Feedback on 2002 Unicoach listed for sale

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Feedback on 2002 Unicoach listed for sale

February 24, 2014, 11:08:44 am

Just joined the Forum - Sorry, No doubt my post is nonconforming but I need some feedback on a coach I want to look at this week in Knoxville. Listed as "2002 Foretravel Unicoach 3620 U295. Listed for $99,980. I ran across somewhere in the Forum "50 things to look for when buying a FT...,etc - I will use that but IN GENERAL, Is this a good model year & is the price at least in the ballpark, etc?

Re: Feedback on 2002 Unicoach listed for sale

Reply #1 – February 24, 2014, 01:03:01 pm

Well.... First, let me say that I love my 2002 U270. Second, I can acknowledge after 8 years of ownership that it was a year where there were a couple of "issues" to be dealt with.

First, examine the endcaps to see if there is any vertical cracking. When these were originally made, there were no seams on the endcap/sidewall connections. They tried using some new adhesive that year that did not turn out well for them and resulted in what Foretravel later called "cosmetic" cracking. Probably any 2002 you look at now will have had this fixed. There were a couple of alternative repairs that have been done over the years. So you may or may not see an inch-wide trim covering the areas. If you don't see cracks that look sort of like zippers, or you see the trim, it has likely been fixed. There should be no re-occurrence. Mine was fixed and the trim added in 2006 and is still fine.

The second issue to be wary of is the front slide mechanism. Don't let it scare you, as it is easy to fix if needed and not even all that expensive when someone knows what they are doing. I let mine scare me for too long, not having taken the time to learn and understand it. This is the *only* year that FT used what is called the "Train" system to move the slide. Several of us have experienced "slide creep", meaning that after the slide has been extended for a few hours, it could creep back in, putting lateral stress on the air bladder. If you are going to go see the coach, ask them to be sure and have the slide extended long before your arrival. Then when you get there, have them turn the key to release the air seal bladder. Listen to see if the slide makes noise like it is moving in. If it does, then you are seeing either a leaking solenoid valve ($182 and an easy DIY replacement) or a leaky hydraulic cylinder (about $150...but a lot of labor to get at. Still can be a DIY repair, I just did mine). Frankly, I don't know whether the Train system was more or less expensive than the other years, or why they used it for only one year. It works fine when it is working properly.

I wouldn't consider that price to be out of the ballpark for a well-appointed U295. If you see slide creep though, I'd mentally call it a $1000 repair and negotiate accordingly. I'll let others tell you of any other issues to look for. Age of tires (6 years old is generally considered time to replace) as well as age and type of batteries.

Re: Feedback on 2002 Unicoach listed for sale

Reply #2 – February 24, 2014, 02:41:10 pm

Welcome, dukejhp. This is the place to ask all of your questions. We love talking about our coaches, so ask away. There is no such thing as a dumb question, other than the one you didn't ask. Don't be afraid to ask a question that was asked and answered several years ago because things do change.

When you go to look at the coach look for some numbers above the windshield and the same numbers on the rear. Those are Motorcade Club numbers and someone here will be able to tell you more about the history of that coach. Also, check out Foretravel Specifications, Floor Plans, Photos & Brochures for more information. You can click on the coach in the left column to get the specs for that year and trim, and on the right to get the floor plans that were available.

Re: Feedback on 2002 Unicoach listed for sale

Reply #3 – February 24, 2014, 03:12:32 pm

If that is the U295 at Tennessee RV it has been on the lot for quite a while, a few years even. Don't know much about it other than that. I did call and spoke with a salesman about it in 2010 or 11. He said it had been used by the owner of the dealership. Tennessee Rv was a Foretravel dealer in the past.

Like others have said, I would have a very thorough inspection done on all components and drivetrain where it has been sitting for a while.

Dean

Re: Feedback on 2002 Unicoach listed for sale

Reply #4 – February 24, 2014, 04:10:55 pm

There is a 2002 at Tennessee RV that has been there for years, took as a trade and were into it for too much $$ and never came off the price to market value. If that is the coach in question, it has sat for long stretches, will probably need batteries and tires all around, and as I recall the end caps had not been repaired from the factory issues of that year. Proceed with due caution on this coach if this is the coach in question.

James in the service department at Tennessee RV seems like a straight shooter, and might be able to give you insight into the overall condition of the coach. Anything can be fixed on these coaches, but sitting is very hard on everything, expect more than the usual amount of first year maintenance on any coach that is little used, no matter what the year.

Re: Feedback on 2002 Unicoach listed for sale

Reply #5 – February 24, 2014, 05:09:50 pm

Do not know anything about that coach but I really like the 295. It has the features which work for me.
My Slide works fine but ck it out. Tires are in the $4000 range and batteries House $2000 (3) and cranking around (3) $600. So get these in the deal. Don't let them tell you they are working so they are fine. DAN

Re: Feedback on 2002 Unicoach listed for sale

Reply #6 – February 24, 2014, 07:37:21 pm

Wow! You guys rock - such great response so quickly - almost make me want a FT if just for the community!!

Re: Feedback on 2002 Unicoach listed for sale

Reply #7 – February 24, 2014, 09:00:20 pm

The community here is great and one of the reasons why we own a Foretravel. An active, involved owners forum was an absolute requirement for us.

Re: Feedback on 2002 Unicoach listed for sale

Reply #8 – February 24, 2014, 09:53:32 pm

Welcome to the forum.

We also have a 2002 although ours is a U320. We have the slide creep phenomenon that is currently is in the process of being repaired - lower left hydraulic cylinder will be replaced. Although Brad S. is the expert on the slide creep issue I would guess the repair might be closer to $2K, maybe more. JMHO. As Brad says - Open the slide and you should hear the slide Creep IN within 10 to 20 minutes after it is fully extended if this coach has this problem. It would not keep me from purchasing but I would discount the price $2K+ anyway.

The PO of our coach passed about 1 1/2 years before we acquired her and the PO's wife invested $8K before we bought her replacing belts hoses and various other repairs to get her in a saleable condition. Many of the repairs that she paid for were NOT done as claimed. The repair work was not done at Foretravel. I would suggest that you request to review all maintenance/repair documents. If not available then..... I would further suggest that if you are serious about this coach have it inspected very thoroughly. We have service repair records dating back to the original owners including end cap repair in 2004. We have smooth seams and have no recurrence. If you were to give the coach number to Foretravel they can tell you if they repaired it and how it was done.

We love our 2002 and the longer we own her the more we like her.

Two of the best pieces of advice that I found on this forum are: 1. Set your budget and buy the best Foretravel that you can. 2. A 10 year old Foretravel is better than any new SOB - Some Other Brand.

As far as the asking price is concerned - she is worth what you pay for her. As other threads on this forum have said, NADA is little to no help in establishing a value for a Foretravel but if you do a web search for all 2002 Foretravels for sale in the US you can see the spread and act accordingly. Our U320 was appraised in April 2013 significantly higher that what the dealer is asking. That does not mean it's a good deal.

Good luck on your search and as others have said - Ask alot of questions.

Re: Feedback on 2002 Unicoach listed for sale

Reply #9 – February 25, 2014, 08:23:10 am

thanks David, Scott & Carol, my knowledge base is growing

Re: Feedback on 2002 Unicoach listed for sale

Reply #10 – February 25, 2014, 08:48:53 am

I noticed they indicate two double beds and a queen. Ask them to show you. Not there. Ask them to show you the washer/dryer--does not have one. Ask them to show you the AquaHot-- Does not have one. The 295 could have any of these things on special order but this one does not and mine does not either --that's what I like. Some people use the washer dryer we did not and the 295 I have now does not have it and I like the additional inside storage room. Being in Texas the aquahot is an additional expense to service but a lot of people love it but not a necessary item. Make sure you get the combo to the safe. DAN

Re: Feedback on 2002 Unicoach listed for sale

Reply #11 – February 25, 2014, 09:32:13 am

I would have someone independent of Tennessee RV look at the coach in question with if for me if at all possible. There are just too many areas that come "bite" you if you do not know where or what to look for. The check list that is on this forum is a great tool but knowledge and experience are hard to beat. If this coach has been "on the market" for over a year I would be especially cautious.

Roland

Re: Feedback on 2002 Unicoach listed for sale

Reply #12 – February 25, 2014, 09:39:02 am

Is this coach at Tenn RV ? or is this just alot of guessing/assuming, have not seen any indication other than Knoxville, is that Knoxville Tenn or, Iowa or Texas?
A little hint as to what/where with picture ad would be real neat.
But yes I do love guessing/assuming and loose fingers.
Dave M

Re: Feedback on 2002 Unicoach listed for sale

Reply #13 – February 25, 2014, 10:29:38 am

several years if it is the coach at TN RV…..

Re: Feedback on 2002 Unicoach listed for sale

Reply #14 – February 25, 2014, 11:23:11 am

Ok so here is the coach and it is the Tenn' one. Painted I think like Dan's.
http://www.tennesseerv.com/inventory/302676/Used-2002-Foretravel-Unicoach-3620-U295.aspx

JohnH

Re: Feedback on 2002 Unicoach listed for sale

Reply #15 – February 25, 2014, 11:36:12 am

"I noticed they indicate two double beds and a queen. Ask them to show you. Not there." I saw them in the pictures. The queen bed is in the rear, over the engine, and looks like a bed. The two doubles are the dinette and couch. They don't look like beds in the pictures, but I'll bed they make into beds. That said, I'm not sure that I'd like to sleep on either one, but grandkids don't seem to mind. Maybe that's because they are younger, weigh less, and have a greater sense of adventure. I'm old, fat, and like my comforts.

I didn't see the w/d, but did see where it would go. I wouldn't think that they would remove it, but maybe that is supposed to be a buyer incentive. They will add one if you buy the coach at the asking price. If you don't want one you can knock $2000 off the price.

I do like the looks of that coach. They claim to have cut the price by $40,000, but that doesn't mean anything. Price something at twice what you want, advertise it that way for a few days, then have a half-off sale and you will get the price you wanted.

Re: Feedback on 2002 Unicoach listed for sale

Reply #16 – February 25, 2014, 11:38:04 am

If you look at this coach, talk to James in service. I think it has been there 3-4 years. Not sure end caps were ever repaired

Re: Feedback on 2002 Unicoach listed for sale

Reply #17 – February 25, 2014, 06:37:16 pm

Thanks all! Yes this is the one in Knoxville, TN @ Tennessee RV & if as some of you have suggested it's been there for an extended period of time, I will proceed very cautiously, talk with James if he's still there, make sure that all is as they have represented or get $ off the price if not, etc. Anyone know anyone/company in Knoxville who for the appropriate $ that would conduct a thorough inspection? If not any suggestions on how to find someone? You have all been very helpful! Thanks!!

Re: Feedback on 2002 Unicoach listed for sale

Reply #18 – February 25, 2014, 06:49:22 pm

James is still there, is the service director. NOt sure who in Nashville can help you. James is on the Forum and owns a vintage FT himself. James is a good guy, but remember he still works for TN RV.

Tires and batteries will need to be replaced, and make sure end cap issue was addressed by factory. Call James Triana at at FT with the build # and he can tell you if it was there for warranty or not on the end cap issues. All 2002's were affected. Also, bulkheads should be checked.

Sounds like they finally are trying to price it to sell. When I was there in August, I said $80K was the right amount "as is" if the bulkheads and slide out checked OK. That would leave you enough for lots of tires, batteries, maintenance, etc. Not sure what the end cap repair would cost if needed still, but should be factored into the equation if not completed.

Re: Feedback on 2002 Unicoach listed for sale

Reply #19 – February 25, 2014, 07:01:19 pm

Tim:

Is the build # on the windshield?

Re: Feedback on 2002 Unicoach listed for sale

Reply #20 – February 25, 2014, 07:24:02 pm

will be on the plate to the left of the drivers seat that has GVW, etc. on it

Re: Feedback on 2002 Unicoach listed for sale

Reply #21 – February 25, 2014, 08:09:12 pm

Tim & others:

Any thoughts on the FT of TX listed 2004 U270($115.3K)?

Re: Feedback on 2002 Unicoach listed for sale

Reply #22 – February 25, 2014, 09:29:27 pm

Quote from: dukejhp – February 25, 2014, 08:09:12 pm

Tim & others:

Any thoughts on the FT of TX listed 2004 U270($115.3K)?

I like it, but then I am partial to U270s...no Aquahot and less glitziness in the lighting. The 400 ISL is plenty of power for a 36 ft coach. My last trip, towing a 4,000 lb vehicle, completed 3850 miles at 8.9mpg. But then I do drive it like an old man (62-65).

Looks like a nice coach, but they seem to have really altered the storage from the 2002 U270! I cannot really tell what has gone on from the pictures, but the main storage bay seems to only be accessible (mostly) from one side. I can see the Pro-Sine Inverter in the picture along with the compressor. That placement is definitely different from 2002. Also, over the propane tank, I have 2 storage drawers. Clearly, 2 would not fit on top of each other in this 2004. The Pantograph bay doors are nice. Wish I had those on my 2002. The hose and electric reels are a nice upgrade too. I would like to have the full body paint. Someone has already added the "third valve" for the sewer, and it looks like a decent satellite system up top. Nice big refrigerator is different than my 2002, and the kitchen cabinets are laid out differently.

All things considered, decent price, decent mileage, decently equipped. Makes me wish I was in the market.

Re: Feedback on 2002 Unicoach listed for sale

Reply #23 – February 25, 2014, 09:53:48 pm

Quote from: dukejhp – February 25, 2014, 06:37:16 pm

I will proceed very cautiously, talk with James if he's still there, make sure that all is as they have represented or get $ off the price if not, etc.

Be very cautious, James is an employee of Tennessee RV.

Roland

Re: Feedback on 2002 Unicoach listed for sale

Reply #24 – February 25, 2014, 10:02:07 pm

FT of Texas and MOT usually price coaches to move. Sometimes a consignor will start out at the high end of the market, but usually if the seller wants to unreasonable a price, they decline to take the consignment.

Haven't looked in a few years, so can't speak to specifics on pricing. Ask if it is a consignment coach or a FT of Texas owned coach. Price will almost always be close to market if dealer owned - they don't want it sitting around and paying interest. If they own it they took it in trade at the right $$$ so they can price it to sell.

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