Coach Sat For Ten Years 2000 U270

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Coach Sat For Ten Years 2000 U270

December 06, 2016, 09:57:05 am

We will be looking at this coach next week. 65,000 miles on the engine with 710 hours on the generator. This coach has sat in a garage for ten years. That is correct, ten years. New batteries and belts just installed. Both engine and generator run well per owner. Recent state inspection. Not sure if the fluids were change recently, will find out more information in a couple days.

Two questions at this time. If we buy it, we'll have 100's of questions. By the way, this will be the sixth or seventh Foretravel we've looked at.

#1) Is it possible, that this could work out to be a good coach? Has anyone had experience with this sort of situation?

#2 After sitting for ten years, so many major items could fail prematurely due to lack of use. How does one come up with a price to make an offer?

That's it for now,

Al
Kulpmont, PA

Re: Coach Sat For Ten Years 2000 U270

Reply #1 – December 06, 2016, 10:29:36 am

Al,

Many, many variables - too many to offer uninformed opinions. Your sig says you're looking for a GV. Is this coach under discussion a GV? My personal feeling is that a older coach (GV), with mechanical Cummins and much simpler "systems", would be more tolerant of extended storage than a newer model. But I could be wrong.

I'm going to refer you to Forum members John and Genni. They were the prior owners of our GV, and have a good overall knowledge of Foretravel coaches. When they sold us their U280, it was because they had purchased a extremely low mileage '97 U320. I believe the low mileage was due to a similar long-term storage situation, so they may have some words of wisdom. Send them a PM, and tell them what's up. They are good people, and I know they'll try to help, if possible.

http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?action=profile;u=1084

Re: Coach Sat For Ten Years 2000 U270

Reply #2 – December 06, 2016, 10:38:54 am

Agree with Chuck. Too many variables for even an educated guess:

How was it stored-- all fluids fresh, or did the engine sit with old oil in it?
Stored in humid area or desert SW/Where is the coach located?

Re: Coach Sat For Ten Years 2000 U270

Reply #3 – December 06, 2016, 10:45:15 am

That's a long time for a coach to be stored. First thing of course is confirm all systems work, ac, water heater, fridge, and so on. Then enlist the aid of someone that lnows Foretravel's to do an inspection for you, may be able to find someone here on the forum. Then unless you are real handy and have time and space to do a lot of work yourself you could easily spend half of your purchase price getting the coach up to snuff. As far as establishing a fair price you would need to look on the internet and see what like coaches have sold for and go from there.

Re: Coach Sat For Ten Years 2000 U270

Reply #4 – December 06, 2016, 10:47:36 am

If it has the inspection that means it was drivable to the inspection place,being inside makes a big difference,many components
on a coach wear from time so some things would have worn if the coach was being used,let us know what the coach is and we
can give better opinions.

Re: Coach Sat For Ten Years 2000 U270

Reply #5 – December 06, 2016, 11:01:20 am

Fuel lines, airbags will be needed sooner or later, Normal

Re: Coach Sat For Ten Years 2000 U270

Reply #6 – December 06, 2016, 11:57:33 am

This is not a GV. Changed my signature. Located in Martinsville, VA. Stored inside. Will know more about the fluids later, maybe. Coach has sat for 10 years and the owner might not remember. Will see if records are available. Should know more in a day or two.

Bob, most FT's we have looked at need fuel lines, tires, air bags, shocks and so on. If not now, in a year or two. Don't forget the air dryer, engine and generator insulation. "What air dryer" they say? "Shocks, I don't need shocks, I have air bags". "Tires, they only have 1,000 miles on them". And so on. Plus, don't the fridge, roof AC's etc are 15 years or older. All adds up to a good many coach bucks. If I keep going, maybe I'll talk myself out of it?

John, agree driven to an inspection station is a plus.

Al

Re: Coach Sat For Ten Years 2000 U270

Reply #7 – December 06, 2016, 12:09:31 pm

Al, a good PDI will go a long way in letting you know what the condition of the coach is in. Good luck.

Re: Coach Sat For Ten Years 2000 U270

Reply #8 – December 06, 2016, 12:11:45 pm

Albert, keep looking it over you may have found a gem service tires fuel and use it. As others have said stored inside makes a big difference, these coaches are well built. Also you never said how you plan on using it, vacations, full time, seasonal. A lot of things can wait they all don't need to be done at one time. I have a friend that bought a 97 got in it fulltime and drove to the east coast.

Re: Coach Sat For Ten Years 2000 U270

Reply #9 – December 06, 2016, 12:18:07 pm

Bruce, Fulltime. Yes, it could be a gem. I have driven two FT's, put a smile on my face and wanted to keep going.
Thanks

Re: Coach Sat For Ten Years 2000 U270

Reply #10 – December 06, 2016, 12:57:14 pm

We purchased a 96 u270 with 218k miles,most of those thing you mentioned can wait,shocks,air bags,fuel lines unless undrivable
can wait,if you want help with some work bring it down here buy me a few meals and I can help you.

Re: Coach Sat For Ten Years 2000 U270

Reply #11 – December 06, 2016, 01:21:42 pm

I love lots of paperwork!

Re: Coach Sat For Ten Years 2000 U270

Reply #12 – December 06, 2016, 01:29:04 pm

Hi Albert
We bought a similar situation coach in 7/2015. Coach only had 80k on it. It was 8 hrs from home. Looked it over with a couple of friends, who own FT's. It didn't show much use, but some wear and tear. We've been in it full time for 6 months since selling our house. LOVE it. Replaced tires first, airbags next, water heater, furnace fan motor, still under 10 CB's.

I expect to continue with upgrades and replacements, as needed. It is 16 years old.
Our coach is the same year and model. 2000-u270 CAI 40ft.
Hope the coach checks out,,good luck with it. Ric

Forgot to mention. We'll be in Quartzsite this year, first timers

Re: Coach Sat For Ten Years 2000 U270

Reply #13 – December 06, 2016, 01:34:39 pm

I bought my 1995 after it had sat for many years untouched, 6 years is my guess. (Only 60k miles in nearly 21 years) The engine oil filter was completely rusted out. Two popped airbags, the rest showing cords. Bad tires, water heater froze and the ice did some funky things to the case. Several broken water lines. Damaged brakes. Busted bulkhead bolts.

Its been a heck of a project, but a lot of reading, studying, atwood manuals, and sweat and it is fully functional and other than a starter failure has many thousands of trouble free miles.

I wouldnt commit unless youre ready to drop major coin on repairs or can do the majority yourself.

If you need help looking it over from a longtime RVer and self proclaimed non expert, im not far at all from it.

Re: Coach Sat For Ten Years 2000 U270

Reply #14 – December 06, 2016, 01:52:09 pm

It does not matter about fluids. Records could be incorrect, etc. Always include in cost, changing ALL fluids, so you have an accurate baseline. All other regular maintenance should be performed right away for the same reason.

Re: Coach Sat For Ten Years 2000 U270

Reply #15 – December 06, 2016, 02:00:16 pm

FWIW,
Get that baby checked out first. If you are knowledgeable, great. If not, get some help. I would not drive very far before changing tires. That is one expensive issue when they go and take part of a fender with it (assuming you don't have injuries or MVA). Agree, fluids, and filters. Sounds like a good one to me. Be ready for some issues. That is why it is good to know what you got and what you need to do before you dive into a project (heck its just money and time, ouch). Best of Travels!

Re: Coach Sat For Ten Years 2000 U270

Reply #16 – December 06, 2016, 02:00:48 pm

I would Not be afraid of an older, low mileage coach, that has sat in a garage for 10 years. Yes, it could need some T.L.C. - tires, batteries, lubrication of the latches, etc. but if it is rust free underneath, no moth holes, interior clean, as a low mileage coach should be, no wear from being lived in, then I would strongly consider buying it. My 1994 U300 GV only had 30,000 miles on it when I bought it in 2007, it sat for 7 years or more. Best move I ever made. Needed tires and batteries, interior was in like new condition, however I have been slowly replacing the black foam insulation in the engine compartment, and generator compartment. these rubber components tend to dry out. I have owned this coach for almost 10 years and have No regrets. As long as it was not lived in you could have a "Gem" .

Re: Coach Sat For Ten Years 2000 U270

Reply #17 – December 06, 2016, 02:04:59 pm

Since there are so many hidden things that can be a problem I think I would consider hiring someone
that knows FT MHs deep down. There might be a qualified person in your area which I imagine someone
on here can recommend. The best person to do an evaluation would be Brett Wolf. There are members on
here that have done the same thing as you and have spent a ton of Coach Bucks after the purchase on
things that did not show on first inspection by someone that did not get into the technical insides of the
coach they were buying. As far as tires I would put two new ones on the front to get the coach home then
add the others when it is ready to hit the road. I bought a FT once and all of the cosmetics looked good and
I think that clouded my thinking, that and really wanting a FT to begin with, should have had a professional
evaluate it, in hind sight.

Best of luck in your purchase,

Carter
Nac-

Re: Coach Sat For Ten Years 2000 U270

Reply #18 – December 06, 2016, 02:14:54 pm

Would worry about rodent damage to wiring

Re: Coach Sat For Ten Years 2000 U270

Reply #19 – December 06, 2016, 02:25:22 pm

My son bought a ft u300 this last spring with 94k miles and had been stored 8 years. After doing some things to it, we made a 8400 mile trip with a great out come, I posted this on the blog. Basically r and r, tires, fuilds, batteries, and a cooling unit in the refer. It's a 94 model and listed "shake down trip.

Re: Coach Sat For Ten Years 2000 U270

Reply #20 – December 06, 2016, 03:14:31 pm

Quote from: Albert W – December 06, 2016, 12:18:07 pm

Bruce, Fulltime. Yes, it could be a gem. I have driven two FT's, put a smile on my face and wanted to keep going.
Thanks

Boy do I know that feeling...!

Re: Coach Sat For Ten Years 2000 U270

Reply #21 – December 06, 2016, 05:29:24 pm

As has been said, assume that you will need new tires and batteries right away. The rest can either be replaced as finances permit or as needed. Our coach is a 1993 that basically sat for the two years prior to our purchase from the second owners. They knew the first owners personally (traveled with them several times), but health issues forced the sale. We replaced the four rear tires and two house batteries right away, then moved on to other things. Yes, we've had some problems that weren't foreseen, but overall it has been a good 3 1/2 years. We've been full-timing for the past two years. Next major upgrade will be a/c. Two new front tires will also happen soon.

Re: Coach Sat For Ten Years 2000 U270

Reply #22 – December 06, 2016, 07:55:49 pm

I would figure about everything on a 2000 needs replacement. ALL the things listed by other reply's.
This is NOT a bad thing. If you can purchase the RV for a very good price you will have the funds to replace everything with new .
A/C units, Refrigerator, Air bags, Batteries, fuel lines, fluids and filters, tires, TV, bulkheads?, If aquahot is damaged it may be a deal breaker because of cost of replacement. As mentioned, check wiring for rodent damage, electronics issues could result in BIG expense to track down and fix.
IF YOU CAN DO A MAJORITY OF THE WORK YOURSELF I would not have a problem with the challenge.
IF YOU PLAN ON PAYING TO HAVE THE WORK DONE FOR YOU, forget it!

Re: Coach Sat For Ten Years 2000 U270

Reply #23 – December 06, 2016, 08:12:26 pm

Quote from: Lon and Cheryl – December 06, 2016, 07:55:49 pm

If aquahot is damaged it may be a deal breaker because of cost of replacement.

Fortunately, as a U270 the coach in question should have propane furnace(s), not an AquaHot

Re: Coach Sat For Ten Years 2000 U270

Reply #24 – December 06, 2016, 09:01:44 pm

The '81 that I bought in 1994 had been in a trailer park for 10 years on full hook-ups and the only lack of use problem I encountered was set valve springs on the generator. We used it for 18 years and it is still able to be used today with tires put on it. I think being indoors with 65,000 miles on it is equal to the same year coach that was continually used with the same miles on it but had nothing changed, air bags fridge etc. I wouldn't think the air conditioners stored inside, to prevent corrosion would have any problems the compressors are hermetically sealed. I don't have the experience with absorption refrigerators to comment on them. As for freezing indoors damaging items, would have to be checked. I am in Southern Cal. and nothing freezes outdoors.

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