2001 U320 with bulkhead issues, whats it worth?

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2001 U320 with bulkhead issues, whats it worth?

August 15, 2022, 06:24:54 pm

Hello again folks! I have narrowed it down to looking for a U320 platform. I went and inspected one today (2001 U320 4010) Had 61k miles on it, looked pristine, roof was good, interior was good, found all the service History from the previous owner. (coach is at a dealer, was a trade in) Inspected the Bulkhead and found one member under the wet bay that has rust jacked the belly pan down off of the basement floor. I know bulkhead issues are bad but I am confident I can build a complete new basement floor if needed. I expect the rust to be far more widespread than just the wet bay so I am thinking worst case scenario. My question is what is the repair worth? The coach is listed for 99k ( I believe it to be a little high even without bulkhead issues) But what would be a resonable discount to allow for the bulkhead repair? From experience from the group what is the price range that others have paid to repair say 25% of the basement floor? I did notice a lot of Rolok fasteners underneath the entire coach but was under the inpression that the belly skin was attached with adhesive, but this belly had a line of fasteners about every 24-36" the entire length. Thanks is advance!

Re: 2001 U320 with bulkhead issues, whats it worth?

Reply #1 – August 15, 2022, 06:48:28 pm

There have been some on here that have done this repair themselves and others who took it too the mother ship. Estimated costs between $7-9k. Those who did this repair themselves, vary, but somewhere in the $3k range.
Hope this helps!

Re: 2001 U320 with bulkhead issues, whats it worth?

Reply #2 – August 15, 2022, 07:04:35 pm

My 4010 was perfect with lots of extensive remodeling, perfect maintenance ( fresh tires and L-16 lifeline batteries, new fuel lines , new airbags, new redhead steering gearbox, inspected and repaired bulkhead, and way more) every upgrade you can think of (FBP, All new interior and counter tops, $20K AM solar w/ 1200 Watts on roof, Girard awning with new control update and LED lights, xTreme headlights and LED taillights, electric step, and much more.).
MOT sold it for me in last three months for $79,000.
I would not make an offer until fiberglass was dropped under the basement and full inspection with repair estimate was performed. Without any issue, likely a $65K coach. Then deduct any needed repairs.
Do not get too excited about any 2000 or 2001 4010. Lots out there, the come up for sale pretty frequently.
Watch the MOT web site, let Mel at MOT know what you are looking for, do your homework and be patient. Even if you don't transact with MOT, they know the current actual retail market for older Foretravels better than any other source.
I had the rear bulkhead and one bay forward repaired at MOT 3 years ago, was about $3500 then.

Re: 2001 U320 with bulkhead issues, whats it worth?

Reply #3 – August 15, 2022, 07:56:37 pm

Quote from: Tim Fiedler – August 15, 2022, 07:04:35 pm

let Mel at MOT know what you are looking for

Mel doesn't work with customers off the street anymore, even if you are ready to buy with cash in hand. He'll punt you to one of his salesmen. He didn't even do me the courtesy of emailing back.

Re: 2001 U320 with bulkhead issues, whats it worth?

Reply #4 – August 15, 2022, 08:54:57 pm

Emmett, call me Tuesday please. Have info for you. Rudy 7 one 3 8 one 8 3234

Re: 2001 U320 with bulkhead issues, whats it worth?

Reply #5 – August 15, 2022, 11:03:17 pm

Elliot

I agree, that is why I suggested Mel as an advisor on coach values - if there is a coach at their facility, yes, he will assign a salesperson. But he is happy to take a call and give advice on any coach transaction, after all, you might buy the next one there or sell one there in the future.

Re: 2001 U320 with bulkhead issues, whats it worth?

Reply #6 – August 15, 2022, 11:22:37 pm

I was able to work with Mike Phillips when I purchased my coach. Mike was extremely good at following through and communicating. I don't think I ever had to call him a second time to get a question answered.

Ultimately- I feel it is the buyer's responsibility to put in the "due diligence".

If I could do it over again, I would hire the third party inspector. It was holiday time and I reached out to a couple but nobody was available when I felt a decision needed to be made. I had missed on two or three and maybe got impatient.

Fortunately after a few years things have worked out fine. Prior to my purchase I spent a lot of time on the forum to get up to speed with most of the pitfalls and tried to budget for what I thought the most likely upgrades and repairs which were going to be needed.

I can recommend Mike. Very nice guy. He was able to negotiate the deal that worked for me. That is all I really expect within the type of buyer/seller situation that I was dealing with.

I look forward to hearing about your new coach once you make your deal.

-FT

Re: 2001 U320 with bulkhead issues, whats it worth?

Reply #7 – August 16, 2022, 07:16:36 am

Quote from: Emmett Brown – August 15, 2022, 06:24:54 pm

I know bulkhead issues are bad but I am confident I can build a complete new basement floor if needed.

I expect the rust to be far more widespread than just the wet bay so I am thinking worst case scenario. My question is what is the repair worth?

was under the inpression that the belly skin was attached with adhesive, but this belly had a line of fasteners about every 24-36" the entire length. Thanks is advance!

The "bulkhead issues" are not necessarily a bad thing, just part of the aging process. And that floor structure can be remedied one way or another. What is the repair worth? I don't know, but for the asking price I'd ask the seller to have the repairs done on his nickel at MOT or FOT.

Our U225 also has rows of bolts holding up the belly covering. I just think of it as making access easier.

Re: 2001 U320 with bulkhead issues, whats it worth?

Reply #8 – August 16, 2022, 07:38:02 am

I believe the "rows of bolts" on the underbelly are what's connecting the floor frame to the intermediate bulkheads (basement partitions).

Re: 2001 U320 with bulkhead issues, whats it worth?

Reply #9 – August 16, 2022, 07:40:50 am

Quote from: Emmett Brown – August 15, 2022, 06:24:54 pm

1. I did notice a lot of Rolok fasteners underneath the entire coach but was under the inpression that the belly skin was attached with adhesive,
2. but this belly had a line of fasteners about every 24-36" the entire length.

Dr. Brown,

1. Correct, OEM the basement floor structure (top, bottom, metal tubing, and insulation) was glued and then put in a giant zip lock bag and vacuumed creating a vacuum bond and let set that way till dry.
2. Those are to connect the basement floor to each of the bulkheads that are basement dividers.

Mike

Re: 2001 U320 with bulkhead issues, whats it worth?

Reply #10 – August 16, 2022, 01:43:15 pm

Quote from: Elliott – August 15, 2022, 07:56:37 pm

Mel doesn't work with customers off the street anymore, even if you are ready to buy with cash in hand. He'll punt you to one of his salesmen. He didn't even do me the courtesy of emailing back.

Not taking Mel's side but do you think maybe he didn't get your email? I had been waiting for an email from a gun manufacturer for weeks. Never got it so I called. The guy said he had emailed me a quote. Searched through my spam and found it. I do know Mel is wide open the whole time he is there. We spent a lot of time there looking and got to know a lot of the guys and girls there. The salesmen when they are with a customer will not stop what they are doing to help another customer. They give their customer 100% of their undivided attention. Mel handles all of the finance for MOT. He's dealing with all of the salesmen, banks etc and the customers. I'll be over there next week and can talk to Mel for you if you want. I don't mind.

Re: 2001 U320 with bulkhead issues, whats it worth?

Reply #11 – August 16, 2022, 02:30:22 pm

Quote from: EddieNel – August 16, 2022, 01:43:15 pm

Not taking Mel's side but do you think maybe he didn't get your email? I had been waiting for an email from a gun manufacturer for weeks. Never got it so I called. The guy said he had emailed me a quote. Searched through my spam and found it. I do know Mel is wide open the whole time he is there. We spent a lot of time there looking and got to know a lot of the guys and girls there. The salesmen when they are with a customer will not stop what they are doing to help another customer. They give their customer 100% of their undivided attention. Mel handles all of the finance for MOT. He's dealing with all of the salesmen, banks etc and the customers. I'll be over there next week and can talk to Mel for you if you want. I don't mind.

I think it would be worth a mention.. For future customers

Re: 2001 U320 with bulkhead issues, whats it worth?

Reply #12 – August 16, 2022, 02:46:03 pm

Quote from: EddieNel – August 16, 2022, 01:43:15 pm

Not taking Mel's side but do you think maybe he didn't get your email? I had been waiting for an email from a gun manufacturer for weeks. Never got it so I called. The guy said he had emailed me a quote. Searched through my spam and found it. I do know Mel is wide open the whole time he is there. We spent a lot of time there looking and got to know a lot of the guys and girls there. The salesmen when they are with a customer will not stop what they are doing to help another customer. They give their customer 100% of their undivided attention. Mel handles all of the finance for MOT. He's dealing with all of the salesmen, banks etc and the customers. I'll be over there next week and can talk to Mel for you if you want. I don't mind.

Yes, he did. I received an email from Jeff Bowser the next day in reply (who was good to work with, btw). I don't have anything to talk over with Mel, but thanks for the offer.

Re: 2001 U320 with bulkhead issues, whats it worth?

Reply #13 – August 16, 2022, 05:09:16 pm

Just my opinion. When Mel was in sales he was one of if not the best salesman at MOT. Over the past 10 years we've become friends.
With Jason moving up and Mel moving into sales management position I'd assume that his day is pretty darn busy and would understand why he would send an inquiry to one of his sales guys. Maybe he has time to occasionally get involved in a sales negotiation but his main duties I'm sure keep him busy.

Re: 2001 U320 with bulkhead issues, whats it worth?

Reply #14 – August 17, 2022, 09:08:21 am

This can be bought for less than the ask for the coach you are looking at

2003 Foretravel U320 4020 AGDS | Motorhomes of Texas

Re: 2001 U320 with bulkhead issues, whats it worth?

Reply #15 – August 17, 2022, 11:45:52 am

That would be Barry Beams coach.

Re: 2001 U320 with bulkhead issues, whats it worth?

Reply #16 – August 17, 2022, 11:53:47 am

Quote from: rbark – August 17, 2022, 11:45:52 am

That would be Barry Beams coach.

Yes sir it is and I understand he was so passionate about the brand that I would expect the coach to have been maintained to the Nth degree. I am not concerned with the miles on the drivetrain, but was wondering about the rest of the box and all of the systems. That coach started my High Mileage thread about a week ago

Re: 2001 U320 with bulkhead issues, whats it worth?

Reply #17 – August 17, 2022, 12:06:43 pm

lots of "one off" stuff on that coach...not sure how well it has been maintained since he stopped using it

Barry wasn't well enough to use or maintain for a number of years. Really super guy, and yes passionate about his coach and the brand

Re: 2001 U320 with bulkhead issues, whats it worth?

Reply #18 – August 17, 2022, 12:23:45 pm

Didn't somebody on the forum buy it?

Re: 2001 U320 with bulkhead issues, whats it worth?

Reply #19 – August 17, 2022, 12:35:38 pm

Quote from: craneman – August 17, 2022, 12:23:45 pm

Didn't somebody on the forum buy it?

Yes, at least a couple years, probably more back.

Re: 2001 U320 with bulkhead issues, whats it worth?

Reply #20 – August 17, 2022, 05:24:49 pm

The guy who bought it wasn't active until he bought Barry's coach and didn't hang around long term afterward if my recall is sound.

Re: 2001 U320 with bulkhead issues, whats it worth?

Reply #21 – August 17, 2022, 05:36:46 pm

If it had the open bath which Lynda wants I would consider moving up a few years. I believe he made the tag axle lifting while he had it.

Re: 2001 U320 with bulkhead issues, whats it worth?

Reply #22 – August 17, 2022, 11:08:17 pm

Pretty sure it's the open floor plan but enclosed toilet and dose have a lifting tag.

Re: 2001 U320 with bulkhead issues, whats it worth?

Reply #23 – August 18, 2022, 08:34:08 am

Quote from: Emmett Brown – August 15, 2022, 06:24:54 pm

Hello again folks! I have narrowed it down to looking for a U320 platform. I went and inspected one today (2001 U320 4010) Had 61k miles on it, looked pristine, roof was good, interior was good, found all the service History from the previous owner. (coach is at a dealer, was a trade in) Inspected the Bulkhead and found one member under the wet bay that has rust jacked the belly pan down off of the basement floor. I know bulkhead issues are bad but I am confident I can build a complete new basement floor if needed. I expect the rust to be far more widespread than just the wet bay so I am thinking worst case scenario. My question is what is the repair worth? The coach is listed for 99k ( I believe it to be a little high even without bulkhead issues) But what would be a resonable discount to allow for the bulkhead repair? From experience from the group what is the price range that others have paid to repair say 25% of the basement floor? I did notice a lot of Rolok fasteners underneath the entire coach but was under the inpression that the belly skin was attached with adhesive, but this belly had a line of fasteners about every 24-36" the entire length. Thanks is advance!

99k seems about 20k high for an '01 to me

Keith

Re: 2001 U320 with bulkhead issues, whats it worth?

Reply #24 – August 18, 2022, 08:37:33 am

Quote from: Dub – August 17, 2022, 12:35:38 pm

Yes, at least a couple years, probably more back.

I met the guy that had just bought Barry's coach at the 2018 GrandVention in Mineola but don't recall his name. I think he was going to try full timing.

Keith

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