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Topic: Could Someone Give me Advice on Full-Time RV Living in a 1999 Foretravel U320? (Read 457 times) previous topic - next topic

Could Someone Give me Advice on Full-Time RV Living in a 1999 Foretravel U320?

Hello there,

My spouse and I are considering transitioning to full-time RV living; and we have recently come across a 1999 Foretravel U320 that caught our eye. We have heard a lot of great things about Foretravel motorhomes; especially regarding their build quality and longevity. Although; we are still in the early stages of research and would love to get some insights from those with firsthand experience.

How does the U320 perform when it comes to long-term reliability? Are there any common issues or maintenance concerns we should be aware of? I have read that the U320 has a solid engine; but I would love to know about other aspects of the vehicle like the air suspension; electrical systems; and appliances.

For those of you who have lived in a U320 full-time, how well does the layout and space work for everyday living?

Also, I have gone through this post; Bought a "New to Me" 1999 Foretravel U320 36' which definitely helped me out a lot.

I understand that these motorhomes are known for their sturdy build, but how do they handle on the road; especially on longer trips? Additionally; what kind of fuel efficiency should we expect; and are there any tips for improving that?

Thank you so much in advance for your help and assistance.

Re: Could Someone Give me Advice on Full-Time RV Living in a 1999 Foretravel U320?

Reply #1 –
Just making folks aware that this user's IP address is in India. 
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: Could Someone Give me Advice on Full-Time RV Living in a 1999 Foretravel U320?

Reply #2 –
Hello, and welcome to the Forum!

You are in the right place to ask about Foretravel coaches.  To clarify your question, and provide better answers, a bit more info would be helpful.

1.  Are you just two persons, or are there kids, other relatives, and/or several (large) pets in your proposed crew?
2.  Do you anticipate parking in one spot for long periods of time (weeks or months), or will you reposition regularly?
3.  Will you maintain a fixed "home base" like a sticks and bricks house, or completely divest of your present residence?
4.  Do you already have a place to park a coach long term (like vacation property) or will you be mostly staying at RV parks?
5.  What is your combined experience level, pertaining to driving, operating and maintaining a large RV?

Not trying to be nosey - it's just that your question is pretty broad, and it helps to narrow the focus.
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: Could Someone Give me Advice on Full-Time RV Living in a 1999 Foretravel U320?

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Michelle –
Just making folks aware that this user's IP address is in India.
Well, that's a different thing entirely.
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: Could Someone Give me Advice on Full-Time RV Living in a 1999 Foretravel U320?

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Michelle –
Just making folks aware that this user's IP address is in India.

.....  and THAT is why our moderators are the BEST, and Michelle should have her own TV show.

Carol & Jeff Savournin
Usta have a '93 U225 36', Usta have a '95 U320 40', Usta have a '02 U320 40'
Usta have a 2006 Born Free, Usta have a 2011 Phoenix Cruiser
Usta have a 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4dr
"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life."  Steve Jobs

Re: Could Someone Give me Advice on Full-Time RV Living in a 1999 Foretravel U320?

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Carol Savournin –
.....  and THAT is why our moderators are the BEST, and Michelle should have her own TV show.

Steve was the one who ID'd it  :)
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: Could Someone Give me Advice on Full-Time RV Living in a 1999 Foretravel U320?

Reply #6 –
We'll see if they come back, and if the query is legit.

With the advent of easily accessible VPN services, it's hard to tell where a poster is actually physically located.

Things were so much simpler back in the day...
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: Could Someone Give me Advice on Full-Time RV Living in a 1999 Foretravel U320?

Reply #7 –
I never access the interwebs anymore unless through a VPN.
2001 4010 U320 build #5865 "Bluto-d-Bus" since 09/18
2006 Honda Element ESP Toad
Full timing since 2016 in Western MT
Copilot: Sitka
1975 GMC 260 Avion: sold

Re: Could Someone Give me Advice on Full-Time RV Living in a 1999 Foretravel U320?

Reply #8 –
My partner and I backpacked around Asia, including India, and along the way discussed and researched where our next adventures would be.  That included full-time RVing when we got back to the USA and we spent a bit of time researching and learning about it.  Here we are... with 5-years Full-Timing behind us.    So you never know.  Lots of us adventurers roaming the world and experiencing the joys and generosities of other countries and cultures.

Elizashahh, you've found the right place for lots of good people and good advice for Foretravels.  My advice though, before you commit and make the full plunge, is to start out with something smaller and less complicated like a Class C or travel-trailer and see it its for you.  I can tell you there will be experiences both good and bad that were not anticipated and I can almost guarantee the Full-Time RV life (even without a big Class A DP like a Foretravel) will be a lot more expensive than you think.  Research, watch videos, talk to people but don't fall for all the "glam" you find from the so-called "influencers".  Find some Full-Time groups and communities and ask lots of questions, especially the "what are the downsides?" types.  I don't regret our decision at all, but its not for everyone and as with every major commitment, there will some areas where you lose flexibility and spontaneity.
Joe Phebus and Jaime Trujillo
2002 U270 3410  Build: 5953 Motorcader # 18595
2100 W Solar, 600 AH Battleborn Batteries,  Victron Multi-Plus II 3000 Inverter, Cerbo GX, & MPPT Chargers
1992 Geo Tracker