The more posts I read about the problems people are having with the "fancy new technology" equipment the happier I am with our no-frills GV. We don't have powerstep problems, air bag suspension problems, inverter issues, power this and power that. No issues with leaking or non-moving slides, virtually no need for specialists ($) to work on anything.
I realize it sounds like I would be happy with a basic truck camper but I just don't--at this time in my life--want or need any of the extras. Most of the problems I encounter I can fix myself.
We were so fortunate to find just what we wanted when we found this GV as it filled every requirement we had except for the satchel filled with hundred doller bills. But, I guess we can't have everything!!
Not to jinx myself, but I have had very few problems with my 2000 4010. I think you hear about the problems here (a good thing BTW), but there are many folks out in this forim happily enjoying coaches with enhanced technology. I think the regular use of my coach and my annual service at MOT contributes to mu satisfaction. That and my dumbn luck!
;-)
If you are happy, there is no more to be said! You can proudly park next to those SOB big boys in any camp ground and enjoy the warm, fuzzy feeling inside. You are absolutely correct that simplicity is a beautiful thing. We needed more room, when going full time, or we would have happily kept our 1993 36' U225. I am interested and impressed when looking at the mind-boggling stuff that is included in the newest coaches coming out of the Factory ... but I have to say that I have never stepped into more than one or two that gave me much of a feeling of being "at home". They are just too over the top for my taste, I guess. But that's just me ... and that's just the interiors. The mechanics are just more school than we want to go to ... happy just learning our 1995 U320, for now.
Carol,
I agree with you. It's different strokes, again. I suppose that if one fulltimes & is accustomed to very luxurious & opulent surroundings (read that King Abdulah Grand Poo-Bah, or the like) the interior designs may suffice. But, if you're the average millionaire Joe who likes to go camping in luxury 'cause ya can...the interior is a bit out of place & may need professional cleaning every outing... 8)
Somehow, I don't think Foretravel is targeting the average millionaire Joe any more.
You say "over the top" and are too kind for those I call "Vegas brothel decor" (even though I hasten to point out I do not have personal knowledge of such decor ;o)
best, paul
On Nov 24, 2010 9:09 AM, "Carol Savournin" >
Hi, :) We have the coach that we can afford to own and use. We have often thought that a living room slide would be nice to have especially when you are trapped inside the coach by rain or you are trying to entertain guests. Most of the time our GV 40' is very comfortable for the two of us. Anyone who has attained the ability to own a newer, larger, coach surely has made sacrifices and good decisions in their financial planning. Our happiness lies with our FAMILY and FRIENDS... ;)
Gerry,
I don't think there's much more to add along those lines. But, I can say that there is an abundant capability to add to that "friend" list judging from the great quality of folks who contribute here.
I just kept looking at all the little mirrors on the ceilings and the marble and grout on the floors ... and wondering,"Who is gonna clean all this stuff?" I tried to lift the heavy granite sink cover out of it's place in the kitchen in a big, new coach at Foretravel ... I could barely move it! I am 5'5" and have pretty good arm strength ... I would not want to be shorter, with less leverage and try to handle that thing. But this was a coach for a bunch of Rodeo stars, I think ... probably weren't thinking about the woman's point of view.
I am happy for anyone who has the coach of their dreams ... Gerry is right when he says that the real wealth that these coaches bring are the friends you meet when you own one! Cause for Thanksgiving, indeed.
Amen, sister! :)
And, now that you've removed it so you could use the sink, where the heck do you put it?
Give me practical, cleanable, and quietly, elegantly attractive over glitz and "ho' bling".
Michelle
As you get older you learn that the best "things" in life are not "things"!
Happy Thanksgiving
Ted in Seattle
I like a little "bling" and I used to like mirrors up until about 15 years ago but my face took away that appeal, But I USED to be somethin, I tell Yaaa.
I must admit that there is one little high tech gadget I have in the S&B that I would like in the GV and that is a dimmer switch in the bathroom. It scares the hell out of me when I turn on a regular light switch and there is this ugly, wrinkled, balding, grouchy fat guy looking at me!!! The mental images we have of ourselves goes right out the window. A dimmer switch lets me creep up on reality.
OH, well, maybe a heated toilet seat in cold weather might be too much to ask? It do get cold here!!
Remember, we are up here in the country where you are taught to put your underwear on: "yellow in front, brown in back!"
Hey Michelle,
:) :) :) Our 1994 GV has a narrow vertical door, between the under sink cabinet and the stack of drawers that was made just for the two "sink covers", when they are not in use.. ;D ;D ;D Now the stove cover that's a different story!!!
And Nighthawk, I really enjoy my 89 U280, that was a good year. Not a squeek , leak or rattle in it. Heck of a camper.
I sure like both of my 93 Grand Villas for their simplicity. I would however like to have one less if anyone is looking.
Well said. We mostly travel and visit family. A slide would be nice but at this time isn't critical. The wife will let me know when that is. Probably about the time Tim decides to sell his coach.
May you and Starr live to a ripe old age..........if you are waiting for my coach!
We got to spend a nice four hours this afternoon with Jon Harris and Linda. I finally got to meet him and his 95 U300 with Cat and retarded I helped talk him into. Great talk and a great meal. They're moving to central Fl to retire, too!
ROTFLMAO!
I have a 6 year plan on being debt free. After that is when I get to start thinking about a different coach!
Got you posting, though!
I too must say that even after 17 yrs I am still very happy with my '83. I have not had any major trouble and never been stranded. Foretravel makes a superb coach regardless of year...Happy Thanksgiving to all....
I note that some individuals seem to think that I am envious or resentful that they have newer, fancier rigs. NOT SO!!
Murphy's Law was written to explain my luck!! If something can go wrong, it will. So I have learned to stay with the simplest possible of anything. If I buy something complex then I buy the extended warranty. Then nothing goes wrong. If I don't buy the warranty then the product breaks right after the regular warranty runs out.
As Dave M noted, not everyone has problems with their coach. Maybe if I bought a new one all the problems everyone encounters would all happen to me instead. Boy, would I ever be popular then!!
Have a nice safe Thanksgiving weekend everyone.
Norm, do you really think you are closer to Murphy than I am? We've been intimate for years.
Have a great Holiday Y'all!
Super happy with '93 U300 GV
I think my '93 GV is just right. I retired, retired in 1995. From aircraft flying and Maintenance. Seem that my "technology threshold" stopped there also. I can relate to and repair most things on this coach. ( no slides, no"electronic" brain, no , oh "no"a lot of things. It is a straight forward work of art. Now if I could just keep it's 102" centered on the roadway it and I would be perfect
See, Kent, we still might be related even tho you get your lubricants from a higher shelf--Mother 89yrs old, my aunt died two weeks ago, and I will bet we are about the same age!! Not to wish anything on your aunt.
I was always intimate with the Inverse Peter Principal, Murphy's law, and profited because I understood the thinking behind Rube Goldburg's designs.
Norm,
My 94 GV has that heated toilet seat you are looking for!! ( as long as I keep it in South FLORIDA in the winter) :)) :)) :))
Gerry, you dirty dog!! Here I said I was not envious of the newer coaches and you go and make a liar out of me!! You dirty dog!!
I get fever at times looking at the newer rigs, what's not to like about such rigs. I'm also subject to pulling the trigger and signing a check.
We are very happy with our '94 U225 Grand Villa! And there are all those little upgrades to make it like one of the big boys and keep me busy. And I do love the non-computerized part of it.
Hey, NORM... ;) Look what I found.... ;D http://www.heatedtoiletseat.com/ (http://www.heatedtoiletseat.com/) maybe you could get it for "Christmas" 8) 8) 8)
Truth be told I prefer your first option, but thanks anyway.
Have a nice Christmas.