99' U270 with 140K... too many miles?

Topic: 99' U270 with 140K... too many miles? (Read 2506 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: 99' U270 with 140K... too many miles?

Reply #25 – August 27, 2011, 02:54:50 am

Forgot one... How can tell if the air leveling system is working properly? Does this take the place of hydraulic leveling jacks found on most class "A" coaches or is this the supension system? Ignorance is not bliss!
Thanks!

Re: 99' U270 with 140K... too many miles?

Reply #26 – August 27, 2011, 07:08:32 am

Don,

Where is the coach located. You might get lucky and have a forum member who could volunteer to look at it with you.

Re: 99' U270 with 140K... too many miles?

Reply #27 – August 27, 2011, 08:57:16 am

Quote from: acousticart – August 27, 2011, 02:46:54 am

Other concerns I noticed...
1. Double pane windows gasket creep. Many of the windows had gaskets that are creeping... maybe as many as 7 or 8. I understand that is not a cheap fix. Is that a serious problem if I don't get it done right away? Any suggestions on where to take it and how much that might cost?

Here are a few places that can repair them.
Suncoast Designers, Inc. - Home

www.daverootrvglassrepair.com/

RV Glass Solutions, Motorhome Side Window Repair

Quote

4. The original fridge works but will probably need replacing soon. Are there options for a nicer one considering the space constraints in the 36' U270? Approximate costs?

See Dometic Refrigerator Replacement Chart Attached

Quote

5. We will be full-timing and need a washer/dryer combo. I definitely want a vented one, but since there was never one installed, how to I locate the place to drill the hole for the vent? Are there framing plans that show the stud locations?

Early morning dew will show the outline of the coach frame

Quote

7. Lifts on the engine cover weak, and the insulation looks deteriorated on the inside cover. Any ideas of the replacement struts and what can be used to replace the insulation material?

Foretravel has the struts.
See Thread Engine Insulation

Quote

10. Co-Pilot seat Position? Max forward still left it about 4" shy of being even with the driver's seat. Is this par for the course on the front entry style coaches?

Yes

Quote

12. Black tank flush is not a part of this coaches equipment and that surprised me. How much of a downside is this? Retrofits available?

Photos of installation
http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?action=media;sa=album;in=106

See No Fuss Flush instructions attached

Quote

13. Decals fading... only remedy to remove and paint the whole coach? or are there other less costly options?

You can have new decals made or painted on for much less than painting the whole coach.
Custom RV and Motorhome Painting, Custom RV Paint Design, RV Paint Repair,

Re: 99' U270 with 140K... too many miles?

Reply #28 – August 27, 2011, 10:02:20 am

I replaced the bed struts and they still wouldn't hold it up. Cut a stick to length. You don't need to get in there that often.

Re: 99' U270 with 140K... too many miles?

Reply #29 – August 27, 2011, 12:22:42 pm

We are in San Diego and the coach is in El Cajon in So Cal about 15 miles away. We would love to have somebody check it out with us! Going in to put a deposit on it today. $40k sound like a good deal?

Quote from: amos.harrison – August 27, 2011, 07:08:32 am

Don,

Where is the coach located. You might get lucky and have a forum member who could volunteer to look at it with you.

Re: 99' U270 with 140K... too many miles?

Reply #30 – August 27, 2011, 12:36:02 pm

Don,
Had exact coach before this one, happy to discuss live. Call me at six three zero, two four zero, 9139. Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Re: 99' U270 with 140K... too many miles?

Reply #31 – August 27, 2011, 12:40:22 pm

Quote from: acousticart – August 27, 2011, 12:22:42 pm

We are in San Diego and the coach is in El Cajon in So Cal about 15 miles away. We would love to have somebody check it out with us!

If it's not associated with California Coach Company, you might ping Brad Nerhus and see if they could do an inspection for you. They are well-versed in Foretravels.

Michelle

Re: 99' U270 with 140K... too many miles?

Reply #32 – August 27, 2011, 02:55:06 pm

Thanks for all the great answers. I appreciate you taking the time!

Don

Quote from: Barry Beam – August 27, 2011, 08:57:16 am

Quote from: acousticart – August 27, 2011, 02:46:54 am
Other concerns I noticed...
1. Double pane windows gasket creep. Many of the windows had gaskets that are creeping... maybe as many as 7 or 8. I understand that is not a cheap fix. Is that a serious problem if I don't get it done right away? Any suggestions on where to take it and how much that might cost?

Here are a few places that can repair them.
Suncoast Designers, Inc. - Home

www.daverootrvglassrepair.com/

RV Glass Solutions, Motorhome Side Window Repair

Quote
4. The original fridge works but will probably need replacing soon. Are there options for a nicer one considering the space constraints in the 36' U270? Approximate costs?

See Dometic Refrigerator Replacement Chart Attached
Quote
5. We will be full-timing and need a washer/dryer combo. I definitely want a vented one, but since there was never one installed, how to I locate the place to drill the hole for the vent? Are there framing plans that show the stud locations?

Early morning dew will show the outline of the coach frame

Quote
7. Lifts on the engine cover weak, and the insulation looks deteriorated on the inside cover. Any ideas of the replacement struts and what can be used to replace the insulation material?
Foretravel has the struts.
See Thread Engine Insulation

Quote
10. Co-Pilot seat Position? Max forward still left it about 4" shy of being even with the driver's seat. Is this par for the course on the front entry style coaches?
Yes

Quote
12. Black tank flush is not a part of this coaches equipment and that surprised me. How much of a downside is this? Retrofits available?
Photos of installation
www.foreforums.com/index.php?action=media;sa=album;in=106

See No Fuss Flush instructions attached

Quote
13. Decals fading... only remedy to remove and paint the whole coach? or are there other less costly options?

You can have new decals made or painted on for much less than painting the whole coach.
Custom RV and Motorhome Painting, Custom RV Paint Design, RV Paint Repair,

Re: 99' U270 with 140K... too many miles?

Reply #33 – August 27, 2011, 07:26:52 pm

Quote from: acousticart – August 27, 2011, 02:46:54 am

... Is something like a BlueOx Trucenter a help for taming wind gusts?

...
3. The front step has some rust around the edge... is this common or possibly a sign of bigger potential rust problems? Also the first step on the inside is quite soft under the rubber tread.... feels very spongy. Easy fix or no?
4. The original fridge works but will probably need replacing soon. Are there options for a nicer one considering the space constraints in the 36' U270? Approximate costs?
...
11. Oven Installation. No oven, my lady wants one and I think the cooktop needs refreshing anyway. I gather they cost about $500 at camping world. Should installing be as easy as removing the top drawer below the range and modifying the cabinet to accommodate the new Range with Oven?
12. Black tank flush is not a part of this coaches equipment and that surprised me. How much of a downside is this? Retrofits available?
...

Here are some responses based on our experience of about 16 months in a 1997 U295, plus 10 months experience with a 1997 unit of another brand.

Don't be in a rush to add steering controls. Get good, maybe new, steer tires and a good alignment, preferably by Wayne Musser at Foretravel of Texas in Nacogdoches. The coach is big and wind will affect it.

The rust around the step is the result of poor design. The fiberglass cover collects water while the step is down, promoting rust. We had our step rebuilt and the cover modified at Xtreme Paint and Graphics in Nacogdoches. It's a fairly straightforward repair. I can't address the issue of the soft first interior step.

The microwave over is probably also a convection oven. It may serve your purposes well.

We don't have a specific cleaning/flushing system for the black water tank. We installed a third valve that allows back flushing the tank with grey water. It seems to work well. Details of third valves are posted elsewhere on the list.

Get an relative expert to help you. Take care of maintenance and safety items initially. Get some experience before you do a lot more.

Best wishes for a successful entry into the "Foretravel experience."

Re: 99' U270 with 140K... too many miles?

Reply #34 – August 27, 2011, 07:37:50 pm

Acousticart,

We have been driving a 2000 U320 -- in terms of structure, the only difference between our coach and the 36' you are looking at is the length.

If you have not driven this Foretravel, I think you are jumping to conclusions about "taming wind gusts". We love wind gusts because we get to remind each other how stable our coach is. We've driven on two lane roads at 65 MPH and been passed from the oncoming direction by a huge semi and barely felt a thing. And we've been out west where they have signs warning of severe cross winds and barely noticed anything even though trees and bushes were definitely bending over.

Don't contemplate spending money to fix a "problem" that should not exist on your prospective coach.

Re: 99' U270 with 140K... too many miles?

Reply #35 – August 27, 2011, 08:18:35 pm

Tim,
I want to thank you for the help! Being able to talk about some of those specifics was very helpful. We didn't sign on the dotted line yet... the dealer wouldn't accept the contingencies I wanted regardinging independent inspection etc., and I want to call Foretravel and see if they can tell me about the srvice history, since the original owner supposedly had the coached serviced there quite regularly over the years. Hopefully they will let me know if the dealer is being truthful about the history of it. In the coach, is a book of tear out service stubs that show quite a lot of history, though much of it was not at Foretravel. I hope it it doesn't sell before I can establish that, but if it does, then it was not meant to be... but I really have been spoiled by the Foretravels design features, particularly the Braking, the Monoqocue construction, the Coach build quality... even the drawer slides. One other thing, although I was able to determine that the leveling system functions, I am not sure if it holds air pressure... is there a simple test for that?

There I go again... yet another question!
Thanks again for everybodies helpful attitude and great information. Yet another reason to become a Foretravel owner...

Quote from: Tim Fiedler – August 27, 2011, 12:36:02 pm

Don,
Had exact coach before this one, happy to discuss live. Call me at six three zero, two four zero, 9139. Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Re: 99' U270 with 140K... too many miles?

Reply #36 – August 27, 2011, 09:11:30 pm

Quote from: acousticart – August 27, 2011, 08:18:35 pm

... One other thing, althopugh I was able to determine that the leveling system functions, I am not sure if it holds air pressure... is there a simple test for that? ...

Yes, there is a simple test. We perform it every time we park our coach at home.

1) Park the coach in a spot where it can be leveled. Set the parking brake.
2) Leave the engine running.
3) Turn on the leveling system by pressing the "On" button only once.
4) Use the arrow keys to level the coach. Ours has some bubble levels installed at the driver position. If yours doesn't have levels installed, you'll need to have a circular level or a couple of carpenter's levels.
5) Turn off the engine.
6) Turn off the leveling system.
7) Wait.

If the coach is still level after 24 hours, there are no leaks. Our coach will stay level for weeks if the ignition and leveling systems remain off.

There are some circumstances where there are "odd" leaks that only show up when bags are in extended positions, but my understanding is that those are rare.

If there is a flaw in my system, or other considerations, someone will correct or add to my response.

Re: 99' U270 with 140K... too many miles?

Reply #37 – August 28, 2011, 12:06:23 am

Quote from: acousticart – August 27, 2011, 08:18:35 pm

the dealer wouldn't accept the contingencies I wanted regarding independent inspection etc.,

Hmmmm.... this raises a bit of a red flag to me. Of course I don't know the particulars of the contingency, but it's not uncommon to have an RV inspected prior to purchase. Many members here have done so. The buyers of our previous coach did.

-M

Re: 99' U270 with 140K... too many miles?

Reply #38 – August 28, 2011, 12:57:17 am

Hi,

I did drive the coach and as I mentioned earlier in the thread, it did handle thenwind gusts much better than the only other coach I have driven under the same conditions. I was just wondering if anybody had tried these Trucenter steering dampeners on their FT's and whether or not there was any benefit to them. As I was just getting used to the coach having spent less than 30 minutes total on this class of vehicle, other than a 35' bull nose school bus almost 30 years ago (sheesh, that makes me sound a lot older than I feel!), I am still just taking it all in. So much to learn... Besides, from what the ratings guides say about wheel base, the length difference could make the 40's more stable in windy conditions. But I am just a newbie, so hearing about you folks experiences in these coaches is the closest I come to first hand knowledge until the thing is parked just outside. So I thank you for sharing your experience, it is encouraging to know that the FT chassis design is capable of inspiring so much confidence in her owners...
Don

Quote from: George Stoltz – August 27, 2011, 07:37:50 pm

Acousticart,

We have been driving a 2000 U320 -- in terms of structure, the only difference between our coach and the 36' you are looking at is the length.

If you have not driven this Foretravel, I think you are jumping to conclusions about "taming wind gusts". We love wind gusts because we get to remind each other how stable our coach is. We've driven on two lane roads at 65 MPH and been passed from the oncoming direction by a huge semi and barely felt a thing. And we've been out west where they have signs warning of severe cross winds and barely noticed anything even though trees and bushes were definitely bending over.

Don't contemplate spending money to fix a "problem" that should not exist on your prospective coach.

Re: 99' U270 with 140K... too many miles?

Reply #39 – August 28, 2011, 12:59:47 am

Good advice on all accounts! I think we will need to plan a trip to the mothership for some home cooking maintenance!

Quote from: J. D. Stevens – August 27, 2011, 07:26:52 pm

Here are some responses based on our experience of about 16 months in a 1997 U295, plus 10 months experience with a 1997 unit of another brand.

Re: 99' U270 with 140K... too many miles?

Reply #40 – August 28, 2011, 01:00:45 am

Don,
Why would the dealer not let you have the coach independently inspected, or am I mistaken in my understanding? Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Re: 99' U270 with 140K... too many miles?

Reply #41 – August 28, 2011, 01:11:14 am

Yes, we felt that we needed to think about it a little more... I don't begrudge them not wanting to hold it with a deposit until inspection because they are a tiny little dealership and had but the one diesel pusher. If it is still there when I get the inspection stuff worked out, then maybe we will give it a home... If not then we will just have to find another one. I figure it won't be that likely to sell that quickly. How many people are out there looking for a class A diesel pusher without a slide, with that much cash available.... And would they even know why it would be worth that much to have a Foretravel with a lot of miles...

Quote from: Steve & Michelle – August 28, 2011, 12:06:23 am

Hmmmm.... this raises a bit of a red flag to me. Of course I don't know the particulars of the contingency, but it's not uncommon to have an RV inspected prior to purchase. Many members here have done so. The buyers of our previous coach did.

Re: 99' U270 with 140K... too many miles?

Reply #42 – August 28, 2011, 01:14:13 am

He will let me have it inspected, he won't hold with a deposit contingent upon the outcome of that inspection...
Don

Quote from: Tim Fiedler – August 28, 2011, 01:00:45 am

Don,
Why would the dealer not let you have the coach independently inspected, or am I mistaken in my understanding? Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Re: 99' U270 with 140K... too many miles?

Reply #43 – August 28, 2011, 01:18:18 am

Understood, sort of makes sense. Good luck!

On Saturday, August 27, 2011, acousticart <> wrote:

Quote

He will let me have it inspected, he won't hold with a deposit contingent upon the outcome of that inspection... Don
Quote from: Tim Fiedler

Don,
Why would the dealer not let you have the coach independently inspected, or am I mistaken in my understanding? Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Re: 99' U270 with 140K... too many miles?

Reply #44 – August 28, 2011, 01:22:24 am

Don't worry about wind gusts too much. When I first got my coach I ran into a severe wind front at 70 mph. The sudden noise made me think the engine had gone it was that loud! Coach never missed a beat and kept nice and straight but then mine is a 40'.

As far as the front step being soft: If it's wood take a sharp awl and prod the step firmly. If there is rot there the awl will go in easily. Check underneath to see if it's support is gone. Look for any evidence of water leaks.

As for the dealer just ask him if he wants to sell the coach or not. Be firm as it's not like people are rushing to buy big ticket items today. There are other Foretravels out there and some are bound to be gems.

Good luck.

Keith

Re: 99' U270 with 140K... too many miles?

Reply #45 – August 28, 2011, 06:27:12 am

My front step was soft when I bought my coach. If water is allowed to collect on the steps the wood underlayment will rot. FT repaired mine with little problem and low cost.

Re: 99' U270 with 140K... too many miles?

Reply #46 – August 28, 2011, 10:32:05 am

Don, My 95 U280 36' has a steer safe installed that was put on by the original owner. I don't know that it makes any difference in driving. I have driven a few other FT's without a steer safe and I can't see any benefit to it. IMHO, proper tire mounting and balancing ( by whatever method you choose ) and proper alignment are More beneficial than add on gadgets.
YMMV
Gary B
Mine has 155K miles on it

BTW I also have installed Centramatic Balancers, and again, I can't say that there is a difference that is great enough to show that they are the cause. Again, proper balance and mounting is the key.

Re: 99' U270 with 140K... too many miles?

Reply #47 – August 28, 2011, 01:41:11 pm

Don,

The RV sales market is very slow, has been for a long time and will be for a long time. A lot of RVs are selling at half the asking price after many months on the market and big RVs without slide outs take an even bigger hit. Your salesperson is trying all of his craft to close the deal as fast as he can by making you feel as insecure as he can. If he can make you worry about another buyer sliding in, you may decide to forgo inspections and just hand over the cash. I have found dealing with most dealerships requires a quick count of fingers after every handshake. Private parties are almost always more truthful and you get to see the condition of the vehicle before it has been detailed and any flaws hidden. Private party sellers are generally much more straight forward and much easier to catch in a lie or half truth as most of us try to be honest in our everyday lives. Do I sound bitter? Not at all. I just spent too long in an industry where good, honest dealerships and shops are the exception rather than the rule.

Re: 99' U270 with 140K... too many miles?

Reply #48 – August 28, 2011, 01:51:22 pm

I would try to get an inspection as quickly as possible at your expense. If the big items check out, then you can make your decision.

Goodluck.
On Saturday, August 27, 2011, acousticart <> wrote:

Quote

He will let me have it inspected, he won't hold with a deposit contingent upon the outcome of that inspection... Don

Re: 99' U270 with 140K... too many miles?

Reply #49 – August 28, 2011, 02:01:53 pm

It appears that the dealer doesn't want to take the coach off the market while you do your inspection. I agree with Tim. Find a competent person to do the inspection and then make your decision.

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