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Topic: Looking to Purchase Pre-Owned ForeTravel (Read 1098 times) previous topic - next topic

Looking to Purchase Pre-Owned ForeTravel

Hello Members,
    Considering purchase of a 2000 GrandVilla w/ 123,000 miles from a dealer.  What is the life expectancy of air bags & slide out rubber seal....should that be negotiated to be updated after 17yrs....  I am planning on traveling to Texas to inspect this coach on Thursday 7/1717.....continuing my search with a goal to purchase within next few months, no urgency but big interest & curiosity.  I work a two week on & two week away schedule & plan on being a full timer when home.  I have had a series of RV's over the years, two class A gas units, a fifth wheel, and currently own a class C,  30ft w/ Ford  power stroke diesel engine that has sold me on diesel torque! Ready to upgrade to DP for full time use.  Any advice appreciated.

Ivan
 

Re: Looking to Purchase Pre-Owned ForeTravel

Reply #1 –
my air bags are still fine at 22 years.
The selected media item is not currently available. Dave Head & Megan Westbrook
Titusville, FL - The Great Outdoors
'98 270 buying this month
Toad is a 2018 F150 XLT

Re: Looking to Purchase Pre-Owned ForeTravel

Reply #2 –
Try to have someone familiar with Foretravel coaches accompany you at the inspection.  And NO, I don't mean the salesman at the dealership, unless it is FOT (Foretravel of Texas) or MOT (Motorhomes of Texas).  We have a trusted member on this Forum who is sometimes available to assist with PPI's (pre-purchase inspections).  Try sending a PM to Brett Wolfe for the details, if you are interested in getting some qualified help.

http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?action=profile;u=12
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: Looking to Purchase Pre-Owned ForeTravel

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie –
  Try sending a PM to Brett Wolfe for the details, if you are interested in getting some qualified help.

X2, big time! We looked at a few FTs at " used coach lots" and my BS detector went off every time!
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Looking to Purchase Pre-Owned ForeTravel

Reply #4 –
X2 on a qualified second party inspection regardless of the dealership( the dealers want to sell and do repairs). A 17 year old motor home can have some BIG issues. Nothing worse than big $$$ surprises.
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country

Re: Looking to Purchase Pre-Owned ForeTravel

Reply #5 –
I would say check the tire date codes and figure you are going to need new fuel lines and sooner or later airbags. Then there is the SHocks you will probably need to replace as well if they have not been done yet.  Also, it seems as though the bulkheads are a issue and needs to be examined. The slide out on that model year require removal of the slide to replace the bladder and they usually last about 7-10 years.  Then I would run the AH and see if the thing smokes or has issues.  A good inspection by someone who knows these coaches is well worth it. 
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 to Purchase Pre-Owned ForeTravel

Reply #6 –
I would certainly check the front, top and sides of the slide for delamination.  You can just bang em with your palm and see if they flex.

Rich
Rich and Peggy Bowman
2002 U270 3610 WTFS, build #5939--"Freedom"
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4xe
SMI AirForceOne brake system
PakCanoe 15

Re: Looking to Purchase Pre-Owned ForeTravel

Reply #7 –
Ivan,
I will follow with the advice, get a known expert to inspect it before going any further.  You do not say where in Louisiana you are, but there are several expert inspectors in East Texas in the Nacogdoches area that may come out you way for a suitable fee!!
On the other hand take a trip up to Nacogdoches and see what the various specialist shops have on their lots.  Motor Homes of Texas,  Old Town and of course Foretravel themselves. I was there a few months ago and there was quite a selection with the technical expertise to make sure you get a good one.
If you want a longer trip my 2001 40ft U320 is available in Montana.  79,000mls and all equipped and ready for use down to the last knife, fork and spoon.  PM me if interested. This is not a project coach, and was in Nacogdoches earlier this year for an inspection and polish, so ready to go.
Speedbird 1.
2001 U320 Build #5865
Daihatsu Rocky Toad
VW Touareg
'82 F100 Stepside
Beech' Debonair