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Topic: U320 vs Nimbus? (Read 1787 times) previous topic - next topic

U320 vs Nimbus?

We currently own an Airstream 36 DP and are considering an upgrade to FT.  Looking at an 01-03 U320 and find that we can buy an 07 Nimbus for same or less than the 4 year older 320.  Looking at the features, it appears the Nimbus has many, if not all the big feature of the 320 we like, i.e. Outboard air bags, HWH leveling, AquaHot, FT frame, full body paint and many others.  There must be something I'm missing.  What is/are the major differences between the 320 and the Nimbus?
Thanks in advance
Herb Baldwin
Airstream 36' DP (Foretravel Wannabe)
WB8BHK

Re: U320 vs Nimbus?

Reply #1 –
Quote from: baldwinh –
  There must be something I'm missing.  What is/are the major differences between the 320 and the Nimbus?

The engine and transmission

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: U320 vs Nimbus?

Reply #2 –
You may get some specifics here from others on your opinions, but a forum search for some of the issues from the 2007 year may give you some insight. Here are a few examples.

Nimbus and Phenix coaches 2006-2008

I have the opportunity to purchase a 2007 Nimbus 42ft

Delamination Issue

That doesn't mean the 2007 Nimbus you happen to be looking at isn't a gem, or that the 2002 U320 isn't a lemon - but the price reflects a general consensus about major unexpected costs and issues.  One word of advice:  Know what the more frequent issues are for the particular model you happen to be looking at.  Look through the records, talk to the owners.  If the issues have already been dealt with / protecfted against, you could 'profit' from someone else's unwillingness to take the risk.

Welcome to the forum, and good luck on your search!
James
w/ DW Erin, sons Gideon and Tobias, cats Oscar & Oliver
Fulltime 1999 U270 34' #5508

Re: U320 vs Nimbus?

Reply #3 –
And smaller inverter, smaller generator.  Bigger engine might have been available as an option.  Retarder may have been an option, not clear in the specs.  HydroHot is smaller than an Aquahot, not the same.

FT was experiencing financial problems especially 02 and on.  New ownership came in about 2005.  Nimbus was introduced in 06, not sure is all the initial issues were worked out by 07.  Lots of "technology" features like Intellitouch lighting was nice to look at but complex to fix. 

Simple is usually simpler.  Lots of opinions about which years are a bit better for a variety of reasons.  We have a 2001 U320 and are very pleased with it.  Like anything 16 years old things wear out and need fixing but is has served us very well.  Lots of changes in the U320's from 2000-2002.  Some obvious. Some subtle.  Learn all you can, it will make you a better shopper and happier owner.

Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: U320 vs Nimbus?

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Roger & Susan in Home2 –
And smaller inverter, smaller generator.  Bigger engine might have been available as an option.  Retarder may have been an option, not clear in the specs.  HydroHot is smaller than an Aquahot, not the same.

Roger and Susan have a lot of it - 2007 Nimbus is decontented compared to a U320, and IIRC you could could not option to a full AquaHot.  HydroHot is a much lesser unit.  Lack of retarder (given there was no engine or exhaust brake option) would be a deal-killer.

Quote from: Roger & Susan in Home2 –

FT was experiencing financial problems especially 02 and on.  New ownership came in about 2005.  Nimbus was introduced in 06, not sure is all the initial issues were worked out by 07.

Actually the 2006 Nimbus is a more like a rebadged U295-ish coach.  The 2007 was a completely new coach with the usual first model year challenges.

I would not steer completely away from a 2007, but only if there were absolutely impeccable service/maintenance/repair records and all the known/typical issues (like the delamination, one-off dash air conditioning, etc.) had already been addressed.  Read the posts by @bobnkathy to understand more of what can be a problem with that year coach.
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: U320 vs Nimbus?

Reply #5 –
Thanks to all of you for your replies.  I think I'll stick with looking for a good 320.  We want at least a Liv Room slide so I think that means at least a model year 2000, and a fella I met at the factory a couple weeks ago who had an '04 320 said he'd rather an '03 because it does not have an EGR valve on it like the '04 ... so I'll keep my eyes peeled for one to come along, and I know it will.
Thanks again folks ....
Herb Baldwin
Airstream 36' DP (Foretravel Wannabe)
WB8BHK

Re: U320 vs Nimbus?

Reply #6 –
Hi Herb,

Welcome to the forum!  I suggest you look closely at the Beam Alarm pages that show the specs for each model.  The "framework" for all of them you are considering is pretty much the same - built very strong to last.  You're in a 36' now.  Do you want to stay the about the same size and just have a "better" unit?  Then maybe consider the 270, 295, or Nimbus.  There are quite a few people on here that prefer them over the 320 or Phenix because they are less complicated, less expensive to buy/maintain, and have more storage space (tags and hydronic heat takes room).  All the Foretravels have a plenty big engine and will get you where you want to go.  If you want every available bell and whistle and the biggest engine, then you would want to look at the 320 or Phenix. 

I don't think you can go "wrong" with any of them.  Condition and maintenance has always been highest on my list.  From the Beam Alarm pages, find a couple floor plans that work for you and start watching for them.  As you already surely know, the more of anything you look at the more informed you will be.  Look at as many as you can, even if they aren't exactly what you're looking for.  BTW, the Airstreams are no slouch, very nice coaches!
Kurt & Shanna
2007 42' Phenix
Peoria Arizona

Re: U320 vs Nimbus?

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Kurt –
Welcome to the forum!  I suggest you look closely at the Beam Alarm pages that show the specs for each model. 

The Foreforums Wiki is a really good reference and right here on the forum ;)

start [ForeForums Foretravel Motorcoach Wiki]
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: U320 vs Nimbus?

Reply #8 –
Speedbird has a 2001 U320 listed in the classified section.  Nice coach, well maintained with upgrades.  Check it out!    Faith
The selected media item is not currently available.Bob & Faith Rozek
1997 U320 40'
Xtreme Remodel
2010 Scion XD

Re: U320 vs Nimbus?

Reply #9 –
Also check out the 2001 40ft U295 in the classifieds
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

Re: U320 vs Nimbus?

Reply #10 –
Quote from: baldwinh –
Thanks to all of you for your replies.  I think I'll stick with looking for a good 320.  We want at least a Liv Room slide so I think that means at least a model year 2000, and a fella I met at the factory a couple weeks ago who had an '04 320 said he'd rather an '03 because it does not have an EGR valve on it like the '04 ... so I'll keep my eyes peeled for one to come along, and I know it will.
Thanks again folks ....
Good thinking on the 03 vs 04. Appears Cummins had problems with the first year of the ism02 500 hp engine with egr. Egr valve and cooler repairs can cost big bucks. The latter model ism 450's can be modified to 500 hp and you do not have to worry about the emission equipment problems.
Jim C.
coachfree, previous 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2003 Foretravels.

Re: U320 vs Nimbus?

Reply #11 –
I wouldn't out-hand-hand pass on a U295 that otherwise meets your needs.

Nine years ago, i was dead set to find a U320, but my current beauty, a 2003 38' U295, caught my eye.  Love at first sight, so we bought it.

After nine years and seeing other coaches, various models and lengths of Foretravel, I couldn't be happier than I am with my choice.

OK, maybe Richard with his 2003 38' U320 might go up the Grapevine slightly faster, but not enough faster to note unless we were traveling together with no big rig snail races taking up both legally available lanes at 30MPH.

OK, I don't have a tag axle, but I have lots more storage and accessible batteries. And I only buy six tires instead of eight when they need replacement.

OK, I don't have AquaHot (which is often found on U295 coaches).  But my two propane furnaces and propane/electric/motoraid water heater do the job very well and are easily and cheaply serviced should the need ever arise.

Tom

Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer

Re: U320 vs Nimbus?

Reply #12 –
I have a 2002 U295 dual slide, aqua hot  Love it, yes it has a few less hp's but I hook up the CRV, set the cruse control to 63 and take off. No problems driving from Michigan to Florida. I have looked at some Nb's but like this floor plan better

Re: U320 vs Nimbus?

Reply #14 –
If you have a functioning EGR valve you can install an Ugly Fix that tricks the system and keeps the EGR valve closed all the time.  A little thumb drive looking device that can be installed and removed anytime you want.
Kurt & Shanna
2007 42' Phenix
Peoria Arizona

Re: U320 vs Nimbus?

Reply #15 –
Herb & Kathy,

Thanks for posting the link to your blog.  I just read through the posts on the "recent" first page, and found it very entertaining and informative.  The section on "paying for health care" would be good reading for anyone struggling with those sometimes overwhelming expenses.  I also found the tour of the Hot Springs bathhouse very interesting (and scary)!

You guys take excellent photos of your adventures, and your commentary is fun to read.  I hope you find a Foretravel that "fits" your requirements, because you would both be a great addition to our group.  I think you would find many kindred spirits on this Forum.

Keep looking, and let us know if we can help in any way!
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"