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Topic: Major problems with Foretravels (Read 2710 times) previous topic - next topic

Major problems with Foretravels

What major problems, chassis or house, might I see in FT model U320 coaches of the years 2000 - 2004? Such as Holiday Rambler had in the years 1998-2004 with the trailing arm problem in the 4-bag chassis.  I don't want to buy a "pig in a poke".
Royce & Denise, MC #17410
'01 U320 4220 ISM450 Build #5895 SOLD
Toad: '10 Honda CR-V

Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world. - Gustave Flaubert

Re: Major problems with Foretravels

Reply #1 –
The only major problem is trying to keep the fuel tank above half after two days of hard driving, other wise do the little required maintence and smile.
Just enjoy it.
Dave M

Re: Major problems with Foretravels

Reply #2 –
Quote from: BamaFan –
What major problems, chassis or house, might I see in FT model U320 coaches of the years 2000 - 2004? Such as Holiday Rambler had in the years 1998-2004 with the trailing arm problem in the 4-bag chassis.  I don't want to buy a "pig in a poke".

Actually the dangerous trailing arm issue was on all 4 bag Monaco (aka Roadmaster) suspensions used on Monaco, Holiday Rambler, Safari and a few Beaver coaches with the Monaco (aka Roadmaster) designed trailing arm.

About the only Foretravel unique issue is bulkheads.  But, these can be checked before buying.
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: Major problems with Foretravels

Reply #3 –
Only major issue on these coaches is the bulkhead issue and delam.  Both are fixable but expensive.  Depends on the maintenance and location of where the coach has been.  Some have issue and some do not, but definetly want to have any unit of this era checked for both.  There are others in this group with WAY more experience on these issues than I, but those are the two things to check for.
Scott, Bonnie and Bentley
2001 36' U320
2006 Hummer H3

Re: Major problems with Foretravels

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Scott Beard –
Only major issue on these coaches is the bulkhead issue and delam.  Both are fixable but expensive. 

Expense really depends on the extent of either and both can be inspected for, and it's not a global problem (like the trailing arm one where virtually every coach is affected. 

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: Major problems with Foretravels

Reply #5 –
I have a 2000 U-320 4010 single slide. 100,000 miles. Bulkheads checked annually (fine on my coach according to MOT Xtreme) Delamination most common in slide out, forward portion under window (mine has it $1,300 to fix at Xtreme, next trip to Meccadoches) and around dryer vent (this one doesn't have it , prior U-270 did, $600 to fix at Xtreme. Sometimes roof can have slight Delamination if equipment such as satellite dome removed and holes not well filled. A small amount on mine, was fixed for free at Xtreme when they painted my roof.

Neither issue really prevelant or in general costly to address.

2000 an 2001 have different end caps than 2002 and 2003. Some cracking issues on those coaches, most already addressed under warrant by factory. 1999 first year for slides (limited edition only), later slides slightly better than first to years.

You are looking at great coaches, many have had full body paint headlight and taillight conversions etc which are desirable.
Tim Fiedler    2025 LTV Unity MBL on Order
2000 Chevy Tracker 2 Door Convertible 4WD Now lifted 4.5"
1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston
Murphy Rebel on wheels with 175HP Titan
Cessna P337
1980 48' Westport MY (!/4 Share)

Re: Major problems with Foretravels

Reply #6 –
Thanks, Guys. This is a great help.

I know what delamination looks like, but how do I recognize the bulkhead issue? Never heard of it.
Royce & Denise, MC #17410
'01 U320 4220 ISM450 Build #5895 SOLD
Toad: '10 Honda CR-V

Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world. - Gustave Flaubert

Re: Major problems with Foretravels

Reply #7 –
Just do a search on our forum. 4th box from the left, just down from the top. Use "bulkhead" in the box. Lots of information and points of view in the archives.
Bulkhead Repair-- A Comprehensive Look
Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)