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Topic: 2002 36' U320 Vs. 2002 36' U270 (Read 780 times) previous topic - next topic

2002 36' U320 Vs. 2002 36' U270

New member here. 1st. post.
Can anyone help guide me thru the differences between 2002 36' U320 Vs. 2002 36' U270
 I see the U320 has a larger motor, and better interior?
thank you!

Re: 2002 36' U320 Vs. 2002 36' U270

Reply #1 –
Essentially the U320 is a higher trim level, look here for specifics.
Steve and Cassi
2007 Foretravel Nimbus 42'

Re: 2002 36' U320 Vs. 2002 36' U270

Reply #2 –
Quote from: Tracy –
New member here. 1st. post.
Can anyone help guide me thru the differences between 2002 36' U320 Vs. 2002 36' U270

Welcome to Foreforums.

Have you looked at the Wiki?  Here's the info for 2002  2002 Foretravel Motorhome

Drivetrain (engine, transmission), heating, hot water systems are some of the major differences.  Engine/transmission are pretty significant.
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: 2002 36' U320 Vs. 2002 36' U270

Reply #3 –
320 has aquahot hydronic heating system.  Big advantage for comfort and resistance to freezing in winter.  Bigger motor. Big difference in the Rockies
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: 2002 36' U320 Vs. 2002 36' U270

Reply #4 –
I have never read or heard anybody complain that the bigger engine and HD 4000 series trans in the 320 was too much.
1995 U320C SE 40'
Jeep 4x4 Commander - Limited - Hemi
"The Pack"  Yogi and Diesel our Airedales -  Charlie our Boxer/Akita mix. Gone but NEVER forgotten Jake our yellow Lab.
NRA Law Enforcement Firearms instructor - Handgun/shotgun
Regional Firearms instructor for national Armored Transp. Co.

Re: 2002 36' U320 Vs. 2002 36' U270

Reply #5 –
Aqua hot and bigger engine and transmission.  The coach is built the same otherwise.  I have had a 34 foot u270 and a 36 foot U320 and I would say get the one in better condition.  The aqua hot is a great deal though and lets you use electric when it is not to cold out and also diesel to really heat things up. I have been out in cold weather in both but I  pulled my propane and put in an induction range top and a residential fridge as I did not need it for heat.  So you have more upgrade potential.
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: 2002 36' U320 Vs. 2002 36' U270

Reply #6 –
My comments below are NOT an endorsement or any indictment for ANY model older Foretravel.  I've owned one for 7 years and have new, and dear friends, with ALL lengths and trim levels of Foretravels. I love the brand and ALL trims. My sole goal is to encourage anyone who is considering an older Foretravel to buy one.  I only offer this discussion of "trims" to new buyers so they can understand that what you pay for the coach is potentially a small fraction of what it takes to enjoy them.

The least expensive new diesel cost I could find online was a Allegro RED 340 33AL:

Chassis PowerGlide
Engine Cummins ISB 6.7L
GVWR 28,000 lbs
Exterior length 35′ 2″
Exterior height w/AC 12′ 8″
Freshwater cap 70 gal
Black-/gray-water cap 50 gal/
65 gal
Base MSRP $246,500

Lower quality interior and lower spec engine.

So what's my point. If you have $250k to spend you'll be far better off buying a well used and serviced FT and spend money to upgrade it over buying a lesser Coach for more money. And when you consider the depreciation of a new unit you'll still be better off with a 20 year Foretravel.

As the owner of a 2000 34' Foretravel I offer the following thoughts.  I'll begin by saying that we're talking about high quality coaches that, regardless of trim level, were built of superior quality, I'd argue , to most any coaches built today, save perhaps for the multi-million $ coaches of today.

Having said that these coaches are now 20-30 years old and a new buyer should consider what is necessary to keep these coaches on the road with the reliability that anyone would want, especially for an investment a fraction of anything you'd buy today...let's say for arguments sake for under $100k. I'm not aware of any diesel pusher Coach that could be bought be bought for under $100k.

So if you're looking at a coach under $100k I'm assuming you want as much coach as you can but most importantly, a coach that you can buy and own without having to make significant annual investments to keep it on the road.  So, there are potentially BIG risks that you must be careful to consider.  We're not buying new coaches where more complex systems are covered under a factory warranty. Annual maintenance and repair costs are "on us".

Regardless of trim level the major $ issue items are all the same:

1. Condition of the diesel engine
2. Condition of the transmission
3. Condition of the belts, hoses, fuel lines
4. Condition of the radiator/cooling system and hydraulic system
5. Brakes, shocks, airbags and "air leveling systems
6. The "bulkhead" condition
7.  Condition of coach and start batteries and inverter along with starter and alternator
8.  Generator condition

It's totally possible that these component conditions could cause a potential expense equal to the purchase price, or more, if not carefully inspected prior to purchase.

So, now down to "trim" issues:

1.  Interior wood on cabinets.  The U270 typically came standard in natural oak. Most U320's had walnut but some had more exotic woods. Our 34' only came in U270 trim but our original owner upgraded to walnut.

2.  Appliances -  All the U series originally came with propane electric refrigerators, albeit the 36' and larger coaches had larger refrigerators and many with double door models. The advantage to propane electric was that in the years they were built house batteries had a tough time keeping refrigerators running overnight without generator power. Newer owners upgraded to household electric refrigerators that even with lead acid batteries can last overnight.  With lithium house batteries there new refrigerators are a significant advantage.

3.  Separate U-Line icemakers were often added to all trim levels to provide ice capacity over and above the amount of freezer space available. Many of the longer coaches had freezers that had internal ice makers. Our 34' U270 had the separate U-Line ice maker that produces enough daily ice not only for cocktails and our external cooler and enough to share with friends.

4.  Hot Water - U270 trims had the traditional propane/electric water heaters.  U320's, and many U295's had aqua hot diesel boiler units.  Both provide adequate hot water, in my opinion. Over the 7 years we've owned our U270 never experienced a lack of hot water on electric or propane. In dry camping the propane capacity has been more than adequate.

5. Heat - the U270 used a traditional propane furnace. It has provided adequate heat in environments that our reverse cycle AC units couldn't handle (less than 40 degrees).  There's no question that the Aqua hot provides superior interior heat due to its hot water boiler that circulates hot water to multiple outlets around the Coach. 

6.  Service on systems for hot water and heat.  There's no question that the aquahot system is technologically superior in providing hot water and heat.  But, at what cost?  Those who provide the regular annual aquahot service pay for reliability. But, service of the propane electric hot water and furnace heat spend less.  And, if a failure occurs on the road virtually any RV mechanic can repair propane electric systems and, heaven forbid, if systems need replacement the traditional propane electric systems are easily serviced and economically replaced.

In conclusion, don't be afraid to spend 30-50k for a 20-30 year old Foretravel that you want to use to travel 5-10k miles per year. But also be sure you can spend $3-5k per year for routine maintenance and, if you want to upgrade systems be sure you have  available to spend what you paid for the coach to do the upgrades you'll want to improve the interior, batteries as well as add solar and newer technology like smart TV's and newer appliances and furniture.

So, you paid $50k for an older quality Foretravel and over your ownership you spend $50k for improvements for a total investment of $100k.  Then you sell for $50k after depreciation.  My argument is that you're money ahead over spending $250k for a new, lesser coach, where you'll likely experience more than a $50k depreciation.

So, buy old Foretravels, regardless of trim. Keep them up and improve them and we'll be enjoying them for decades to crimes


Randy (N4TDT) and Karen Crete
Sarasota, Florida
SOLD:  2000 U270 34' WTFE Build 5756 "Ole Red"

Re: 2002 36' U320 Vs. 2002 36' U270

Reply #7 –
At this point in sales discussions I would sometimes draw a simple two lane per side highway intersection drawing.  The curb lane would have a car in it stopped at the intersection.  You are coming up behind it. 

As you approach the intersection would you move over to the other lane versus sit behind the other car?

Most of my customers were fairly aggressive people and drivers.

Add in towing larger vehicles and/or lots of Rocky Mountain travel.

Most of every brands of fancier motorhomes  had their bigger engines.  Very rare for any customer to downsize their motor size. 
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: 2002 36' U320 Vs. 2002 36' U270 investing in older Foretravel's

Reply #8 –
Floridarandy
I just went through this excessive and I have to agree with your thoughts. My last RV was a 2004 Tropi-Cal T396 that I purchased new. I basically had to junk it as it was actually falling apart. As I began my search I wanted to stay with a Diesel pusher. Looking at the new stuff was really disappointing. I had little desire for the smaller engines, especially in the smaller units. I became attracted to Foretravel and other better brands including Country Coach. In March I took home this one. 

2008 Foretravel Nimbus 42′ | Premier RV

Was larger than we really wanted but the features and equipment checked all the boxes and I have come to really enjoy the floor plan. The 3 AC's with heat pumps and the Oasis heating system make for wonderful heating and cooling performance and the ISM/4000 combination is nice! And I love the air disc brakes.

BTW, your coach looks beautiful!


Dennis Haynes
Bohemia NY
2008 Nimbus 342 SE Carlyle
Build #6475
Motorcade #19148

Re: 2002 36' U320 Vs. 2002 36' U270

Reply #9 –
Both are nice coaches with similar build quality. The 270 and 295 are both fine coaches. Both Cummins ISL400 and Allison 3060 transmission. Typically found in motorhomes. The 320 has a Cummins ISM And Allison 4060. Basically trash truck running gear. Thousands more pounds in weight. Higher rear axle weight. Less failures on engine, transmission, retarder, fuel pumps. Also less fuel economy being a 10.8liter engine. 450hp at 1500 foot pounds of torque. We are all biased. I like the increased dependability, but who know how it will all play out. The other 320 feature you will love or hate. Aqua hot. Drive them both and see what you like. Oh yes congratulations on seeking out a fine coach whatever you buy. Have Keith R in Texas do a pre inspection. Worth ever dollar it costs!!!

Re: 2002 36' U320 Vs. 2002 36' U270

Reply #10 –
. Newer owners upgraded to household electric refrigerators that even with lead acid batteries can last overnight.  With lithium house batteries there new refrigerators are a significant advantage.

I agree with most everything you wrote except what you wrote about refrigerators. A residential refrigerator is not an upgrade at all to me. I like to be able to boondock when I choose, so the propane refrigerator is the only kind I would have. I have 1600 watts of solar, but I want the option of running on propane if I am somewhere without much sun. That way I can save what power I do produce for other things.
Dave and Kathy Bennett
2004 U270
Build #6253
1600W Solar
700 AH Battle Born Lithium
2015 Jeep Wrangler

No matter what happens, remember you always get the trip out of it.

Re: 2002 36' U320 Vs. 2002 36' U270

Reply #11 –
The refrigerator question has come down to the Ford VS Chevy choice. Our '81 came from Foretravel with a residential refrigerator we used it for 18 years boondocking only. This was before the new inverters, solar and Lithium batteries. The '99 we have now with 2030 watts of solar and 600 amps of lithium has a 22 cu. ft. Frigidaire. We were out 6 weeks boondocking in May & June and never started the generator. When at the Q in Jan. there were some consecutive days without sun. That is what a generator is for. The Xantrex SW 3012 will charge at 150 amps when the batteries are low so 3 hours will put more than a days worth of amps back in the batteries. Sub zero freezer and 34 deg. refrigerator in over 100 deg. weather is an upgrade in my opinion. But like most people with residential refrigerators we would not do without it. And on the other side people with gas absorption refrigerators wouldn't do without theirs.











1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean