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Topic: Newbie Alert - Considering purchase 02 GV320 (Read 1074 times) previous topic - next topic

Newbie Alert - Considering purchase 02 GV320



Hello All, My name is Dan. My wife Laura and I are getting close to pulling the trigger on the purchase of a 2002 GV320 and we're in the process of discovery related to Foretravel and owning a motorhome. Although we're familiar with class A and class C rigs, we've never owned one, nor operated one in this class (top tier diesel pusher).

I've been reviewing dozens of threads on this site over the last week or more on numerous topics and i've learned a lot. But I still have a few questions.... some of these are probably buried within so please forgive me if there's a repeat.

The rig: 2002 GV320; ~90K miles; 2800 hrs on gen; no apparent collision damage
What we know: Rig has seen little use over the last 4 years. On consignment lots for the last 2 years; carpet replaced recently; engine/generator and A/C units seem to run ok/work (Although I've not driven it yet .. per the sales guy it may need an alignment).

Questions:
1) Inspection / Assessment ... lots of good discussion here about pre-purchase inspection. I'm all in on that. Does anyone have a reference for a qualified person within 75-100 miles of the DFW area? We live a bit east of Dallas and would like to have it done locally. I know we could take it to NAC to FT or MOT but I'm not confident the current owner will allow that.
2) I see many references to oil analysis. Where / who does this .. how much does it cost and how long does it take to get results ... any recommendations?
3) Most references to oil analysis relate to the engine .. what about transmission and  generator.. differential?
4) How do you pull these oil samples w/o draining the oil (as in an oil change) ... is there a trick to it? 
5) Are there any specific concerns with the 2002 GV320 related to reliability or maintenance?
6) Given it's seen so little use and it's been outside the last 4 years, what are the top 3-5 things you would suggest we ensure are in good shape or consider likely compromised ?
7) Any concerns pulling a TOAD with this model?

We've been looking for the 'right' motorhome for us (recently retired) for awhile. One of the criteria I had was that I wanted something that had a strong following and support nationwide. Also, I like to do my own maintenance (within reason) and a forum like this with firsthand knowledge and help readily available was important. I've been impressed with the forum and level of engagement ... it feels right.

Thanks for your time .. Dan

PS, silly question ... do these things have a spare tire? If so where is it? If not, has this been a real problem for anyone (getting service on short notice)?






 
2008 Nimbus 338 Special
Rockwall, Texas

Re: Newbie Alert - Considering purchase 02 GV320

Reply #1 –
Dan, the very BEST thing you can do is inquire on the forum here about someone to do complete inspection for you. There are several folks here that are very good. Best money you will ever spend. As far as the oil samples not really a way to do it properly with out changing the fluids. Their has been a GV320 floating around for several years for sale is this the one?
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: Newbie Alert - Considering purchase 02 GV320

Reply #2 –
Call Brett Wolfe, here on the forum. He did our inspection. He is awesome.
1993 U300 40ft GV SE
Build # 4344

Re: Newbie Alert - Considering purchase 02 GV320

Reply #3 –
Dan,
 
That particular model is like a Unicorn. They do not stay on the market very long before they are sold. If you want it, put a deposit down, subject to passing a pre-purchase inspection by your inspector. Then contact Brett Wolfe.
 
Good luck,
 
Trent
Trent and Jean Eyler
2000  U295  4003  WTFE  ISC  350
Build#5603 MC#17385

Re: Newbie Alert - Considering purchase 02 GV320

Reply #4 –
Welcome Dan & Laura,

No such thing as a "silly" question here!  Hope the coach works out for you and you buy it.  New members are always appreciated.

Here are specs for the '02 GV320, courtesy of Barry and Darlene Brideau's Personal Website (a excellent source of Foretravel knowledge):

http://beamalarm.com/foretravel-links/models/2002-u320-specifications.pdf

We haven't gone the oil sample route, so will let others answer those questions.

I can answer the last two questions.  Pulling ANY kind of tow vehicle with that coach would be no problem.  It has excellent engine power and tow hitch rating.  Rest easy on that point.

Spare tires are not included as "standard equipment" on Foretravel motorhomes.  Some owners do carry them.  Many owners depend on their "roadside assistance" insurance to take care of any tire problems.  Here is a recent thread where we discussed spare tires.  The OP (original poster) was asking about carrying a tire on a older coach, but the comments may be of interest:

Carrying a Spare.... Underneath?.
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: Newbie Alert - Considering purchase 02 GV320

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Jeff & Sandy date=1508074699 link=msg=290972]
Call Brett Wolfe, here on the forum. He did our inspection. He is awesome.
[/quote]

+1 - and he's based in Texas

[quote author=D.McGee –
nk=msg=290967 date=1508072783]

The rig: 2002 GV320; ~90K miles; 2800 hrs on gen; no apparent collision damage
What we know: Rig has seen little use over the last 4 years. On consignment lots for the last 2 years; carpet replaced recently; engine/generator and A/C units seem to run ok/work (Although I've not driven it yet .. per the sales guy it may need an alignment).

2) I see many references to oil analysis. Where / who does this .. how much does it cost and how long does it take to get results ... any recommendations?
3) Most references to oil analysis relate to the engine .. what about transmission and  generator.. differential?
4) How do you pull these oil samples w/o draining the oil (as in an oil change) ... is there a trick to it? 

Search the forum for oil analysis - 2 most common labs are Blackstone and JG Lubricant services.  You can buy a pump with tubing to pull samples without draining.  Cost varies by lab but is well worth the $.  Takes less than a week (typically) to get results.

Quote from: D.McGee –
5) Are there any specific concerns with the 2002 GV320 related to reliability or maintenance?

If it has an air-operated patio awning, note this has been a bit of a challenge.

Check slide operation, listen for rattles on locking pins, check front and rear endcap seams for cracking.  The 2002 has a unique slide mechanism (assuming this coach has a slide).  How old are slide bladders?

Quote from: D.McGee –
6) Given it's seen so little use and it's been outside the last 4 years, what are the top 3-5 things you would suggest we ensure are in good shape or consider likely compromised ? 

Check roof for any stress cracks that might have let moisture in (delamination).  Check DOT date codes on all tires.  Sitting that long you want to check air tanks for water/air dryer desiccant - cleanup if the dryer has failed isn't a small job.  Fresh fluids and filters all around, especially if there is no record of them being done within the recommended interval.  Reman'd air dryer, especially if the one in the coach is original; service it if it hasn't been done in the last 2-3 years.  Others will chime in as well.  All of these things can be checked by a good inspector like Brett.
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: Newbie Alert - Considering purchase 02 GV320

Reply #6 –
Dan,

Here is a recent discussion about a GV320 for sale at FOT.  Don't know if this is the one you are considering.  If it is, I would most definitely secure the assistance of Brett Wolfe in doing a PRE-sale inspection.  (I.E. before any papers are signed.)

We don't want to discourage any potential buyer from making any purchase of his/her choice.  BUT, if you come here looking for advice, then you will receive opinions from a group of people with a vast cumulative knowledge of all things Foretravel.

In the end, any purchase decision will be entirely up to you.

2002 G320 versus U320 - what's the difference.
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: Newbie Alert - Considering purchase 02 GV320

Reply #7 –
plan on $10 - $20K in first year maintenance for "stuff" if the coach has not been used much for four years. Maybe more depending on how it was maintained, bulkheads, air bags, batteries, refrigerator, fuel lines, etc. Might be less, but that would be a pleasant vs. an unpleasant surprise.

Get Brett Wolfe to do a Pre-Purchase if the geography works. If not, take it to NAC - maybe Old Town or MOT. If owner will not let it go to east Texas for an inspection, that says something, Look at it this way, you are buying a coach that new was hundreds of thousands or dollars and extraordinarily complex.  it is 15 years old. If it has been maintained, it can be a very pleasant ownership experience. If not, and you plan on fixing it up (or can do a lot yourself) and your financial plan is realistic, it can be a great buy. If you think it won't need much in way of maintenance after being neglected for four years, and don't have the money budgeted, you could be sadly dissapointed.

That being said, Foretravel is the right class A - and this forum is invaluable to a n owner

Tim Fiedler

Sure Start Soft Start

TCER Direct generator-gas-prod 630 240-9139
Gen-Pro
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: Newbie Alert - Considering purchase 02 GV320

Reply #8 –
I bought mine with very little use. The previous owners had put less than 4000 miles on it since the last repair invoice five years earlier. It was fine, no problems besides an air dryer that cost me a few hundred dollars. I did all the maintenance myself (engine oil, all filters, transmission fluid and filters, coolant drain, flush and refill, chassis grease, etc) which saved a few thousand dollars.

The GV320 is probably the finest foretravel available. Mid entry is amazing. I will never understand putting the door up front.

Hope it all works out!
95 U300SE

Re: Newbie Alert - Considering purchase 02 GV320

Reply #9 –

Thanks for all the replies ... there's some good nuggets in there.

It looks like it may be the same coach ... need to do a bit more homework. If it is that would be disappointing, and we'll have to decide if we want to jump into a project that could go on for a year or more.

I'm up for doing the work but not sure I want to devote the time a large undertaking would require. We've got plans for next spring / summer.

Dan
2008 Nimbus 338 Special
Rockwall, Texas

Re: Newbie Alert - Considering purchase 02 GV320

Reply #10 –
ANY vehicle that has little use over several years WILL have issues that will need to be dealt with over the first few years of ownership. Doesn't matter if it is a million dollar MH or a 20-year-old beater. The only difference will be the cost of the work.

Our Foretravel got a fair amount of use the first 15 years with the first two owners. The second owners, though, eventually got to the point where they weren't using it much - maybe a thousand miles a year at most, and only a couple hundred in the last year they had it. We've spent a fair amount of money bringing it up to snuff, and more is planned. Other than the engine rebuild in January/February, nothing took all that long when we had others do the work. When I do the work, though, it takes a very long time because I don't know what I'm doing, so I'm learning as I go. If you have the time, though, that's the best way, as you learn what's what.

Re: Newbie Alert - Considering purchase 02 GV320

Reply #11 –
Dan,

I am tied up right now-- finishing working on the house after Harvey.

I can recommend: Risch, Keith: Cell 936-462-3764. kwrisch40@yahoo.com

Keith is the shop foreman at MOT and moonlights doing inspections-- he is very good.

Brett
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Newbie Alert - Considering purchase 02 GV320

Reply #12 –
Dan- Keith Risch is a great recommendation for an inspector since Brett is not available.  We bought our coach almost 10 years ago from MOT and I can tell you from personal experience- he is good!!

Best of luck finding your coach............. ^.^d
Ted & Karen
2001 U270 36' - sold after 12 years full timing