Hello all - first time poster here.
Curious if anyone is familiar with this coach:
(https://www.foreforums.com/imagecache.php?image=http%3A%2F%2Fi186.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fx150%2Fcs427fanatic%2F1985%2520Foretravel%2F1985_Foretravel_Side_zps6a597f0a.jpg&hash=9b45deb8733e5e10bfcf343b765a8ebf" rel="cached" data-hash="9b45deb8733e5e10bfcf343b765a8ebf" data-warn="External image, click here to view original" data-url="http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x150/cs427fanatic/1985%20Foretravel/1985_Foretravel_Side_zps6a597f0a.jpg)
Flying out from my home in Colorado to drive it home from Alabama. I'm feeling pretty confident based on conversations about condition, frequency of use, age of tires, etc., however, I'm prepared for an adventure if it comes to that. This isn't the first time that I've done a fly and buy on an old coach and that went really well so I'm hoping that the same angels will be keeping tabs on me.
Anyway, I thought it would be interesting if anyone knew anything about it or was familiar with it. I haven't seen a paint job like that before. Although it's period correct in design, I wasn't sure if it was aftermarket paint or signified something about the model/year. It's titled as a 1985 and has the Cat motor.
Thanks,
Devin
I have seen that coach listed on CL. I do remember seeing this coach a few times years ago at the Foretravel service center in TN. It is a totally custom built coach and a real eye catcher as I remember. 250hp 3208 cat turbo. Oshkosh V-917 chassis air-ride, air-brakes.
James -
Thanks for the info! CL is where I located it with a nationwide search. You've got a good memory as the specs you quoted seem in line with the information that seller has shared with me. It definitely appeared to be unique enough, at least in exterior cosmetics that I thought there might be a person or two that would recognize it, or in an enthusiast forum such as this, maybe even have first hand experience with it.
I've had the opportunity to read a few of your posts about the older coaches and that gives me some additional confidence. I'm sure I'll be exploiting the knowledge of board members once I take delivery as well as sharing some updates on condition, etc.
Devin
Kinda looks like lavonne johns old coach from California. Maybe.
Bob
I dont know anything about that coach, but it looks like it is sitting with no air in the bags. Maybe it hasn't been fired up before pic was taken, but something you may want to check out,(leaks, etc). My 91 GV will take weeks to settle down completely if it is just sitting. Only way I know to dump the air is to use the HWH auto leveling sys. I hope this rig serves you very well. Have a great day ---- Fritz
Fritz -
I know that the suspension is functional, however, the integrity of the airbags once sitting is certainly suspect and will be something that I'll definitely need to check. This coach has been used fairly regularly so if the air wasn't let out manually then it likely has some leaks that need to be addressed.
Thanks!
Devin
Bob - is he a member here?
Not sure. He was Cleo Dunlaps la buddy. The chrome on the bottom plus the horizontal striping causes my memory to stir.
He bought a 40' ored later I think. 25 years ago plus.....
I always washed customers coaches in for service as a courtesy and lavonne had his coach in one day that I had no lot guy to wash it.
So l laughed and told lavonne that he and I were going to wash it together. Me with a tie on.
Washed many coaches so no big deal. He looked at me as we were washing his rig and laughed and said " that's how you treat us minorities. You make us wash our own coaches.?"
We laughed about that one for years. Good guy.
Bob
Thanks for the story, Bob. I like the fact that there is a community here with such history that I can dig for details about a nearly 30 year old coach.
Devin, Welcome aboard. I had an 85 ORED just like that one but no fancy paint. It had a 3208 CAT and if it had not been totaled in an accident I would still have it. This looks like a good one.( Picture of mine on front page.)
Do check the roof carefully, For some reason the flat roofs on these tended to develop small leaks and since the water could not run off it pooled and could be a problem. I always made it a point to park mine with one side raised, couple of pieces of 2X12 on one side,
Good luck I know you will enjoy it.
Gary B
Gary -
Thanks for the welcome as well as the tip. The one thing I know for sure that requires attention is the front A/C interface with the roof. Apparently there was some work done on that unit and one of the surrounds was improperly installed. The area has been sealed to prevent any leaking, but the seller was clear that it was a temporary fix and that the front unit will need to be pulled in order to fix it correctly. Fortunately, I have first hand experience from replacing a unit on my old Monaco so I'm hoping it will be a straight forward repair. It's good to know the propensity for water pooling though, and while I'm up there I imagine it will become clear if the entire roof needs to be resealed.
Devin
BTW, there are a few great looking old coaches on that first page. Which one was yours? I'm looking forward to getting a few good pics of mine to post up.
Devin, 3 of those are ( or were ) mine.
In the top row 4th from left
Bottom row 1st on left and the 4th from left is my First Foretravel, A 82 Travco. The first one in bottom row is the same 85, this was after the Salvage Company sold it and it was rebuilt. IT was later sold to a guy in FL and the roof deteriorated from collision damage and water intrusion, I don't know where it is now.
Gary B
And I have driven 82 travco's and sold them new. Bet no one here but red tractor can say that. And you.
Bob
I drove quite a few of the travco's and we even had one customer that a travco with an 8.2 Detroit in the front. That coach really had problems keeping that engine from overheating
Yes I ordered and drove 8.2 FED's but in a Foretravel not a travco.
I had a favorite a 1979 33 foot Foretravel with a 555 cummins in the front.
Noisy but ran almost 80 top speed.
Sold it used to Orville smart and when we test drove it and I mentioned the noise he laughed and turned down his hearing aid. Said he did the same thing sometimes on his DW.
Traded in a 57 caddy fleetwood he bought new. Garaged. 30 years of plate stickers on the rear plate. I bought it myself. Had sets covers on it. Never sat in the rear seat ever.
So this one is still on the market and I'm not a Foretravel owner afterall.
Unfortunately, as is always the risk, this coach turned out to be highly misrepresented so after about 30 minutes of inspection I backed out of the deal.
The search continues!
Better safe than sorry, There are very some good Coachs out there, Just take your time, One will pop up,