2003 U320

Topic: 2003 U320 (Read 982 times) previous topic - next topic

2003 U320

July 19, 2016, 12:05:32 pm

Good morning, I am new to this forum as I am trying to learn all I can about Foretravel coaches. I am looking at a 2003 40' with less than 80,000 miles on it. my questions are
1. Is this too low of milage for a 14 year old coach
2. Would you be concerned about buying a 14 year old coach

I have asked about the tires (they are installing new tires) batteries and service records also asked about the recalls on the refrigerator

Is there anything else I should be aware of my wife is worried that this may be too old of a coach

Thank you for your input as I am trying to learn
Stujan

Re: 2003 U320

Reply #1 – July 19, 2016, 12:32:03 pm

Look on the forum and see all the coaches that are much older than 2003,if I had a 2003 I would be thinking I had a new coach.
Check the hours on the engine,if you are buying it make sure the tires are a quality brand.Fill out the signature part so we know where you are and consider having coach inspected by 3rd party.

Re: 2003 U320

Reply #2 – July 19, 2016, 12:45:44 pm

Quote from: Stujan – July 19, 2016, 12:05:32 pm

Thank you for your input as I am trying to learn

Is there a FT owner around who could do an inspection? I would want to look at all the paperwork, that will tell you tons. A mistake I made when we bought ours, was not asking (I foolishly "assumed" it was current) when the last major service was done. I am now facing having oil, trans, coolant changed, not to mention the air dryer, brakes serviced. There are so many things on these coaches that need a look at, and/or are at the end of their service life. The old saw is, "Make the best deal you can, but have 10 Coach Bucks ($10,000) at the ready." Do not take my comments wrong, you're looking at one of the finest coaches ever built, but wanted to inform you of the reality that these dears need loving care. M

Re: 2003 U320

Reply #3 – July 19, 2016, 02:56:22 pm

The average yearly mileage for a Foretravel is around 6750 miles per year.

Most would not own a Foretravel any newer.

Steve

Re: 2003 U320

Reply #4 – July 19, 2016, 03:32:13 pm

If I owned a 2003 I would have a 6 year newer coach then I have. I was the 3rd owner of mine. First owner owned for 2 year, When the second owner got it they remodeled the inside since they did not like the way it was original. I ended up buying it the next year and have had it ever since. I have around 75K miles on mine.

On the comment that mike leary made about having extra money is a good one. Before I bought this coach when I would buy one I would think they were in excellent shape. Then after owning for a short time I would find out all of the things I did not like or were wrong with it.

On tires, find the date code on the tire. You will then know how new or old the tires are. At 7 years old start thinking about replacing them.

Re: 2003 U320

Reply #5 – July 19, 2016, 03:44:03 pm

A couple of things off the top of my head:

When was the transmission fluid/filter last changed OR had lab analysis done? If more than 4 years (for Transynd), you'll want fresh tranny service.

Same for coolant in both generator and Cummings. If more than 6 years old, new fluid (Shell Rotella ELC or possibly Final Charge) and filter.

Last known air dryer service? If more than 18 months have a reman'd DA33100X from NAPA (so you know it's a Haldex-factory-reman'd unit) swapped in for the existing.

IMHO, 2003 was the best year (we have owned one for 12 years now)

Re: 2003 U320

Reply #6 – July 19, 2016, 04:09:01 pm

Welcome,

I see that you are in Texas, and the assume is that the coach is nearby?? There are several inspection possibilities for you down there.

My coach is a second owner, 2001, and the mileage is just over 74,000 so very similar. Mileages are usually quite low compared to a car.

This forum has many sources for information once you get the machine and never have any doubts about the quality of a FT. just how it has been maintained and treated since it was delivered.

The plan to have $10,000 at hand for urgent needs is a good one, and then you can use it for a good long trip if you get few surprises.

Speedbird 1.

Re: 2003 U320

Reply #7 – July 19, 2016, 04:39:17 pm

Quote from: sk320 – July 19, 2016, 02:56:22 pm

The average yearly mileage for a Foretravel is around 6750 miles per year.
Most would not own a Foretravel any newer.
Steve

Don't know about the mileage "fact" and not sure about the 2nd sentence. Really? Guess it all depends on lots of stuff...

Re: 2003 U320

Reply #8 – July 19, 2016, 05:01:23 pm

Thanks for all the info I do have a another question
if it has new tires, new filters, fluids (transmission, oil generator) air dryer and batteries
what would I need to assume to have $10,000.00 for other repairs?

Re: 2003 U320

Reply #9 – July 19, 2016, 05:36:20 pm

Just off the top of my head I would think Aquahot, Steering box, Inverter, each of which could eat a chunk of your spare bucks.
Over the years I have had to deal with each in turn.
Your plan for new tires and service right at the beginning is indeed a good start, which with a knowledgeable FT inspectors report should give you many years of enjoyable ownership. Defiantly the way to start.
Also, please don't forget that the one you are thinking of is not the only one available.
Speedbird 1.

Re: 2003 U320

Reply #10 – July 19, 2016, 05:40:16 pm

Quote from: Stujan – July 19, 2016, 05:01:23 pm

Thanks for all the info I do have a another question
if it has new tires, new filters, fluids (transmission, oil generator) air dryer and batteries
what would I need to assume to have $10,000.00 for other repairs?

Everything else.

Re: 2003 U320

Reply #11 – July 19, 2016, 05:49:05 pm

Hi there, We bought a 2003 U320 38ft and have loved every bit of it. Please don't let others scare you with $10,000 in reserve. Sure we spent some money on it but not even close to that. It would be nice to know the service it has had. If you are in Texas get it to Nac for a real check also Brett Wolf does a great job of inspecting coaches. He is usually on this forum. If you would like to talk please don't hesitate to call me. 606 348 3seven six four. good luck.Tom

Re: 2003 U320

Reply #12 – July 19, 2016, 05:57:43 pm

$10,000 is a good safe number. May be way less, but a seldom used coach will throw you a few curve balls upon reawakening

Re: 2003 U320

Reply #13 – July 19, 2016, 06:03:02 pm

Quote from: Tim Fiedler – July 19, 2016, 05:57:43 pm

$10,000 is a good safe number. May be way less, but a seldom used coach will throw you a few curve balls upon reawakening

As my hero (who owned this coach) said, "caveat emptor".

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2003 U320

July 19, 2016, 12:05:32 pm

Re: 2003 U320

Reply #1 – July 19, 2016, 12:32:03 pm

Re: 2003 U320

Reply #2 – July 19, 2016, 12:45:44 pm

Re: 2003 U320

Reply #3 – July 19, 2016, 02:56:22 pm

Re: 2003 U320

Reply #4 – July 19, 2016, 03:32:13 pm

Re: 2003 U320

Reply #5 – July 19, 2016, 03:44:03 pm

Re: 2003 U320

Reply #6 – July 19, 2016, 04:09:01 pm

Re: 2003 U320

Reply #7 – July 19, 2016, 04:39:17 pm

Re: 2003 U320

Reply #8 – July 19, 2016, 05:01:23 pm

Re: 2003 U320

Reply #9 – July 19, 2016, 05:36:20 pm

Re: 2003 U320

Reply #10 – July 19, 2016, 05:40:16 pm

Re: 2003 U320

Reply #11 – July 19, 2016, 05:49:05 pm

Re: 2003 U320

Reply #12 – July 19, 2016, 05:57:43 pm

Re: 2003 U320

Reply #13 – July 19, 2016, 06:03:02 pm

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