Older U320 - good/bad idea?

[Johnontheroad]

We’ve been full timing for 14 years, last 3 in a 45ft Entegra. Time to get of the road so we have the Entegra up for sale. But don’t think we can give up on traveling part time so we thought we’d buy a pickup and a smallish trailer.

But then I see for more or less the same price I could get a 1999 Foretravel U320 in what appears to be in good shape for the same or less than a truck/trailer. And it comes with stuff we like, Aquahot, air leveling, residential fridge etc.

So just thought I’d post a question here… any comments on the advisability of getting a 22 year old coach, even if it is a Foretravel? Problem waiting to happen or a good old workhorse?

[oldmattb]

We bought a 1998 U-320 just about a year ago. No big failures, worst was a ride height valve failure that happened two miles from the house. I had an extra, replaced it in a couple of hours, and off we went.

Otherwise, we have done A LOT to the coach - fluids and filters, new air bags, vent covers, interior lights and cabinet handles, exhaust manifold gaskets, new insulation in the generator and engine bays, water pump seep, and more. Easily $10,000 of labor if we had hired all of the work out. (I did it all myself!)

It is a great coach, smart and comfortable layout, lots of power, Aqua Hot, looks much younger!

First, you should spend a lot of time reading posts on Foreforums. The wealth of information and expertise alone makes owning a FT worthwhile. Like any older coach, the engine and transmission are the big things.

For a more specific answer to your question... I would not pay $800K for a new coach. I will pay eight cents on the dollar for a used one! No regrets!

Feel free to PM me with specific questions.

[Turbojack]

I just last year sold my 1997 U295. Two years ago I bought the 2014 IH45. Never say never but the older coach did not have all the fancy things that break on the newer one. If I was to step down to a smaller coach I would not think twice before getting an older FT. Last month we were on a 4k trip with another couple. We all talked about how we much rather be in a motor home then a 5th wheeler. We both had owned 5th wheelers.

[pduggs]

There is no doubt Foretravel makes an outstanding coach. However buying a 20+ year old coach is always a crap shoot, even a high end one. If the prior owner did ALL the necessary maintenance and kept everything in good working order, you might have a real gem. But things age old and break.

I’m assuming you have DIY skills because you’ll need them, or a healthy bank account to pay for repairs at RV dealers.

[Kiwitex]

I own a 1998 U295 Foretravel, I don't think you could go wrong in comparative cost of ownership with a largish travel trailer. Especially when you consider build quality differences. If you're not full-timing, it makes it even easier in my opinion.
My only question would be if your decision to end your current full-timing is based on physical restrictions or difficulties, that might make a difference in your outcomes in a couple of years. But in that case, you can always switch again in a couple of years if you need to. Best of luck

[andy29847]

I haven't had a Foretravel, but I looked at a lot fo them and almost bought a couple. They are great coaches. The thing that scarted me was the issue that some of them have had with bulkhead fialure.

Foretravel Motorhome Bulkhead Separation | All Things Foretravel

[Turbojack]

Originally Posted by andy29847

I haven't had a Foretravel, but I looked at a lot fo them and almost bought a couple. They are great coaches. The thing that scarted me was the issue that some of them have had with bulkhead fialure.

Foretravel Motorhome Bulkhead Separation | All Things Foretravel

Just build the cost of repairs into your purchase price. If coach costs 40K figure it might cost 50K. If you do not have a problem then you are 10K ahead.

[Kiwitex]

Originally Posted by andy29847

I haven't had a Foretravel, but I looked at a lot fo them and almost bought a couple. They are great coaches. The thing that scarted me was the issue that some of them have had with bulkhead fialure.

Foretravel Motorhome Bulkhead Separation | All Things Foretravel

That issue is easily discovered in a good pre-purchase inspection and I agree it would make me think twice about it too. But, like most things, it can be fixed, and has been on most of those affected, also by changing the water overflow location it removes most of the chance of it happening.

[Birdhunr2]

Is there any year model in which that year and later don't have the issue or need the repair

[saddlesore]

Originally Posted by Birdhunr2

Is there any year model in which that year and later don't have the issue or need the repair

The Newer Foretravels that use the Spartan chassis.