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Pricing '95 U320: Primus system & cord retractor deductions?

September 23, 2014, 07:50:50 pm

Looking at a u320 40' in nice shape. The Primus is not operating as designed and the cord retractor is MIA. The owner is around $45k w/ 115k miles. Can anyone give me a guess how to gauge how much this deduct might be worth? Going to drive her tomorrow and would like to go in "heads up" or at least not so blind. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks. P

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Re: Pricing '95 U320: Primus system & cord retractor deductions?

Reply #1 – September 23, 2014, 09:59:48 pm

If the reel is one of those red manual Reelcraft models, I think you can replace it for three or four hundred dollars but they are pretty simple devices and easily repaired. If it's an electric reel, you can replace it for around $500 including the cord. Not sure on the Primus. Join up if you get it. Great to have another 95 on board.
jor

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Re: Pricing '95 U320: Primus system & cord retractor deductions?

Reply #2 – September 24, 2014, 12:37:45 am

I have a Primus system in my  1995 U320, a GREAT system, but complicated to run.
You could check with Dupree Products, he sells Primus parts and might be able to advise you on repairs.

I had good luck asking Primus questions at the Wanderlodge Forum, Many Bluebirds used the Primus system.

You didn't say what the problem was, it could be a easy fix.

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Re: Pricing '95 U320: Primus system & cord retractor deductions?

Reply #3 – September 24, 2014, 02:24:48 am

Verify the fix on the primus

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Re: Pricing '95 U320: Primus system & cord retractor deductions?

Reply #4 – September 24, 2014, 06:35:15 am

I also have a Primus system on my 95 U320 and it works great. For me while not working properly I don't think its a deduct. Unless you are just using it to help reduce price. Its a system that is quiet and very efficient. Always expect to spend money on your purchase after you get it home. Good luck on what appears to be a great a great coach 

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Re: Pricing '95 U320: Primus system & cord retractor deductions?

Reply #5 – September 24, 2014, 06:55:55 am

I think the price is probably reasonable if everything (except the cord reel) works. I personally wouldn't let that one be a deal breaker. However, I would need to be certain that the Primus system was operating properly. I think there are too many unknowns regarding that to know how much to deduct, unless you decide to replace the entire system, which could (I suppose) run close to $10 k.

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Re: Pricing '95 U320: Primus system & cord retractor deductions?

Reply #6 – September 24, 2014, 10:13:08 am

I would at least have it diagnosed by a qualified technician and get an estimate to repair

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Re: Pricing '95 U320: Primus system & cord retractor deductions?

Reply #7 – September 25, 2014, 12:48:23 am

Thank you all! The Primus recommendation at the BB site helped a good deal. Also, knowing Dupree has parts took some of my Chicken Factor down to a lower level. I am thrilled to have found your forum and help as we look for the right Foretravel coach for the two of us.

The limited door width must be a concern bringing in a new fridge, right? Is that an item that requires a windshield removal? The last time I was in Nacogdoches I was impressed at the number of coaches getting refurbished with new goodies. I recall thinking that this is another one of those "Only in America" situations. We are so fortunate. Thanks again! Paul

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Re: Pricing '95 U320: Primus system & cord retractor deductions?

Reply #8 – September 25, 2014, 01:00:12 am

Hi Paul,
  Many new residential refrigerators come through the removal of a side window. Somewhere on this forum there are pictures of this happening. Best of luck with your search for a great coach. Randy Dupree is a wealth of knowledge.
Raymond

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Re: Pricing '95 U320: Primus system & cord retractor deductions?

Reply #9 – September 25, 2014, 04:04:54 am

The Primus system is not that complicated or filled with expensive to replace parts. You have the 2 propane fired boilers, they hardly ever go bad. They can be easily removed and cleaned. If they don't work you may need a gas solenoid, about $185, a igniter is about $100, after that you could need a 12v recirculation pump, about $200. These replacements are VERY easy, about 15min. job and easy to get at.
If no activity at the control panel it could be a small fuse on the control board (regular auto fuse). The board is behind the control panel. The rest of the system is valves ( lots of them).

The hose reel is a very small inconvenience.

I would be more concerned about things like air bag age, tires, brakes, appliances, inverter and batteries.

I think when I looked at the actual measurements of the door opening between a 95 narrow door and the later wider door with screen door I was surprised to see that the width added by the screen door almost brought the door width within about a inch of the 95 narrow door without the screen door.

I DID bring in a Bosch 24" counter depth side by side refrigerator in through the front door. I removed the door and the passenger seat. Removed the refrigerator doors. My wife and I got all 300+ pounds of residential refrigerator in by our selves. The residential refrigerator SHOULD be no more than 24"wide without the doors. You DON't want to install a regular depth refrigerator unless you want to walk sideways around it every time you go the the bathroom or bedroom.
You will also need to raise the refrigerator about 4" off the floor to clear the plumbing drain pipes. This puts the fridge as far back as it can go. The vent behind the fridge allows for easy access to the rear of the refrigerator for ice maker and water connection and extra ventilation for the refrigerator.

You have to remember the age of the coach you are buying, It WILL need constant upkeep and parts replacement. If you can do the work yourself buying a older RV can work. If you need to have everything replaced or fixed the purchase price will be the least of your expenditure.

Good luck.
 We love our 1995.
Some times my back, joints, and hands hate it, luckily my mind leads them all to future victory over the merciless machine.

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