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Topic: How much of an accident is too much of an accident? (Read 1069 times) previous topic - next topic

How much of an accident is too much of an accident?

Hello
In looking at coaches to buy we've discovered that one we're considering was in an accident. The Foretravel driver rear-ended someone. Apparently, as far as repairs went a new front cap was needed, plus lights, and a new generator as the generator was damaged in the impact. We're concerned about the frame (which we're not in a position to look at since we're in a different state). We're assured by the seller that it's fine but prudence dictates we should consider more than just their assurances. What do experienced FT owners think about this? Since it's been repaired should we disregard it, or are there things we should have checked specifically because of the accident? Grateful for all opinions. Thanks.
Linda
Robert & Linda Garnett
1999 U270 34'  , build 5539
2004 Acura MDX

Re: How much of an accident is too much of an accident?

Reply #1 –
That's a tough one. The main frame is probably fine, but the sub-frame up front might be the question. I think I'd want to know who did the repair work. If Foretravel did it then I wouldn't worry about it. If Bubba's Body and Bait Shop did it I think I'd ask more questions.

Re: How much of an accident is too much of an accident?

Reply #2 –
Quote from: kb0zke –
That's a tough one. The main frame is probably fine, but the sub-frame up front might be the question. I think I'd want to know who did the repair work. If Foretravel did it then I wouldn't worry about it. If Bubba's Body and Bait Shop did it I think I'd ask more questions.

Ditto.  And you could still require that any issue related to the impact that requires repair within a year is 50% covered by the seller.
Carol & Jeff Savournin
Usta have a '93 U225 36', Usta have a '95 U320 40', Usta have a '02 U320 40'
Usta have a 2006 Born Free, Usta have a 2011 Phoenix Cruiser
Usta have a 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4dr
"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life."  Steve Jobs

Re: How much of an accident is too much of an accident?

Reply #3 –
I would look at the the tires.  If the H member is bent then you would have issues with alignment.  I think that if it was fix at FT it would be fine.  I have seen a number of accidents on FTs and they can be fixed brand new but much of it is cosmetic and the generator is on much light steel than the front H member.
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: How much of an accident is too much of an accident?

Reply #4 –
If FT or Xtreme repaired it I would not worry about it.  If the owner had it done there he will probably be glad to tell you, if he CAN'T RECALL who did the work I would have a thorough inspection made by someone like Brett.
Gary B

Re: How much of an accident is too much of an accident?

Reply #5 –
I would want a thorough inspection by a qualified person who knows Foretravel construction AND have it put on an alignment rack to check caster, camber, toe-in, thrust angle etc.  Just because it's been repaired does not mean it's straight.

Keith
Keith, Joyce & Smokey the Australian Cattle Dog
1995 U320 SE Extreme 40' WTBI Build # 4780, with a Honda CR-V hopefully still following behind.
Motorcade # 17030
FMCA # F422159

Re: How much of an accident is too much of an accident?

Reply #6 –
New front cap, generator, this was a serious hit.  There is a lot of structure up front that has to be just so and I wouldn't trust these repairs to have been made properly by anyone other than Foretravel.  There are steel and plywood subframes and bulkheads in the front area that support the fiberglass cap, keep the windows in place, the generator subframe actually hangs from the frame rails.  I'd be less worried about the relatively easy to inspect front suspension than this stuff. 

Personally wouldn't want anything to do with it unless it was inspected by FT or at a price point that would justify risk. 
"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS

Re: How much of an accident is too much of an accident?

Reply #7 –
Thanks for the opinions and insights. We have decided to pass. The price was very good but we didn't want to find issues down the road. We found out about the accident through a Carfax/Autocheck report we ran on the VIN, otherwise we wouldn't have known about it.

Can't say how much I appreciate the willingness of this group to help out. Can't wait till we get a Foretravel!

Linda
Robert & Linda Garnett
1999 U270 34'  , build 5539
2004 Acura MDX

Re: How much of an accident is too much of an accident?

Reply #8 –
Linda,

So you had to find out about the accident.  It was not revealed by the seller.  You are right to run far, far away.

Keith
Keith, Joyce & Smokey the Australian Cattle Dog
1995 U320 SE Extreme 40' WTBI Build # 4780, with a Honda CR-V hopefully still following behind.
Motorcade # 17030
FMCA # F422159

Re: How much of an accident is too much of an accident?

Reply #9 –
I don't want to start something, but the accident in question was a
slow speed rear ending of a garbage truck at a stop light. yes the
repair required the bottom part of the end cap and repairs to the
generator. all prospective buyers have been informed of damage
and have been sent pictures.  I have never told anyone that the repairs
were made at the factory.  I consider some of the previous comments
bordering on slanderous.  If someone wants to make a comment on a coach,
perhaps they should at least have a look at it.
Me and the co-owner of this coach have over thirty years of fore-
travel ownership between us and we have some knowledge of what
constitutes a good coach.  this coach has a few minor fiberglass issues,
but the rest of the coach is in outstanding condition.  it is sharply
priced and will make someone very happy.

Re: How much of an accident is too much of an accident?

Reply #10 –
Wayne,

I did not mean to cast any aspersions on you.  If you feel that I did then I apologize.  I was posting on what I read at face value which was that there was a coach for sale by someone unknown who had not revealed previous damage.  If a seller does not reveal accident damage then that's a red flag.

Keith
Keith, Joyce & Smokey the Australian Cattle Dog
1995 U320 SE Extreme 40' WTBI Build # 4780, with a Honda CR-V hopefully still following behind.
Motorcade # 17030
FMCA # F422159

Re: How much of an accident is too much of an accident?

Reply #11 –
Hi Wayne,
  Thanks for the great explanation. Foretravel owners are the best.
Raymond
Raymond & Babette Jordan
1997 U 320
1998 Ford Explorer XLT

Re: How much of an accident is too much of an accident?

Reply #12 –
I had a small accident on my 99. A kid pulled out across the road in front of me.  FT fixed it with no issues.  It was impossible to tell and I drove it for another 70k miles and it was fine.
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: How much of an accident is too much of an accident?

Reply #13 –
As a newbie here I certainly don't want to start anything. I didn't intend to bad mouth anyone when I asked for advice which was why I refrained from naming names when I asked my question. But in my defense, Wayne, we were *not* told anything about this accident. We found out about it on Autocheck, and the pictures we've seen are the ones posted on the forum classifieds.
Robert & Linda Garnett
1999 U270 34'  , build 5539
2004 Acura MDX

Re: How much of an accident is too much of an accident?

Reply #14 –
Compare this coach in question to the Phoenix whose front end was crushed by the drawbridge counterweight and then repaired by Foretravel.
Ed
Ed Pan, M.D.
2002 U320 40'

Re: How much of an accident is too much of an accident?

Reply #15 –
It's clear that any coach involved in a serious crash requires a very careful inspection by someone qualified and familiar with Foretravels. Any other speculation on its condition is just that: It's speculation.
David and Carolyn Osborn
1995 U320C SE 40' Build 4726 Feb 1995
FMCA 147762
Motorcade 17186