Bit the bullet....

Topic: Bit the bullet.... (Read 2179 times) previous topic - next topic

Bit the bullet....

May 15, 2018, 02:27:49 pm

Well, even though I wanted to, but knew I should wait, and didn't really have the time, or the money; and knew that if I did, it might just be a mistake, and knew that my wife would be shaking her head at me the whole time, I have purchased, to my possible dismay, or infinite joy, or just possibly something to take up space in my driveway, a 1999 U320 coach!

It's Davids fault really. He showed me his, and I thought that's nice... but then Rich posted his for sale, and David called and told me about it... and it was to good a deal to pass up.
What's not to like? 1500 watts of solar with 600 AH of Victron Lithium ion batteries. Which is exactly what I would have put in. No propane, again what I would have done. 12 volt marine refrigeration....same. Sure it needs some things, but what older anything (including me) doesn't?

So I guess I will have to change my signature to reflect this. I will have a lot of questions, that I know you all will help me out with. One of the reasons I was only looking at Foretravels in the first place was the great support you all show each other. I have learned a lot already reading past posts.

Coach was inspected by Brett (thanks!) and seems to be in great condition. Lots of stuff to do though. First being changing out the captain's chairs and the Zip Dee awnings (all of them). First trip is planned for August to New Mexico for some cooler weather at elevation around eagles pass. Maybe a beach trip or two soon to shake things down. Fits in my driveway with 2 inches to spare on either side.... whew... Will have to set up my toad for towing as well.

Lots to think about.
First I have to get insurance (progressive through USAA I think) and registered, where I will have to pay the tax man.
Sure its scary, a lot to think about. But this represents freedom in some capacity. At some point will be full timing, but that is a few years in the future. In the meantime, will use it for vacations and do the work on it to make it what I would want. A mobile home that can go almost anywhere, self contained, carrying all my wants and needs, to meet new people, see new places, and hopefully at some point, downsize out of a big house and cars and bills, and responsibilities, and job, to something else.

Bob

Re: Bit the bullet....

Reply #1 – May 15, 2018, 02:39:21 pm

Congratulations on your purchase. You would be hard pressed to find a more quality built coach. There is a lot of support and help with any questions or projects you have.
Great group of people on this forum.
Jerry

Re: Bit the bullet....

Reply #2 – May 15, 2018, 02:57:31 pm

Congratulations!

Regarding insurance... Some companies such as Progressive have a cap on the vehicle of something like $70,000. If you begin to do repairs, remodels, etc. then you might end up putting more into the coach than insurance would pay out.

If that is the case then consider something like Hagerty's for insurance. They do classic and custom cars and are used to people putting money into a vehicle to restore it. They have different types of caps.

Chris

Re: Bit the bullet....

Reply #3 – May 15, 2018, 03:20:38 pm

Congrats! And Welcome!

Should be a squared-away coach, but there's always room for personalization. We can suggest lots of ways to spend your money...just ask!

Insurance. Pays to shop around - lots of variation in types of coverage and cost. I'm not putting down USAA - I've been with them since 1968 (but not for coach insurance). You could call Ron Jarvie's office and request a no obligation quote...they do lots of business with Forum members.

Contact Us - RV Insurance Quote - Motorhome, Travel Trailer & Fifth Wheel

Reminder, if you don't already have one, in Texas you need a non-CDL Class B driver license to be legal. Lots of discussion on this subject here on the Forum. Here's a recent thread to get you started:

TX Class B Driver's License (Reciprocity from other states)

Re: Bit the bullet....

Reply #4 – May 15, 2018, 03:31:22 pm

Safeco for us, stated value, zero deductible on glass replacement, but they don't cover chips.
Welcome to the club, you won't be sorry
Chris

Re: Bit the bullet....

Reply #5 – May 15, 2018, 04:09:58 pm

Congrats. We're a year or so ahead of you but know exactly where you're coming from. Take your time and get to know the coach. Be prepared for a few surprises and for us its been finding where best to spend preventative dollars as we've learned more...it's all about fixing the most likely things that can slow you down. Stuff will still happen but at least you know you've cut down on the most likely.

Randy and Karen

Re: Bit the bullet....

Reply #6 – May 15, 2018, 05:42:11 pm

Bob, Congrats on your FT purchase! I bought my 2000 U320 almost three years ago and have enjoyed every minute of the experience, excepting the big checks I have had to write. Even with the expenses, I would do it again.

I am curious as to how you are going to go about replacing the Zip Dee Awnings. I am just starting to research this topic as I need to replace a damaged patio big awning and have the slider awning re-sewn. The freight for a new one to be shipped from Chicago is more than $500.00. I may wait until I head East again.

Re: Bit the bullet....

Reply #7 – May 15, 2018, 06:26:59 pm

Quote from: KenKetch – May 15, 2018, 05:42:11 pm

I am curious as to how you are going to go about replacing the Zip Dee Awnings. I am just starting to research this topic as I need to replace a damaged patio big awning and have the slider awning re-sewn.

When I read Bob's post, I wondered, "Why did the awnings need to be replaced?" New color wanted? Other than one broken spring and a pull strap, I've not had Zip Dee problems one with three coaches. Hmm.

Re: Bit the bullet....

Reply #8 – May 15, 2018, 07:06:19 pm

For those that may wanting to change out the main awning, I know FOT has a new green one (or had) that was ordered for me. They forgot I was changing colors. May be able to get a good deal on it. I will be swapping out all window awnings soon and in excellent shape (green), to match the new main awning (charcoal).

John

Re: Bit the bullet....

Reply #9 – May 15, 2018, 07:12:32 pm

The best time to buy your FT is now. Someday might never get here. Start now to enjoy every day you can. Congrats.

Re: Bit the bullet....

Reply #10 – May 15, 2018, 07:12:39 pm

Quote from: mike leary – May 15, 2018, 06:26:59 pm

When I read Bob's post, I wondered, "Why did the awnings need to be replaced?" New color wanted? Other than one broken spring and a pull strap, I've not had Zip Dee problems one with three coaches. Hmm.

The patio awning had a run in with a tree and is embarrassed for the conditions that created this incident. It is only the aluminum casing that needs to be replaced.

Re: Bit the bullet....

Reply #11 – May 15, 2018, 08:15:06 pm

Welcome to the club!

Re: Bit the bullet....

Reply #12 – May 15, 2018, 08:45:14 pm

You bought the right year and the right model. Congrats. I owned a Discovery for 14 years and upgraded to FT. I will never own anything else.

Randy Moody
2002 U295, ISL 400

Re: Bit the bullet....

Reply #13 – May 15, 2018, 10:52:59 pm

Congratulations! We are new too, but really enjoying our coach for long weekends, vacations, and mobile self contained housing when necessary. Welcome and enjoy! Hope to meet you in October at the Mid-South rally prior to Grandvention.
Join the motorcade club and FMCA immediately, you won't regret either!

Re: Bit the bullet....

Reply #14 – May 16, 2018, 01:16:41 am

Ohh, No! You did not

Congratulations!
Welcome to the foreforums, enjoy your new to you home away from home.

Re: Bit the bullet....

Reply #15 – May 16, 2018, 06:25:08 am

Congrats! Regarding insurance be sure to get a quote (via phone) from Gieco.... meets the legal minimums requirement (we did not get any comprehensive) and was amazingly cheap for a year IIRC...like under $200.

Enjoy!

Re: Bit the bullet....

Reply #16 – May 16, 2018, 09:36:15 am

Congrats and welcome to the FOFUM family.

Regarding the awnings, in 2009 during our coach's total FOT reburb, our coach got a complete new refitting of Zip Dee's. New fabric for all windows and a complete new patio awning for under $5000. Worth every penny and should be good for another 15 years.

If you meant Eagle Nest, NM for August, we may see you there.

Good Luck and Safe Travels.

Re: Bit the bullet....

Reply #17 – May 16, 2018, 11:17:58 pm

Ken I will be calling zip dee with the measurements and fabric selection and have it shipped to me. Unless there is a better way. I do have someone in Corpus that can sew, and can order the sunbrella from sailrite, but might not be a big savings.
Bob

Re: Bit the bullet....

Reply #18 – May 16, 2018, 11:20:41 pm

Quote from: mike leary – May 15, 2018, 06:26:59 pm

When I read Bob's post, I wondered, "Why did the awnings need to be replaced?" New color wanted? Other than one broken spring and a pull strap, I've not had Zip Dee problems one with three coaches. Hmm.

Mike the fabric is original and in bad shape as is the thread. One one, the material that connects the cover to the coach is bad as well.
Not to mention the color, but that is not why they need replacing. And since I will do several, might as well do all. Its not as easy as just fixing a break in the seam.
Bob

Re: Bit the bullet....

Reply #19 – May 16, 2018, 11:25:18 pm

Quote from: Kent Speers – May 16, 2018, 09:36:15 am

Congrats and welcome to the FOFUM family.

Regarding the awnings, in 2009 during our coach's total FOT reburb, our coach got a complete new refitting of Zip Dee's. New fabric for all windows and a complete new patio awning for under $5000. Worth every penny and should be good for another 15 years.

If you meant Eagle Nest, NM for August, we may see you there.

Good Luck and Safe Travels.

Yes Eagle Nest. Brett suggested it after I told him we wanted to take it somewhere in August. Was either that, or Texas state parks, or Arkansas Lake Fort Smith State park, where we have some friends nearby. New Mexico sounds like a good place to take it for the first time. Which RV park will you be at ?
Ouch 5 coach bucks? But you needed a complete awning as well? Hope to get it for less, but then I only need the fabric parts. The main awning closes slow, so a adjustment to the spring pressure might fix that. Sunbrella is 26$ per yard at 46" wide. Might be better to have contact locally sew it up. Will see after I talk to Zip Dee.
Thanks
Bob

Re: Bit the bullet....

Reply #20 – May 16, 2018, 11:34:17 pm

Quote from: Carl Cox – May 16, 2018, 06:25:08 am

Congrats! Regarding insurance be sure to get a quote (via phone) from Gieco.... meets the legal minimums requirement (we did not get any comprehensive) and was amazingly cheap for a year IIRC...like under $200.

Enjoy!

Well, (scratches head) I already bought a policy via progressive via USAA, and I am now embarrassed to say how much it cost... But since I have 0 years driving a RV (many hundreds of thousands of miles driving but don't think that counts) it cost a bit more than $200... but then again I got a good policy. I will check out Gieco though as my policy doesn't start till Friday. Time to change if needed.
Bob

Re: Bit the bullet....

Reply #21 – May 17, 2018, 10:42:55 am

Quote from: bobfnbw – May 16, 2018, 11:34:17 pm

Well, (scratches head) I already bought a policy via progressive via USAA, and I am now embarrassed to say how much it cost... But since I have 0 years driving a RV (many hundreds of thousands of miles driving but don't think that counts) it cost a bit more than $200... but then again I got a good policy. I will check out Gieco though as my policy doesn't start till Friday. Time to change if needed.
Bob

Shop around.. I pay $120 per month with State Farm and have been with them for 15 years. Used them several times when I have been hit. Customer service has been great!!

Re: Bit the bullet....

Reply #22 – May 17, 2018, 10:45:41 am

Quote from: Carl Cox – May 16, 2018, 06:25:08 am

Congrats! Regarding insurance be sure to get a quote (via phone) from Gieco.... meets the legal minimums requirement (we did not get any comprehensive) and was amazingly cheap for a year IIRC...like under $200.

Enjoy!

Carl, I don't think you have the coverage most of us have for $200.00 a year.

Re: Bit the bullet....

Reply #23 – May 17, 2018, 05:26:46 pm

Congratulations Bob,

You are in good hands here. You made the right choice with a Foretravel. You did your homework by talking to other forum members and letting Brett do the inspection.

It's a big outlay of coach bucks but those of us who love our "antique Foretravels" wouldn't trade our old rigs for a new SOB.

These poor folks who bought a new Thor ended up with a $270,000 nightmare of poor quality defects and suing the company.

An NC couple is suing their RV's builder over chronic problems | Charlotte...

Jerry

Re: Bit the bullet....

Reply #24 – May 17, 2018, 06:05:45 pm

Quote from: coastprt – May 17, 2018, 05:26:46 pm

You made the right choice with a Foretravel. You did your homework by talking to other forum members and letting Brett do the inspection. These poor folks who bought a new Thor ended up with a $270,000 nightmare of poor quality defects and suing the company

We met a couple on their "dream vacation" with a brand new Monaco that had nothing but problems, with NO factory or dealer support. The dealer even had the gall to tell them to bring it back to them, since warranty was not supported elsewhere. They were 3,000 miles away from the 'dealer' !!!!!

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