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Topic: Seeking an experiencered inspector for a 2006 Foretravel (Read 1045 times) previous topic - next topic

Seeking an experiencered inspector for a 2006 Foretravel

We will be looking at a 2006 Phenix 442 and - if it checks out on our visual - I will need to hire an experienced inspector/tech to give it a professional evaluation.

This coach is in the Dallas area.

Seeking referrals.
Live, Laugh, Love.
You never know when it will all be over!!!!!

Re: Seeking an experiencered inspector for a 2006 Foretravel

Reply #1 –
Quote from: Just For Fun –

This coach is in the Dallas area.

Seeking referrals.


Brett Wolfe, if he's available and willing to travel from the Houston area.  wolfe10 here on the forum. 
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: Seeking an experiencered inspector for a 2006 Foretravel

Reply #2 –
Quote from: Michelle –

Brett Wolfe, if he's available and willing to travel from the Houston area.  wolfe10 here on the forum. 

Brett states that he only inspect the older coaches. Nothing near the 2006 year.

But thanks for this info.
Live, Laugh, Love.
You never know when it will all be over!!!!!

Re: Seeking an experiencered inspector for a 2006 Foretravel

Reply #3 –
I'm sure you've been asked before, but what does "Nie mój cyrk.  Nie moje małpy" mean?
Live, Laugh, Love.
You never know when it will all be over!!!!!

Re: Seeking an experiencered inspector for a 2006 Foretravel

Reply #4 –
Google it for a smile
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: Seeking an experiencered inspector for a 2006 Foretravel

Reply #6 –
JFF-
If this is the one on CL, I think  I called about this one and talked to the guy a couple of times. He indicated to me that all of the batteries need replacing and possibly the original tires.  He told me the coach sat unused for a few years, so I am not sure what you may find. He told me he paid 198,000 for it and he indicated he needed to sell it as he was opening a resturant and he needed the money. Might be some leverage there.
After sitting idle, I would be concerned about the slides, aqua hot and the fridge.
Even with some possible equipment issues it is still a nice coach.
Rick & Deborah Webster
2002 3610 U320 #5964
2014 Jeep Wrangler Sahara JKU- 'Copperhead'
Richland Chambers Lake, East Texas

Re: Seeking an experiencered inspector for a 2006 Foretravel

Reply #7 –
At one time Keith Risch at MOT did inspections, he may be someone to contact.  Ahead of that some of the big ticket items to check.

- Thoroughly check the slides for fiberglass delamination.  06 slides are suspect to bond failures due to the process and the glues used at that time.  It will appear as very large bubbles on the surface, and they may not appear unless you get some heat on them.  Park it in the sun, slides out, check all the slide surfaces, especially the tops. They should be smooth and sound solid when you thump on them.

- Check all of the slide air seals to make sure they are working and not leaking.  Bring all the slides in and out as well.  06 is  getting close to the life span of the seals and any delamination can cause them to wear sooner.

- Air dryer.  Assuming you get the coach running, you will want to open all the petcocks on the tanks to see if moisture comes out, or if any white powder is expelled (which would indicated the desiccant canister is degraded and polluted the air system).  Many owners have a very poor record of changing the desiccant on time and once that white powder enters the system you will be chasing leaks / cleaning seats for many months.

- If its been sitting for some time, make sure there is no algae in the fuel tanks, especially before you start any secondary diesel items like the genset or aqua-hot.

- Bulk head bolts have been a problem on some models, I don't think they are a problem on the 06 but easy to inspect.

- Aqua-Hot must be serviced / inspected.

- Check the generator to make sure it is operating properly and that the transfer switch works.  Don't be surprised if the transfer switch needs to be replaced, not uncommon in an 06.

- Check that the inverters work, I'm not sure the ones used in 06 are still available so that can be an expensive replacement if needed.

- Check Coach Batteries (age) chances are they will need to be changed

- Check the date code on the tires, over 5-6 years old they should be replaced
Current: 09' Phenix
Previous: 04' U320

Re: Seeking an experiencered inspector for a 2006 Foretravel

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Dale –
- Thoroughly check the slides for fiberglass delamination.  06 slides are suspect to bond failures due to the process and the glues used at that time.  It will appear as very large bubbles on the surface, and they may not appear unless you get some heat on them.  Park it in the sun, slides out, check all the slide surfaces, especially the tops. They should be smooth and sound solid when you thump on them.

We looked at and drove this coach this afternoon. Several items:
1. The two forward slides did NOT have "bubbles" displaying delamination similar to what we have seen on a boat's gel-coat. What it did have - visible upfront and majorly in the sun - was major visible "lines" in the entire slide wall (outside). Is this the "delamination" that the '06s have demonstrated?
2A. Specifically in regard to this delamination, is it like that found on gel-coat of a fiberglass boat where if you POP the bubble (bubbled gel-coat) then you'd have additional concerns of moisture now have a direct path to the interior of the wall?
OR
2B. Is this Foretravel form of delamination (lines in the exterior walls of the slides) strictly cosmetic? In-other-wards: if it's not broke.... Will this delamination get progressively worse demanding resurfacing of the slide walls to prevent interior wall damage?
3. I found "odd noises" in the steering - could have been needing steering fluid
4. Lots of "squeaks" en driving
5. Surprisingly not that comfortable of a ride
6. All House batteries were dead so we could not test much of anything else - we could not even start the generator

In regard to the delamination problem, it's my NON_Expert opinion to PASS on this coach due to a major pending expense.
Agree?
Disagree???
Live, Laugh, Love.
You never know when it will all be over!!!!!

Re: Seeking an experiencered inspector for a 2006 Foretravel

Reply #9 –
Quote from: Just For Fun –
We looked at and drove this coach this afternoon. Several items:
1. The two forward slides did NOT have "bubbles" displaying delamination similar to what we have seen on a boat's gel-coat. What it did have - visible upfront and majorly in the sun - was major visible "lines" in the entire slide wall (outside). Is this the "delamination" that the '06s have demonstrated?
2A. Specifically in regard to this delamination, is it like that found on gel-coat of a fiberglass boat where if you POP the bubble (bubbled gel-coat) then you'd have additional concerns of moisture now have a direct path to the interior of the wall?
OR
2B. Is this Foretravel form of delamination (lines in the exterior walls of the slides) strictly cosmetic? In-other-wards: if it's not broke.... Will this delamination get progressively worse demanding resurfacing of the slide walls to prevent interior wall damage?
3. I found "odd noises" in the steering - could have been needing steering fluid
4. Lots of "squeaks" while driving
5. Surprisingly not that comfortable of a ride
6. All House batteries were dead so we could not test much of anything else - we could not even start the generator

In regard to the delamination problem, it's my NON-Expert opinion to PASS on this coach due to a major pending expense.
Agree?
Disagree???
Live, Laugh, Love.
You never know when it will all be over!!!!!

Re: Seeking an experiencered inspector for a 2006 Foretravel

Reply #10 –
Certainly sounds like it could need some work - possibly major. (Unless you can do it yourself, anything on an RV will cost big $$, especially something of that age and apparent lack of TLC.

The delamination is the fiberglass skin coming unglued from the substrate. There is no bubble to pop. I think youre thinking of a blister, not delamination.

The comfort of the ride is greatly dependant on tire pressures, shocks and their age, etc. no motorhome will ride like a car, but if it was excessively harsh or sloppy, that could be tires or suspension issues.

Unless you can get it for an excellent price and are prepared to work thru what could be major issues, id probably agree that this is not the one for you.
Matt
95 U300, 78k miles
Cat 3176 Jake Brake, HD4060.

Re: Seeking an experiencered inspector for a 2006 Foretravel

Reply #11 –
I'd pass on that one, there's better ones out there. JMO
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

Re: Seeking an experiencered inspector for a 2006 Foretravel

Reply #12 –
Pass.  With all house batteries dead, hard to check for proper function of many devices.  If you have a "bad" feeling, walk away.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Seeking an experiencered inspector for a 2006 Foretravel

Reply #13 –
My thinking is this: If there are significant issues with things you can see (such as the fact that it's been sitting for quite a while and the batteries are dead as well as whatever is happening with the slideout "lines") then I would be very concerned about other things you can't see. I would keep looking. 
David and Carolyn Osborn
1995 U320C SE 40' Build 4726 Feb 1995
FMCA 147762
Motorcade 17186

Re: Seeking an experiencered inspector for a 2006 Foretravel

Reply #14 –
Although you've decided to continue looking, a couple of other things come to mind with this '06 that's sat in case anyone else is considering it (Dale's list is a good one)....

Depending on maintenance records, at 9 years old it's likely in need of all fluids and filters (including Transynd for the transmission and a coolant flush and replenishment with ELC, including the generator if those have never been done).

Depending on storage conditions/practices, and especially if stored outside, I would be concerned about possible lack of winterization.  We have had hard freezes here in north Texas for the past few winters.  That can seriously damage the AquaHot and Splendide if water freezes in them.

Smoke and CO detectors (and LP if it has one) are basically aged out (7 years for some, 10 for others) and will need to be replaced.
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: Seeking an experiencered inspector for a 2006 Foretravel

Reply #15 –
Or as a buyer who knows what is going on you can add up the cost of all of the deferred maint, tires, batteries and wear items needing replacement, a healthy reserve for unknown stuff and make an offer accordingly.  I think the asking price was $201K.  Offer $165K or some other number with your reasoning and see what happens. You can still walk away.

i would call James at XTreme Paint and Graphics (936 560 5888) and ask about the lines you saw. They can tell you what they have seen on these coaches for this year and the issues you need to be aware of.

If you are not sure keep looking.  If you are willing to do some or have some work done then there may be an opportunity here.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Seeking an experiencered inspector for a 2006 Foretravel

Reply #16 –
Id say if it was line that you could feel when you ran your hand across it, be cautious.  Delamination is as described, separation of the skin from the structure.  Once it starts it continues and accelerates.  If the coach is a dark color, that tends to increase the odds of a problem in the trouble areas.

Regarding the ride, in 06 to my knowledge, they were not using active air.  As such it has 4 outboard airbags up front, controlled by a single mechanical ride height valve.  These bags are smaller and higher PSI which give a stiffer ride.  The bags are outset to help with body roll but they had to use smaller diameter ones and twice as many.  Add in a solid front axle an you are setup for a stiff ride, not harsh, just not the best.  Things that help are new airbags, older ones have stiff sidewalls like an old tire, new FSD shocks, and new tires (don't over inflate, don't over ply).  IFS and active air models have a much nicer ride, jump in a Realm and compare that ride to that 06, night and day.

On the steering, I'd bet it has a problem with the steering box, its not going to be a just add some fluid to fix it.

It should generally be quiet-ish inside.  You may find yourself having to chase squeaks them down, replacing some latches, cabinet struts, Velcro, re-glue and so on.  Remember is a 9 or 10 year old coach at this point and may need some TLC in some areas.
Current: 09' Phenix
Previous: 04' U320