How much space is lost with private bath / private toilet vs walk through

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How much space is lost with private bath / private toilet vs walk through

August 30, 2015, 08:22:43 pm

I'm in the market for a mid to late 90's 36' u320, no slides. Some candidates have popped up, but they are private bath. Looking at floor plan layouts, it seems to waste a fair amount of space. The kitchen pantry is lost and the wardrobe space is shifted to the bedroom.

How much is the difference? My 34' is walk through and is plenty private for when I have guests with the pocket doors.

Also, does a private toilet layout have doors to isolate the bedroom and the kitchen from the bath?

The prices are decent, and all other aspects seem to be well. This is going to be a work, winter, rocky mountain RV. That's why the bigger motor and aquahot. So the loss of floor space isn't huge and shouldn't kill a deal, but I'm usually alone and no need for private toilet.

EDIT: Here's link to 1999 u320 floor plans. It looks like some closet (wardrobe) space ends up on the passenger side bedroom?

? 1999 Foretravel U320 Floorplans

Re: How much space is lost with private bath / private toilet vs walk through

Reply #1 – August 30, 2015, 09:06:32 pm

Buy the biggest one you can afford, 40' is ideal with a private bath.

Re: How much space is lost with private bath / private toilet vs walk through

Reply #2 – August 30, 2015, 09:08:36 pm

Our 40' has a walk-through bath and we love it. The only time that was a problem was the day the ranger knocked on the door at 6 a.m. to tell us that the water was rising and they were closing the park. Jo Ann was in the bathroom and I was in the bedroom. The ranger waited.

Re: How much space is lost with private bath / private toilet vs walk through

Reply #3 – August 30, 2015, 09:18:06 pm

I agree with Michelle, the closet space in the 36' with the walk through bathroom is precious. You do not want to give it up. With a 36' coach I wouldn't give up any space for a washer/dryer either, my opinion. Might be different if we were full timing but then we would likely have a 40' or more.

The 36' with the angled toilet seems a bit cramped at first but better than squeezing into a 24" closet. And it is easier to clean around as well.

Most of the extra four ft in a 40 ft coach compared to a 36 ft is in the bathroom, the kitchen and a bit behind the passenger's seat area in that order.

We came to our FT from a Class B (22') so our 36' is a palace. Perfect for us.

Roger

Re: How much space is lost with private bath / private toilet vs walk through

Reply #4 – August 30, 2015, 09:19:57 pm

Plus one on the wtbi floorplan.

I do understand the need for some to have a private potty although.

Learned to let the customers buy what they thinked they liked....,

Re: How much space is lost with private bath / private toilet vs walk through

Reply #5 – August 30, 2015, 09:23:12 pm

Are there pocket doors on a u320 36' with a private toilet? I can't seem to find them on pictures. What provides privacy for the bedroom and the shower?

On another note, the "pantry" that I thought was lost really isn't a pantry. It's two upper cabinets and two lower cabinets with a small counter top. Not that big of a deal---I thought it was a pantry like my 270 has.

Not really interested in a 40' unit.

The one that came up has a washer/dryer crammed somewhere and the private bath. But the rest of the package looks good.

Re: How much space is lost with private bath / private toilet vs walk through

Reply #6 – August 30, 2015, 09:25:51 pm

I had a better floor plan with my 34 foot 270 then I did with my 36 foot U 320. I had more storage but no aquahot and a smaller fuel tank. I think all things being equal, I should have kept my 34 foot instead of trading for that 36.

Re: How much space is lost with private bath / private toilet vs walk through

Reply #7 – August 30, 2015, 09:27:37 pm

No sliding doors as far as Barry's site shows in the private bath floorplans in a 36'

Re: How much space is lost with private bath / private toilet vs walk through

Reply #8 – August 30, 2015, 09:31:31 pm

Quote from: Michelle – August 30, 2015, 09:29:18 pm

Are you referring to a 1998 or 1999 36' CAI (the only 36' ones with private bath I see on Barry's Spec and Floorplans page)? I don't see any, either.

yes

Re: How much space is lost with private bath / private toilet vs walk through

Reply #9 – August 30, 2015, 09:43:12 pm

We have a 36 with 2 pocket doors. One between the kitchen and bath and one between the bath and the bedroom. The head also has a hinged door. Carol likes it that way. I don't care.

Re: How much space is lost with private bath / private toilet vs walk through

Reply #10 – August 30, 2015, 11:07:55 pm

Quote from: John S – August 30, 2015, 09:25:51 pm

I had a better floor plan with my 34 foot 270 then I did with my 36 foot U 320. I had more storage but no aquahot and a smaller fuel tank. I think all things being equal, I should have kept my 34 foot instead of trading for that 36.

Don't worry, I'm keeping the 34' forever. I love it. It's going to be more for summer/warm weather use and small park camping/festivals.

Quote from: Michelle – August 30, 2015, 09:29:18 pm

Are you referring to a 1998 or 1999 36' CAI (the only 36' ones with private bath I see on Barry's Spec and Floorplans page)? I don't see any, either.

In the link in my first post (added it) that's what I was referring to for diagrams. But also, looking at pictures and videos from MOT: private toilet: 1999 Foretravel U320 36 Priced at $ 79500
walk-through: 1999 Foretravel U320 36' Priced at $ 96500

I think u295 has same layout as well, but not sure.

Re: How much space is lost with private bath / private toilet vs walk through

Reply #11 – August 31, 2015, 07:16:10 am

Quote from: krush – August 30, 2015, 09:23:12 pm

Not really interested in a 40' unit.

It would be wise to open your consideration to include a 40-foot unit. You will be keeping your 34-foot unit and so you will have the more-compact rig you want for the more-compact spaces. If you were to get a 40-foot unit (with a walk-through bath) then you would gain tremendous interior and exterior storage space (and a superior bathroom layout--particularly in terms of counter space). You would wind up with what some might consider "the best of both worlds": A compact unit when needed, and a very livable unit when parking space isn't an issue.

Re: How much space is lost with private bath / private toilet vs walk through

Reply #12 – August 31, 2015, 08:14:11 am

Quote from: D.J. Osborn – August 31, 2015, 07:16:10 am

If you were to get a 40-foot unit (with a walk-through bath) then you would gain tremendous interior and exterior storage space (and a superior bathroom layout--particularly in terms of counter space).

I second D.J. on this subject - when we were shopping floor plans, we decided the 40' Unicoach WTBI had the best combination of interior and exterior storage, and the best bathroom layout (large counter, room around the Pot). When we finally bought our 40' Unihome WTBI, we got 95% of the Unicoach storage space (we are missing the pantry next to the fridge and the pantry between the hutch and the bathroom, plus some storage bay room due to center door). But we also got the GV styling (which we wanted), so we considered it a fair trade-off. Have never regretted our choice!

Re: How much space is lost with private bath / private toilet vs walk through

Reply #13 – August 31, 2015, 08:55:47 am

I think we looked at this coach and if is the same one the door to the private commode opens up and closes off the front of the coach from the bath. (which I though was strange) There is a pocket door between the bath and bedroom. This may be a different coach though. I agree with Michelle just shoot Mel a note he is good about a quick turnaround.

Pamela

Re: How much space is lost with private bath / private toilet vs walk through

Reply #14 – August 31, 2015, 10:00:21 am

Quote from: D.J. Osborn – August 31, 2015, 07:16:10 am

It would be wise to open your consideration to include a 40-foot unit.

Thanks for the input, I don't need interior space and storage. I need mobility and ability to get around. The 34' is stressful enough in some places...adding 6foot to the wheelbase and length would be detrimental to my normal and planned use. 6' additional is a big difference--I won't be able to get into most of the fueling station I just used. I've driven 40' buses, I know what they are like.

I use my RV's for different activities than most people. It's 98% one person. And I often will tow a small enclosed trailer for storing my toys...which won't fit in a 40foot or a 55foot RV. I also drive a lot on back roads. And I drive a fair amount for work and play. Last 2.5 months has been 15,000 miles. 20,000 since I bought my RV a year ago (and it was parked all winter).

I have my reasons. Getting a 40' FT would be a compromise, and the price would have to reflect it greatly, because it would not be optimal.

So, back to topic. Where does the washer and drier go?
I see there are cabinets in the toilet room for storage, so I guess not all storage is lost, just some floor space.
Again, price and other factors make me consider a private toilet unit. The RV is a tool, to me.

Quote from: Michelle – August 31, 2015, 07:59:55 am

Thanks Krush.

I also marked it up - see attached photo

Thanks, I saw the header between the bathroom/bedroom, but I didn't see the locking plate until you pointed it out. I now see the header on the kitchen side too. That coach sold many years ago...I went looking in the MOT archives to find the pics.

Re: How much space is lost with private bath / private toilet vs walk through

Reply #15 – August 31, 2015, 10:19:33 am

Quote from: krush – August 31, 2015, 10:00:21 am

Thanks for the input, I don't need interior space and storage. I need mobility and ability to get around. The 34' is stressful enough in some places...adding 6foot to the wheelbase and length would be detrimental to my normal and planned use. 6' additional is a big difference--I won't be able to get into most of the fueling station I just used. I've driven 40' buses, I know what they are like.

Based upon everything you've written during you tenure here, it really sounds as if you need a smaller motorhome, and not a larger one. For a person who "need(s) mobility and ability to get around" a B+ or small Type C (30-ft or under) would seem to be appropriate. Since your "34' is stressful enough" why add to the stress?

Re: How much space is lost with private bath / private toilet vs walk through

Reply #16 – August 31, 2015, 11:33:38 am

Quote from: D.J. Osborn – August 31, 2015, 10:19:33 am

Based upon everything you've written during you tenure here, it really sounds as if you need a smaller motorhome, and not a larger one.

It's all about compromise. The price/value of a smaller RV isn't worth it for my mission. Tanks, fuel size, etc won't work well. A 36' is a good compromise that I can get where I want. U320's don't come in 34', or I would be seeking one. We have to take what is available.

Read what I said, "stressful enough in SOME PLACES." I get by fine, even in those places.

I'll probably have 30,000 miles on my rig before this year is over. I drive it and use it. I've kind of figure out my requirements.

Re: How much space is lost with private bath / private toilet vs walk through

Reply #17 – August 31, 2015, 11:42:37 am

Now that the bathroom issue is solved how about the entrance door, front vs. mid entry?

Re: How much space is lost with private bath / private toilet vs walk through

Reply #18 – August 31, 2015, 11:52:51 am

Quote from: krush – August 31, 2015, 11:33:38 am

Read what I said, "stressful enough in SOME PLACES." I get by fine, even in those places.

I have clearly read what you've written. That's why I offered an opinion based upon what you've written and upon my experience.

Sometimes--in fact, many times--it's wise to give serious consideration to the opinions and experiences of others. That's one of the major benefits of a forum such as this!

Re: How much space is lost with private bath / private toilet vs walk through

Reply #19 – August 31, 2015, 03:53:58 pm

Quote from: Fredi Smith – August 31, 2015, 11:42:37 am

Now that the bathroom issue is solved how about the entrance door, front vs. mid entry?

Mid is much better when parked. Front is better while driving. I'd prefer mid entry, but I'm not going to find one.

Re: How much space is lost with private bath / private toilet vs walk through

Reply #20 – August 31, 2015, 05:24:10 pm

To my way of thinking all opinions matter and should be welcomed, I have been here for 10 year's and learn new thing's all the time.

Re: How much space is lost with private bath / private toilet vs walk through

Reply #21 – August 31, 2015, 05:35:16 pm

I had the most room in the bathroom in my 34 foot. It had the shower the sink the toilet and the closet and washer dryer combo in the same space. Closet was a bit smaller but the non private potty was very open. Now in my current coach I have a smaller private potty and a bigger shower and the same sized sink with the 6 foot closet in the rear with the washer dryer. Both work well but the one coach we sold after only a couple years was the 36 foot with the corner toilet. It was very tight and had less storage then my old 34 foot.

Re: How much space is lost with private bath / private toilet vs walk through

Reply #22 – August 31, 2015, 08:14:20 pm

Quote from: John S – August 31, 2015, 05:35:16 pm

Both work well but the one coach we sold after only a couple years was the 36 foot with the corner toilet. It was very tight and had less storage then my old 34 foot.

Can you clarify: Your 36footer had the "walk through" bathroom instead of the "private toilet" room layout? And you felt it was all cramped together compared to the 34' layout?

I think the layout in the 34' is great in the bathroom. In fact, I wish they would'dv taken 6-8" from the bathroom and put it in the bedroom. Funny how you upgraded to a 36' and it didn't feel much bigger. Amazing how layouts work--or don't work.

Re: How much space is lost with private bath / private toilet vs walk through

Reply #23 – August 31, 2015, 08:39:09 pm

Quote from: Roger & Susan in Home2 – August 31, 2015, 04:58:53 pm

Make useful contributions. Play nice.

I try to make useful contributions, and I do my best to "play nice." However, there may be times when it's most beneficial to provide information another person doesn't really want to hear. One's best friend is often the one who dares to disagree with a preconceived set of ideas.

I work with a variety of contractors in the design of aircraft systems and subsystems. I learned long ago that one of the best ways to achieve a quality design (and that principle extends to virtually every area of life--whether it's designing an aircraft, or a building, or really anything) is to utilize an Independent Review Team. Having a "fresh set of eyes" can dramatically improve a project and eliminate costly mistakes.

I'm extremely thankful for the Independent Review Team Foreforums comprises. The group assembled here definitely knows far more together than any one of us knows alone!

Re: How much space is lost with private bath / private toilet vs walk through

Reply #24 – September 01, 2015, 10:00:15 am

Quote from: D.J. Osborn – August 31, 2015, 08:39:09 pm

I try to make useful contributions, and I do my best to "play nice." However, there may be times when it's most beneficial to provide information another person doesn't really want to hear. One's best friend is often the one who dares to disagree with a preconceived set of ideas.

I work with a variety of contractors in the design of aircraft systems and subsystems. I learned long ago that one of the best ways to achieve a quality design (and that principle extends to virtually every area of life--whether it's designing an aircraft, or a building, or really anything) is to utilize an Independent Review Team. Having a "fresh set of eyes" can dramatically improve a project and eliminate costly mistakes.

I'm extremely thankful for the Independent Review Team Foreforums comprises. The group assembled here definitely knows far more together than any one of us knows alone!

Off Topic, no reason for a lecture.

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