Foretravel Owners' Forum

Hi Everyone, I just joined Foreforums to learn about Foretravel, a target Motorhome MFG I hope to purchase soon.  I am also interested in 1990-1993 Beavers.  Both of these manufacturers seem to offer higher end (older) products available to lower end pocketbooks like mine.
 
Soon I will be visiting a 1993 36' U240 (unihome) with a 3116 CAT Diesel, 6 Speed Allison 126000 Miles, torsilastic (sp?) suspension, said to be in good condition, original, not updated w/minor problems....for 20K
Also, I will consider a 1991 U280 36' Grand Villa, on OSKOSH chass w/airbag susp, Cat 3208 with turbo, Allison 4sp trans, 84K miles, updated throughout... for 19K.
When I looked up the specs here: 1991 Foretravel U280 Specifications (http://www.beamalarm.com/foretravel-links/models/1991_foretravel_u280_specifications.html) and here: 1993 Foretravel U225-U240 GV Specifications (http://www.beamalarm.com/foretravel-links/models/1993_u225-240_gv_specifications.html)  I noticed the older coach retailed for 255K in 1991 and the 1993 coach retailed for 199.5K.  Obviously the older Foretravel is considered higher end .. In addition, it has been stored out of the sun, whereas the 1993 U240 is faded from sunlight exposure and continues to "bake" in the sun.  Both units have had 3 owners.
My question (s) to esteemed FORUM participants..... Is there any reason I should prefer or lean toward purchasing the newer model?  Without even seeing them yet, I look forward to seeing the 1991 over the 1993.  Also, what do you think of these prices?  I realize NADA doesn't always reflect true market values... but heck, they are a fraction of these sellers asking prices... something doesn't seem right there with NADA.  I could never get a bank loan on these old gals... Seems like a "no-brainer" to me until all facts can be weighed, but your feedback will help.

Thank You for your input :)

There is something amiss with the specifications you list there...  The U280 does not use the Oshkosh Chassis as all the Unihomes (the"U" designation in the model number) use Foretravels own semi-monocoque chassis. The 91' model year was before the wide body (102") if that is important to you, but I believe I would prefer the eight airbag suspension of the U280 if the other factors were equal, as well as larger storage compartments. Either could be an excellent coach and the asking prices are not outrageous (depending on the condition factor of course), if the prices you mention are the asking prices.

That is just my take on it, others may well have different views...
Don

A u280 would not be on an oskosh chassis but would be an 8 bag foretravel chassis. Both coaches have their pluses and minuses. So guess you would have to decide which are the most important to you.

Indoor storage favors the 1991. Be sure to look at the roof on the '93 as we found 3 pretty good cracks in one we looked at. Removing the  faded decals takes a lot of work and too expensive to replace them for an older rig. Original prices don't have much to do with a 20 year old vehicle, just a bunch of numbers. You need input from owners with the suspension on the '93 as to parts availability and servicing. Airbag suspension is super EZ to work on and is a real plus. Updated rig is also nice.

Prices are especially soft this time of year.

Pierce

I suppose I misunderstood the owner of the 1991 unit.  He definately said it had an Oshkosh chassis with air bags. He described the model as a Grandvilla SBI 280, I must have misidentified it as a "U" when I looked up model specs.  Still figuring this out.  I am more concerned with the manner in which each coach was maintained and the comfort level of the ride, for the benefit of my wife. Perhaps this motorhome is a "1991 Foretravel GV 36-38-40 ORED" ?  Oshkosh Rear Engine Diesel?  Any comments on OshKosh?

Very difficult to make a decision based on the spec sheets alone.  At that age, condition, condition, condition is a major factor.  Maintenance through the years would easily sway me from one to the other. 

Each has specific things to check-- example: U240 check rear ride height and bulkheads.

If you tell us more about your choices, or provide links, it is possible a Forum member may be familiar with one or both of the coaches you are considering.

Brett