I would love to consider and older Foretravel unit. I just need to get my wife onboard with that. :)
Almost all first time buyers buy: floorplan, fabrics, paint and a engine and frame. They are all the same aren't they?
Second time its floorplan, engine and frame and fabrics and paint.
Third time its the coaches construction and its reliability and is it noisy driving and how's its insulation and factory support. Oh and the floorplan and fabrics maybe.
Fourth time they buy a Foretravel that they can find then change the fabrics and furniture and paint the coach the color they like and live happily ever after. And drive the coach 300k miles. And have a grin ear to ear from being so smart
Title: Re: First time buyers (split from Re: Build sheet)
Post by: WaltH on June 21, 2014, 01:40:54 am
Almost all first time buyers buy: floorplan, fabrics, paint and a engine and frame. They are all the same aren't they?
Second time its floorplan, engine and frame and fabrics and paint.
Third time its the coaches construction and its reliability and is it noisy driving and how's its insulation and factory support. Oh and the floorplan and fabrics maybe.
Fourth time they buy a Foretravel that they can find then change the fabrics and furniture and paint the coach the color they like and live happily ever after. And drive the coach 300k miles. And have a grin ear to ear from being so smart
That sounds about right. The only problem is that I don't figure there are too many more purchases ahead of me, so I'd like to get it right the first time when it comes to buying a MH. :) I have, at least, planted the FT brand name in her mind. :D
Title: Re: First time buyers (split from Re: Build sheet)
Post by: Caflashbob on June 21, 2014, 02:07:25 am
That sounds about right. The only problem is that I don't figure there are too many more purchases ahead of me, so I'd like to get it right the first time when it comes to buying a MH. :) I have, at least, planted the FT brand name in her mind. :D
Before 97 the walnut wood paneling walls makes the coach feel smaller from being dark.
A unihome flat floors feel more residential. Depending on an individual's personal hygiene requirements and the number of people to use the coach at the same time a walk bath floorplan might be a good start.
Have her visualize different fabrics, flooring and maybe furniture.
Young folks are better at putting imagined pieces together. For the senior customers it was much better to show them a finished modded coach. Used to show customers coaches in for service with the owners permission to show what could be done.
Title: Re: First time buyers (split from Re: Build sheet)
Post by: WaltH on June 21, 2014, 05:25:57 pm
A unihome flat floors feel more residential. Depending on an individual's personal hygiene requirements and the number of people to use the coach at the same time a walk bath floorplan might be a good start.
Have her visualize different fabrics, flooring and maybe furniture.
Young folks are better at putting imagined pieces together. For the senior customers it was much better to show them a finished modded coach. Used to show customers coaches in for service with the owners permission to show what could be done.
I think I may have her watch some of the YouTube videos with me as a start. Hopefully, she'll the same things I see in them. If we're lucky, at some point we may see an actual unit within driving distance that we can look at as we get closer to our buying window. Thanks.
Title: Re: First time buyers (split from Re: Build sheet)
Post by: D.J. Osborn on June 21, 2014, 07:11:00 pm
Before 97 the walnut wood paneling walls makes the coach feel smaller from being dark.
It may seem that way to some (and perhaps many) people--but not to me. The walnut walls and tambour upper cabinet doors on or 1995 U320 give it a "rich, warm feel," and the wallpaper walls and flip-up doors on the newer coaches give them (to me, at least) a "cheaper" feel.
Title: Re: First time buyers (split from Re: Build sheet)
Post by: Caflashbob on June 21, 2014, 07:35:58 pm
It may seem that way to some (and perhaps many) people--but not to me. The walnut walls and tambour upper cabinet doors on or 1995 U320 give it a "rich, warm feel," and the wallpaper walls and flip-up doors on the newer coaches give them (to me, at least) a "cheaper" feel.
I agree totally but we are trying to bring a new member into the flock. I have watched ad thousand faces of customers walking into coaches. You have 30 seconds to form a first impression. If its negative it can take 30 hours to overcome it.
Title: wood color
Post by: WaltH on June 21, 2014, 07:46:06 pm
It may seem that way to some (and perhaps many) people--but not to me. The walnut walls and tambour upper cabinet doors on or 1995 U320 give it a "rich, warm feel," and the wallpaper walls and flip-up doors on the newer coaches give them (to me, at least) a "cheaper" feel.
I don't think I would mind the darker wood, but having heard my wife talk about some of the coaches we've been in with darker finishes tells me she would not be on board. I figure I will have enough trouble getting her to consider a coach that "old" because she feels there might be more problems than we can deal with. On the other hand, after looking at some of the pictures and videos of some of the 1997-2002 Foretravels, I would be hard pressed to say they looked "old," even if I saw one parked next to a brand new Newmar or Winnebago.
Title: Re: wood color
Post by: Caflashbob on June 21, 2014, 08:07:41 pm
I don't think I would mind the darker wood, but having heard my wife talk about some of the coaches we've been in with darker finishes tells me she would not be on board. I figure I will have enough trouble getting her to consider a coach that "old" because she feels there might be more problems than we can deal with. On the other hand, after looking at some of the pictures and videos of some of the 1997-2002 Foretravels, I would be hard pressed to say they looked "old," even if I saw one parked next to a brand new Newmar or Winnebago.
Probably why the u270 is in oak. Lighter inside. Brings the mood up.
Newer is prettier and has slide outs in the SOB's.
Title: Re: wood color
Post by: Don & Tys on June 21, 2014, 08:28:56 pm
We love the oak in our coach! I personally like dark woods as well, but my better half feels it makes things too dark in the confines of the coach. I am fine with that and agree that the light oak makes the inside look bigger, as does the horizontal layout of our bamboo flooring. The previous (original owners of our coach) must have felt the same way because they traded up for a maple cabinet 2005 U295, which I have yet to see in a Foretravel in person. Still, I love the working properties of oak. I never understood why some (SOB) coaches stain the oak dark or go for the glossy polyurethane finish. I like the hand rubbed subtle sheen of our wood, which is very forgiving of marks and easy to rejuvenate as needed. I know Beaver used to be renowned for their glossy cabinetry, but it never really appealed to me... different strokes... Don
Probably why the u270 is in oak. Lighter inside. Brings the mood up.
Newer is prettier and has slide outs in the SOB's.
Title: Re: First time buyers (split from Re: Build sheet)
Post by: Michelle on June 21, 2014, 08:40:23 pm
Interesting discussion. We have walnut in our coach and in the past have felt the coach interior was darker than we would have liked (but we bought used, so no choice there). Over the years we have replaced some of the fabric items (slide surround, valences, seating coverings). Surprisingly, going with darker seating colors and lighter valance colors and switching to stainless appliances (from the black microwave and wood-paneled fridge) have really made the walnut appear lighter and warmer (we have fabrics with a light golden cream color now, rather than the original dark charcoal grey). I think in particular the lighter valences bring the light "higher" up, giving a more open feeling. Very unexpected is going with a brown (Ultraleather Brisa in Bridle) for the front seats and dinette replacing the original almond putty-ish color did not darken the coach but instead made those seats blend better with the walnut wood and making the coach feel more open and spacious.
Title: Re: First time buyers (split from Re: Build sheet)
Post by: fouroureye on June 21, 2014, 09:11:49 pm
Color us "Pecan" ^.^d
Our 88 was walnut, this is lighter but still warm. Agree with stainless, lighter valances and accent colors for furniture.
Title: Re: First time buyers (split from Re: Build sheet)
Post by: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart on June 21, 2014, 09:30:46 pm
Love the walnut. Has a nice intimate feeling, especially in low light. Now trying to figure out an attractive dog resistive fabric for the sofa.
Pierce
Title: Re: First time buyers (split from Re: Build sheet)
Post by: Miz Dani on June 21, 2014, 10:32:10 pm
Interesting discussion. We have walnut in our coach and in the past have felt the coach interior was darker than we would have liked (but we bought used, so no choice there). Over the years we have replaced some of the fabric items (slide surround, valences, seating coverings). Surprisingly, going with darker seating colors and lighter valance colors and switching to stainless appliances (from the black microwave and wood-paneled fridge) have really made the walnut appear lighter and warmer (we have fabrics with a light golden cream color now, rather than the original dark charcoal grey). I think in particular the lighter valences bring the light "higher" up, giving a more open feeling. Very unexpected is going with a brown (Ultraleather Brisa in Bridle) for the front seats and dinette replacing the original almond putty-ish color did not darken the coach but instead made those seats blend better with the walnut wood and making the coach feel more open and spacious.
Completely agree on the feeling of lightness one gets with oak, but also with upgrading the darker wood coaches with lighter window treatments. Was very happy that my coach came in oak, seems the older I get the more light I want, oak seems warmer, lighter, less formal, more uplifting.
Also intend to ditch the carpet (except for the bedroom) & put in lighter color flooring. The leather is a very pale peach color, not beige, really unusual but actually pretty easy to work with for decorating. I also like the idea of upgrading to stainless appliances down the road apiece to further bring the light in.
Title: Re: First time buyers (split from Re: Build sheet)
Post by: Roger & Susan in Home2 on June 21, 2014, 11:43:29 pm
Ours is cherry and we like it a lot. It was a major factor in our choice as was the SouthWest looking fabric that was an option in 2001.
I do a lot of woodworking and my favorite wood is quarter sawn white oak followed by cherry and birch. Walnut is a beautiful wood, works easily and finishes well. I have 100 bd ft in my stock.
Almost everything can be changed. Not easily done with all of the woodwork in our Foretravels.
Roger
Title: Re: First time buyers (split from Re: Build sheet)
Post by: Caflashbob on June 22, 2014, 12:21:28 am
That sounds about right. The only problem is that I don't figure there are too many more purchases ahead of me, so I'd like to get it right the first time when it comes to buying a MH. :) I have, at least, planted the FT brand name in her mind. :D
Donna and I had looked at soooo many pre-owned motorhomes we were getting pretty weary. Our favorite place to look was PPL motorhomes in Houston because they had soooo many to look at. The one motorhome that sold Donna that maybe we should look at a Foretravel was a late 80's maybe Grand Villa we saw at PPL. It was not in the best of condition but, what sold her was although she was somewhat put off by the decor, she noticed that all the cabinet doors and drawers and the shower door all opened and closed without binding and latched properly....something most of the 5 to 10 year old sob's we looked at could not claim. The interior was intact without cracks at seams and joints. So maybe look at lots of sob's the age you are looking for and then look at a Foretravel...maybe one twice as old! Good luck in your search.
Title: Re: First time buyers (split from Re: Build sheet)
Post by: WaltH on June 22, 2014, 04:04:42 pm
Donna and I had looked at soooo many pre-owned motorhomes we were getting pretty weary. Our favorite place to look was PPL motorhomes in Houston because they had soooo many to look at. The one motorhome that sold Donna that maybe we should look at a Foretravel was a late 80's maybe Grand Villa we saw at PPL. It was not in the best of condition but, what sold her was although she was somewhat put off by the decor, she noticed that all the cabinet doors and drawers and the shower door all opened and closed without binding and latched properly....something most of the 5 to 10 year old sob's we looked at could not claim. The interior was intact without cracks at seams and joints. So maybe look at lots of sob's the age you are looking for and then look at a Foretravel...maybe one twice as old! Good luck in your search.
Thanks for the added insight! On another forum, I read through reams of posts from people who had worked to restore an older coach. That planted the initial bug. When I mentioned my mechanical abilities (or lack thereof), someone on that forum suggested that an ideal older coach for me to consider would be a 1997-2001 Foretravel. That took me to FOT and MOT where I saw some in that timeframe that fell within what I believe our budget will be in a couple of years. That brought me here. I'd say the rest is history, but we haven't bought our Foretravel . . . yet. :D
Title: Re: First time buyers (split from Re: Build sheet)
Post by: kb0zke on June 22, 2014, 05:58:31 pm
Walt, the right coach is out there, and you'll find it when the time is right. The best plan seems to be to decide exactly what you need, want, and can afford. Do your research on floor plans and whatever else fits your circumstances. Remember that there are only so many ways to arrange the interior of a box, so you can check out a floor plan in a coach that you wouldn't otherwise consider. If you can find more than one plan that will work for you you have increased your chances of finding the right coach faster.
Title: Re: First time buyers (split from Re: Build sheet)
Post by: WaltH on June 23, 2014, 12:43:08 am
Walt, the right coach is out there, and you'll find it when the time is right. The best plan seems to be to decide exactly what you need, want, and can afford. Do your research on floor plans and whatever else fits your circumstances. Remember that there are only so many ways to arrange the interior of a box, so you can check out a floor plan in a coach that you wouldn't otherwise consider. If you can find more than one plan that will work for you you have increased your chances of finding the right coach faster.
Very true. I also think I may be able to see possibilities and potential where my wife may not. She has told me she is not very good at visualizing what she can't actually see. Maybe I can help her see those things when the time comes. :)
Title: Re: First time buyers (split from Re: Build sheet)
Post by: ohsonew on June 24, 2014, 07:47:36 pm
Walt, the DW was adamant that she wanted the lighter wood, but after looking as several with the walnut she has changed her mind. If the interior windows are lightened, all the better.
Larry
Title: Re: First time buyers (split from Re: Build sheet)
Post by: WaltH on June 24, 2014, 11:59:59 pm
Walt, the DW was adamant that she wanted the lighter wood, but after looking as several with the walnut she has changed her mind. If the interior windows are lightened, all the better.
Larry
My wife has trouble visually what she cannot see, so she would have to actually see such a coach with the lightened window treatments for me to have any hope of convincing her. Hmmm . . . maybe I could sell her on the idea that it would be a luxury cabin on wheels. :D
Title: Re: First time buyers (split from Re: Build sheet)
Post by: John Haygarth on June 25, 2014, 12:19:13 am
Why don't you check out the member map and see who is fairly close to you in Colorado etc that has a GV then do a day drive to see it(after calling and arranging it of course). Johnh
Title: Re: First time buyers (split from Re: Build sheet)
Post by: WaltH on June 25, 2014, 10:08:46 am
Why don't you check out the member map and see who is fairly close to you in Colorado etc that has a GV then do a day drive to see it(after calling and arranging it of course). Johnh
A good idea, although I'm not sure a drive to Colorado from Boise would be a day drive for us. :) Still, it is something to think about. And looking at the member map is a good idea. Thanks.
Title: Re: First time buyers (split from Re: Build sheet)
Post by: kb0zke on June 25, 2014, 11:15:39 am
Walt, JohnFitz is in Boise. He has a 1991 U300, similar to ours, so you will be seeing a lot of walnut.
Title: Re: First time buyers (split from Re: Build sheet)
Post by: WaltH on June 25, 2014, 11:38:04 am
Walt, JohnFitz is in Boise. He has a 1991 U300, similar to ours, so you will be seeing a lot of walnut.
I think I saw that. May have to see if he'd be willing to show his coach and, just as important, whether my wife would be willing to look at a 1991 model. Age discrimination, I know, :D but I think she is concerned about reliability and maintenance issues. I don't blame her. I just need to get her to see that not all older coaches are created equal. I'll have to work on wearing her down somehow. :)
Title: Re: First time buyers (split from Re: Build sheet)
Post by: J. D. Stevens on June 25, 2014, 03:16:39 pm
I think construction and maintenance are more important than age. Our first coach was a popular brand 1997 37' DP (diesel pusher). We enjoyed it for about four months and then saw some issues that were problems for us. The issues were design issues rather than maintenance or problems from an "old" coach. Four months later, we bought a 1997 36' Foretravel and sold the other coach. Both coaches had been maintained reasonably well, but the original construction of the Foretravel is remarkably better.
We are currently in Fairbanks, AK, in the middle of a 9,500+- mile trip. We've had one mechanical problem that was a "show stopper" for about 30 minutes. We made a temporary fix on the side of the road, and completed a permanent repair with a couple of bolts we got at the Kenworth truck dealer in Whitehorse, YT. (BTW, cost for repairs: $0.)
In four years of ownership, we've had to repair/replace some items. The cost of those repairs have been a fraction of what depreciation, or higher price, on a newer coach would cost.
Establish your purchase budget, your immediate "fix up" budget, your repair and maintenance budget, and your operating budget. Choose a coach you can enjoy and afford to use.
We may be traveling through Boise on the way home to Texas in August (crazy time to return to Texas). If you are still shopping in August, send me a PM (private message) if you would like to meet or visit by telephone.
Title: Re: First time buyers (split from Re: Build sheet)
Post by: WaltH on June 25, 2014, 03:27:35 pm
I think construction and maintenance are more important than age. Our first coach was a popular brand 1997 37' DP (diesel pusher). We enjoyed it for about four months and then saw some issues that were problems for us. The issues were design issues rather than maintenance or problems from an "old" coach. Four months later, we bought a 1997 36' Foretravel and sold the other coach. Both coaches had been maintained reasonably well, but the original construction of the Foretravel is remarkably better.
We are currently in Fairbanks, AK, in the middle of a 9,500+- mile trip. We've had one mechanical problem that was a "show stopper" for about 30 minutes. We made a temporary fix on the side of the road, and completed a permanent repair with a couple of bolts we got at the Kenworth truck dealer in Whitehorse, YT. (BTW, cost for repairs: $0.)
In four years of ownership, we've had to repair/replace some items. The cost of those repairs have been a fraction of what depreciation, or higher price, on a newer coach would cost.
Establish your purchase budget, your immediate "fix up" budget, your repair and maintenance budget, and your operating budget. Choose a coach you can enjoy and afford to use.
We may be traveling through Boise on the way home to Texas in August (crazy time to return to Texas). If you are still shopping in August, send me a PM (private message) if you would like to meet or visit by telephone.
As I think I mentioned in an earlier post (either in this thread or in an other thread), our purchase window is further out than this year. :-( However, if you do pass through the Boise area, I would love the opportunity to talk more about Foretravel.
BTW, I agree with you on the construction and maintenance vs. age issue. I think the fact that we see so many older rigs around here that have not been cared for or simply have not aged well is what has my wife leery of considering an older coach. (That, plus the fact that we probably have not done as well as we should in caring for our current rig.)
Title: Re: First time buyers (split from Re: Build sheet)
Post by: ohsonew on June 25, 2014, 07:23:43 pm
Walt,
Its good that you are researching now and finding what you like, dislike, must have and would like to have. When we started looking, we knew just what we wanted. But after looking at multiple rigs, 6 trips from KC to TX (various places), endless hours on the internet, etc., etc., we have completely changed our lists for what we want. The more you learn, from these fine folks here on the forum, and in your searching, the better prepared you will be. If we had the house sold, we would be fulltiming in our rig right now. It's not sold, but we have located a rig we like. It is only 20 miles from the house. Go figure. ;D If it is still available when our house sells, who knows, we might make it ours.
The point is that both the DW and I have changed our views as to what is most important to us. I believe that you and yours will to. The more that the other half becomes involved in the hunt, the more you will narrow it down.
As always, IMHO.
Larry
Title: Re: First time buyers (split from Re: Build sheet)
Post by: ohsonew on June 25, 2014, 07:53:53 pm
Walt, as a side note, we have been looking at 36-40 ft models. Like the 36, but the one we have near us is 42ft w/tag. She likes it the best of all that we have looked at.
Larry
Title: Re: First time buyers (split from Re: Build sheet)
Post by: JohnFitz on June 25, 2014, 09:05:17 pm
Walt, your welcome to see our coach. Sending a PM...
Thanks. I'd love to see it. If nothing else, perhaps I can plant the FT seed in my wife's mind.
Title: Re: First time buyers (split from Re: Build sheet)
Post by: Tim Fiedler on June 25, 2014, 10:57:06 pm
Walt -
is your F-350 a Powerstroke Diesel ? Â Have you had an trouble with it?
Kid just bought an 06 crew cab 4 x 4 Lariat long bed SRW with powerstroke. Â Great truck , good fuel milage, blown head gaskets at 177K miles, lots of oil coolers and other repairs before he bought it. Â Looking at 7 - 10 K to fix the engine (right) once and for all with some bulletproof and other mods.
Wish the truck was as reliable as my FT. Â Live and learn.
Sorry to hijack the thread.....
Title: Re: First time buyers (split from Re: Build sheet)
Post by: WaltH on June 26, 2014, 09:59:46 am
is your F-350 a Powerstroke Diesel ? Â Have you had an trouble with it?
Kid just bought an 06 crew cab 4 x 4 Lariat long bed SRW with powerstroke. Â Great truck , good fuel milage, blown head gaskets at 177K miles, lots of oil coolers and other repairs before he bought it. Â Looking at 7 - 10 K to fix the engine (right) once and for all with some bulletproof and other mods.
Wish the truck was as reliable as my FT. Â Live and learn.
Sorry to hijack the thread.....
It is a Powerstroke Diesel, and we had lots of trouble with it the first two years we owned it. Eventually had the engine block replaced. Because we had never owned a diesel before, we bought an extended warranty when we bought the truck, which was the best thing we could have done. The first two years, we had alternator, battery, EGR valve, brakes, and engine issues. Not all of that was covered by the extended warranty, but enough was covered that we got our money back and then some. On a more positive note, since the engine block was replaced, we haven't had any trouble with the truck. That's been about 18 months now.