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Topic: Looking at a 2000 FT at MOT (Read 1095 times) previous topic - next topic

Looking at a 2000 FT at MOT

Hi all,
Been dealing on a 2000 U320 40' at MOT. This is a very attractive full body paint done by Extreme some years ago.
It is unusual as the interior is exotic with dark brown CS leather with alligator accents. Yesterday Jeff Bowser sent me
the service records. Wow, lots of issues. Looks like approx. 10k spent on running down problems. I don't think it had been driven
much since 2012. Tires and batteries are older. One note on the record was from the owner was to "fix things enough to sell"
That bothered me. I think the owner who had the coach painted and the interior done name was Cochran. I've had a 98 u320
a few years ago and NEVER had the service problems this coach has had.  DW thinks I should look at CC. What to do. Any opinions
would be greatly appreciated.  Lowell in Colorado

Re: Looking at a 2000 FT at MOT

Reply #1 –
Lots of threads on the board right now with folks asking for opinions...so you will probably find something that applies to your situation. When I was looking someone on the board mentioned "things at rest tend to remain at rest and things in motion tend to remain in motion". Of course the quote is meant to illustrate the fact a coach that has not been used will typically have more challenges than one that has more miles/use.  As far as the cash...if you search for posts from me over the past 12 months of ownership you will see I am over the 10K mark and still going!  :)  :)  If I had to do it all over again I personally would stay with FT because of this board and the facilities in the Nacogdoches area.  As far as Country Coach, they have their known issues also...check the fridge (they do not use Dometic), Transmission, and the radiator...has it been replaced...CC uses aluminum/copper radiator which wear/rub at the mounting points....my good buddy has a CC....he is waiting for his 8 thousand dollar radiator (steel/copper) as I type this...do your research!...good luck.
Be Safe
dave
Dave
2002 295 36'
Build 6006
Motorcade Member 17931
Toad 2003 Jeep Wrangler
2008 BMW R1200 GSA

Re: Looking at a 2000 FT at MOT

Reply #2 –
We looked at the coach and found several things that caused considerable pause.  The main slide scrapes on the tile floor (the whole slide!), enough to have left etched skid marks and had issues with the top slide valence staying on when the slide extended-retracted (the whole valence).  Tile throughout the coach needs re-grouting, drivers seat looked close to be needing some restitching...  and perhaps most significant is the main slide has de-lamination on the rear wall just under the side window (would be the window at your back sitting at the dinette) - large maybe 2' diameter bulge and some smaller...  uh...  burps beneath.  After we saw that, we stopped looking at the coach...  Did not take the time to check out anything else.

Got the feeling what we saw right off was just the tip of the proverbial iceberg and we hadn't yet begun to look closely at things.  With the alligator theme/upholstery, we figured we'd be feeding it a lot of $$ to keep it happy.

Sure was a fine looking coach on the surface - the recliner & sofa in the salon were very comfortable and it looks like Extreme had a great time making it into the Foretravel "Extreme Edition" they named it.
Bill Jackson & Kim Sweeney
2013 27' Lazy Daze RK
2002 U320 PBDS 36' Build 5941 (Sold)
1999 U320 40' (Sold)
2005 Country Coach Intrigue 40' (Sold)

Re: Looking at a 2000 FT at MOT

Reply #3 –
Would give a hard look at the 2004 in the classified section.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Looking at a 2000 FT at MOT

Reply #4 –
I don't see photos on MOT but it sounds a lot like one we looked at while in North Carolina about 6 or 7 years ago.  It had a 3rd AC added because the owner was a shooter who used the coach as a hospitality place for his friends during meets.  He was high on it and we just didn't have a good feel.  He called months later when we were back in Oklahoma to see if I'd trade our U295 and some boot for it.  The Corian was a little rough and a few other things I just couldn't put my finger on.  I'm sure it's changed hands since then.
Rick & Rhonda
2003 U320 4220  Build #6199
Was
91 36' GV 300 Caterpillar, 92 40' U280 300 Cummins, 97 36' U295 300 Cummins, 2002
U320 450 Cummins
(Guess we're hooked)

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Re: Looking at a 2000 FT at MOT

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Johnstons –
I don't see photos on MOT but it sounds a lot like one we looked at while in North Carolina about 6 or 7 years ago.  It had a 3rd AC added because the owner was a shooter who used the coach as a hospitality place for his friends during meets.  He was high on it and we just didn't have a good feel.  He called months later when we were back in Oklahoma to see if I'd trade our U295 and some boot for it.  The Corian was a little rough and a few other things I just couldn't put my finger on.  I'm sure it's changed hands since then.
.
I believe that is the one - we were told the owner had the 3rd AC added to help cool down from outside sporting events.  The coach did have a bumper sticker that referenced competitive shooting club - Marksman?
Bill Jackson & Kim Sweeney
2013 27' Lazy Daze RK
2002 U320 PBDS 36' Build 5941 (Sold)
1999 U320 40' (Sold)
2005 Country Coach Intrigue 40' (Sold)

Re: Looking at a 2000 FT at MOT

Reply #6 –
How much $ for what is always the equation.  A major project requires a major price reduction.

Seems the paint money might have been better spent on the rest of the coach?
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Looking at a 2000 FT at MOT

Reply #7 –
All the first generation slide coaches have delay on the slides. They used a mastic that ate away the blue foam and did not stick. I had both of my slides repaired when I owned it.  It was a 10k total fix.
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: Looking at a 2000 FT at MOT

Reply #8 –
Unclear if you own the coach now or looking at buying it?
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: Looking at a 2000 FT at MOT

Reply #9 –
I was considering buying it. I love the FBP but not so much as to put myself in a lemon.
not being used for 5 years and all the other issues I think I will keep looking.
I do want a u320 but not a 42'. That's just to big for me. Would consider a 36' u320
thank you all for your input
l
Lowell

Re: Looking at a 2000 FT at MOT

Reply #10 –
10k chasing down problems over the entire lifespan of the coach?  That does not seem like that much since 2000.... 700ish a year?.  Or was this all in one chunk as an unsolvable mystery.
James
w/ DW Erin, sons Gideon and Tobias, cats Oscar & Oliver
Fulltime 1999 U270 34' #5508

Re: Looking at a 2000 FT at MOT

Reply #11 –
James,
that was paid out all in 2012 in a chunk
not so sure they even cleaned up all the issues.
in fact I know they did not as MOT had gone through it
and there were a lot of things left to do.
To bad as it does have nice paint.
But you don't drive paint
Lowell

Re: Looking at a 2000 FT at MOT

Reply #12 –
Not sure where you are located, but my 2001 40ft 320 could be available??
It will be sold as a  fully equipped turnkey operation with everything in it and a Daihatsu Rocky Toad.
Just back from NAC where it was inspected and gone over.  I have also just had the alignment done and the dash A/C will be done later this week.
I am in Montana and since my DW passed away I don't feel that I will use it any more.
Send me a PM.
Speedbird 1
2001 U320 Build #5865
Daihatsu Rocky Toad
VW Touareg
'82 F100 Stepside
Beech' Debonair

Re: Looking at a 2000 FT at MOT

Reply #13 –
Speedbird1
I forgot to mention we are in western Colorado
Lowell