look for, you can do it yourself. e.g. Coach length, bulkhead condition, tire age & wear, oil analysis, condition of the gel coat, condition of appliances, and the like.

Welcome to ForeForums...you will learn about these very well made coaches from the best forum in the internet.

Re: Considering purchase of 1997 Foretravel U270 Unicoach

Reply #9 – October 01, 2010, 09:25:26 pm

ncaabbfan, glad to see you on the foreforum. You really can't go wrong with a good solid Foretravel. Lots of things that are standard on a FT are extra on others. You do want the retarder on the joy stick. Check out the wood work and construction of the FT. At 90K on the odometer it it just getting broke in. The foundation of the FT (build quality) will enable you to drive and up grade for the next 10 years or so without worry about your investment. They last forever when maintained. If you have more questions there are plenty of owners on this forum who can help , or you can contact the factory. Support is everything with a motorhome and FT certainly has it.

Re: Considering purchase of 1997 Foretravel U270 Unicoach

Reply #10 – October 01, 2010, 09:50:12 pm

Hello BB Fan,

Welcome to the ForeForum.

I will comment on just one of the many great features of a Foretravel: the HWH leveling system.

We are at the Albuquerque, NM Balloon Fiesta. When we were led to our parking spot I thought: "Oh Crap - I don't think we will get our coach level." the guy who led us there even apologized for the site not being level and the guy to our left suggested we move closer to his rig where the ground looked flatter. I thanked him and said I'd see if the coach would level itself. He looked at me like I was from Mars.

I got into the driver's seat and pushed one button. Less than two minutes later our rig was fully level. All around us we could see other rigs with blocks of wood and plastic Lego-looking blocks under metal jacks deployed to the ground, and in some case wheels OFF THE GROUND to make coaches level. When we go to leave, we press the same button. We don't have to crawl under our coach to retrieve blocks and when it rains, we don't have leveling jacks that get suctioned into the mud.

Re: Considering purchase of 1997 Foretravel U270 Unicoach

Reply #11 – October 01, 2010, 09:50:57 pm

One of the best things about a Foretravel is that you get the SAME quality and commitment no matter which model you buy. The only difference is options. Construction of each is the same. Same frame, same build techniques. One construction line, same people. That makes the 270 every bit as good as a 320.

Re: Considering purchase of 1997 Foretravel U270 Unicoach

Reply #12 – October 01, 2010, 11:15:48 pm

We bought our first motor home a little over a year ago, a 1997 U270. We love it. It still looks good and drives like a dream. We've had a few minor problems but so do new ones. Like others have said, be sure and have it inspected if you are not comfortable doing it yourself.
The people on this forum have been great and have helped me tremendously. Even though I bought from an individual the factory has helped whenever I called .

Re: Considering purchase of 1997 Foretravel U270 Unicoach

Reply #13 – October 02, 2010, 02:11:38 am

1997 is generally the model year that first had insulated dual pane windows and ducted ceiling roof air conditioning. It also has the 'bullet-proof' mechanical (non-computerized) C engine with the maximum 325 horsepower.

We have ours for 10 years and it is like new to us.

Re: Considering purchase of 1997 Foretravel U270 Unicoach

Reply #14 – October 02, 2010, 07:20:13 am

Quote from: Raymond Jordan – October 01, 2010, 08:47:49 pm

Hi BBall Fan,
Not all 1997 models come with the joystick retarder controller. They can have the three step brake pedal operation type. Joystick is the way to go. The joystick controller is fairly easy to add, and for less than five hundred dollars. Enjoy your search. You picked a great brand to start with.

When I looked at it last night, I asked the owner about the joystick. She placed her hand on a short lever left of the driver's seat on the armrest and said here it is. So it sure looks like this unit has the joystick.

Thank you.

Oh, yes, another question we had was about gas mileage? Thanks! It has the 325 hp Cummings diesel and Allison 6 tran.

Re: Considering purchase of 1997 Foretravel U270 Unicoach

Reply #15 – October 02, 2010, 10:46:55 am

Perhaps we have gone off on a tangent.

The OP is asking "Are there any items we should specifically check for?"

The only item I am aware of that is unique to Foretravel (vs other quality coaches of the same age) is to check the front and rear bulkheads. See Message #38614.

And, as with any coach this age, I would recommend checking it out/having someone competent check out all the mechanical systems as well as house systems.

BTW, where is the coach-- one of us may be familiar with it.

Brett Wolfe

Re: Considering purchase of 1997 Foretravel U270 Unicoach

Reply #16 – October 02, 2010, 10:49:40 am

I believe there is a pretty extensive pdi check list in the archives http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=9895.0
or Barry's web site. http://beamalarm.com/Documents/pdi.htm

Re: Considering purchase of 1997 Foretravel U270 Unicoach

Reply #17 – October 02, 2010, 10:56:31 am

Quote

Oh, yes, another question we had was about gas mileage? Thanks! It has the 325 hp Cummings diesel and Allison 6 tran

Over the past 7 years I've averaged 8.3 MPG.

Re: Considering purchase of 1997 Foretravel U270 Unicoach

Reply #18 – October 02, 2010, 11:56:56 am

Here's two PDI check list I found some place in my travels... one thing I never thought of was to fill all the tanks to make sure there is no leakage. .. Good luck..
Cheers
Ted

Re: Considering purchase of 1997 Foretravel U270 Unicoach

Reply #19 – October 02, 2010, 09:24:57 pm

Quote from: ncaabbfan – October 02, 2010, 09:19:07 pm

A dumb question, what is being referenced as the front and rear bulkheads?

Not a dumb question .....

Start here

http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=10668.msg50881#msg50881

Michelle

Re: Considering purchase of 1997 Foretravel U270 Unicoach

Reply #20 – October 02, 2010, 10:55:31 pm

Basketball Fan,

I'd like to suggest that you read the very last post in that topic first. Then begin reading the others. The last post tells you where the bulkheads are located.

And ---- are we helping you with all of our input?

Re: Considering purchase of 1997 Foretravel U270 Unicoach

Reply #21 – October 04, 2010, 08:07:08 am

Quote from: George Stoltz – October 02, 2010, 10:55:31 pm

Basketball Fan,

I'd like to suggest that you read the very last post in that topic first. Then begin reading the others. The last post tells you where the bulkheads are located.

And ---- are we helping you with all of our input?

Yes, all the input is very helpful. I just wish I had more time to check more things.

I want to thank everyone very much.

Re: Considering purchase of 1997 Foretravel U270 Unicoach

Reply #22 – October 04, 2010, 08:13:45 am

NCAA, Let us know where you are, someone here will probably be nearby and glad to help out.
Gary In Georgia

Re: Considering purchase of 1997 Foretravel U270 Unicoach

Reply #23 – October 04, 2010, 09:57:26 am

Quote from: Gary Bouland – October 04, 2010, 08:13:45 am

NCAA, Let us know where you are, someone here will probably be nearby and glad to help out.
Gary In Georgia

We are in Norman, OK.

Thank you very much.

Morris

Re: Considering purchase of 1997 Foretravel U270 Unicoach

Reply #24 – October 04, 2010, 01:27:23 pm

Morris,
Don't overthink the purchase of the Foretravel. Remember that the bulkhead issue is going to be an annual maintenance item to ensure integrity of the coach. The cost of this item will depend on whether you have it repaired by a competent shop, or you do it yourself. The range of cost is anything from a couple hunderd dollars (DIY) to a couple thousand (max. at a repair shop). But once you've repaired & inproved the area, the annual costs will be minimal.

Of course the price you will pay for buying the coach also depends on the general condition and wear of the coach and chassis.

Concentrate on the big ticket items like tire life remainiing, maintenance records, manuals, major components like the refrigerator, water tanks, roof & dash A/C's, etc.

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