Just seen this on Oodle about the 2015 Realm FS6
2015 Foretravel Realm FS6 Luxury Villa 2 | 2015 Foretravel Motorhome in Alvarado (http://rvs.oodle.com/detail/2015-foretravel-realm-fs6-luxury-villa-2/3725700167-alvarado-tx/?cm_mmc=OODLE_PREVIEW-_-www-_-NA-_-NA)
Looks to me like the MSRP is totally bogus. The real price is 30% off that, even before the first one is built. Not really in the same league as the IH.
Other then the chassis I would say it is probably manufactured in the same way as the IS. I am sure we will hear mor in OK and maybe even see one.
Motorhome Specialist has posted pictures of the new Realm on their website.
#8814CC - 2015 Foretravel Realm FS6 Luxury Villa 1 for sale in Alvarado TX (http://www.mhsrv.com/2015-foretravel-realm-fs6-luxury-villa-1-new-bus-conversion-tx-i1257382)
90 photos
There are some things I like, but, overall, I prefer my coach. What is that on the front cap over the windshield?
They will sell a ton of these! ^.^d
Level playing field w newmar, tifftin ect. Good features, great bathroom layout, all storage is roll out drawers :))
Ok, gotta have a blue led backlit Foretravel emblem thats on the front!
Interesting.
Does anyone know the ratio of the actual selling price to MSRP for a typical IH-45?
Any reason why they are calling the Realm a " Bus Conversion" ?
Gary B
Drain slots for the awnings? ::) air supply, aerodynamic dams, lol
Gary, direct comparison to newel or prevost?
Looks very open and bright, but that shower will be a pain to keep clean after every use. Do not understand FT why they do such intricate miles of grout wall patterns.!!
Ruth likes the inside so we will order one( with plain shower) I guess, she is the Boss, and at that cheap a price how can you not have one?.
JohnH
Wow, that's gorgeous. Or, as I once heard at a campground here in Texas: "that sure is a purty camper!".
I'm curious what the inside looks like when in "travel mode"; i.e. all slides in.
I think the front end looks silly but the rest looks similar to an IH I guess. The huge letters on the front look gaudy. They should sell a bunch I hope.
Mark
Going back to a GV like look with a grill in front.
Generally looks like a genuine Foretravel, except maybe for engine access.
And I can put some of these headlights and some chrome trim on my 2003 to bring it up to date.
Looks huge and heavy. Stay on the main roads, no side trips off the beaten path. I guess RVn' isn't about being outside and with nature anymore?
Nice looking coach to my mind. Sideways opening metal compartment doors it appears? Same as current ih45?
I see it as a cheaper to build IH-45 thanks to the mass produced chassis. Since both are selling for the same price, I don't see any advantage to the buyer, just to Foretravel.
On the Motorhome Specialist website the 2015 IH-45 is priced at $869,911 and the 2015 Realm is priced at $699,911.
What surprised me is that I actually kinda like it. I'll never own one, but if I had been born rich instead of so gosh-darn handsome I could see getting one.
I liked the living area... that passenger seat looked scrumptious... the sofas looked comfy. The DW has assured me that two burners for cooking is plenty (I had been a skeptic) so that's ok. The only thing I "cook" is an omelette now and then; otherwise it's microwave-city. Big pantry, dishwasher (I wash dishes... she says it's the least I could do and I've always been a big believer in doing the least I could do), nice dinette. Lots of batteries (wonder if there is room for solar on the roof).
The bathroom seems big. I think I've lived in smaller apartments. But it is attractive. Like others, I wonder about engine access. Not enough windows in the bedroom for my tastes because I love to take an afternoon nap in ours with the windows open and the breeze blowing from one side to the other.
And it does appear that RVing is more inside than out now. Although they have an outside TV so maybe the focus hasn't changed all that much. I just wonder how visible that outdoor TV is in the daytime. But one thing I have noticed is that the people in the big rigs like that don't go outside much. There was a big Tiffin parked across the road from our tent site in Glacier Natl. Park for a week last year and I bet we only saw the occupants three or four times; and even then it was while they were headed to their car from the RV or from the car to the RV. Since we were in a tent we were outside ALL the time. LOL
Watched an "epic RV" (or similar) program and the husband was so in love with the outside TV and the pull-out BBQ that he wanted to pony up an extra $150,000 to get the rig that had that (over the one that didn't but nevertheless met all their requirements). I feel so lower-class carrying our stainless steel portable BBQ over to the picnic table now that I can barely bring myself to the point of grilling a couple of steaks.
Still, that Realm did tickle something in me. Wonder if it has 600hp...
Craig
We continue to question the use of that particular passenger recliner in coaches. There are no provisions for a shoulder belt. We won't have a vehicle without them.
Michelle, just an FYI, most if not all conversions do not have shoulder belts, just lap belts. Just sayin.....
What is the MPG? Do they say?
So 10 years from now a used one would be around 200K?
I just don't know (yet) anything about how FT is building these are they any good as our 90s FTs?
If i save 20K a year I can get one in 10 years I guess.
I just looked "Chassis: Spartan K3" why? whatever ...
People also buy modern boats/yachts with everything inside and nowhere to enjoy being outside. I guess as a culture we've become such a way, in general, and perhaps this is one cause of our lovely obesity rates (conjecture, only). To each's own, though. I enjoy sleeping outside, even when out using the RV (or at the very least, with the nice big windows open).
Very happy not to have shoulder belt.
Realm seller MHS had a write-up...
The perks of being a motorhome specialist | RV Daily Report | Breaking RV (http://rvdailyreport.com/industry/the-perks-of-being-a-motorhome-specialist/)
Great write up for MHS and a more information on the FT Realm/MHS connection.
DW loves the interior of the Realm. At first blush I wouldn't consider a coach of that length and weight without a transmission retarder (or the price tag).
That is an interesting read. Free lunch on Saturday, every RV on the lot covered and hooked up to 50-Amp, and a special - covered - area to transfer gear from the old RV to the new one.
According to the write-up the Realm was designed by O'Bannion and built by Foretravel which is why MHS has exclusive rights to the vehicle. I can certainly see why FT has partnered up with them.
Craig
FOT's got a new Realm on the Sales site
Foretravel Texas (http://www.foretraveloftexas.com/view-inventory.php?id=611)
MUCH better pictures of everything than anything we have seen prior. Good job, E.H.!
She certainly looks Foretravel, right down to the double arrowhead. Appears to have the fit and finish we come to expect. And appears to be priced well below the IH-45.
200 gallon fuel tank, but I don't see the Fresh/Grey/Black capacities in the details.
Perhaps some of you are more observant than I am. I couldn't find any mention of a retarder. Moreover, if you look at the cockpit picture, there is no joystick visible. In the new coaches (like the IH-45), do they use a push button pad rather than a joystick? I'd hate to pay $700K and not get a retarder :(
The Realm does not have a retarder. If you look at the specs you'll see the 3 stage compression brake listed.
The chassis and drivetrain and leveling (note the hydraulic jacks) come packaged from Spartan in the K3GT. FT mostly adds the "house" portion.
Finally! Â an entry level FOT
:-)
They features list indicates that the Realm has both air & hydraulic leveling... I don't think that the IH45 has Hydraulic. I know that some Vogues had both and I have read of a few others, but sounds like it would be nice to have the option for either and presumably both.
Don
I suspect that's air ride, air bags for when driving but not leveling when stopped. Then hydraulic jacks for when camped. Like a number of SOBs do.
Its very nice and very expensive, but too tall, too long and too fancy for my kind of RVing. It would not go the places that I take my U320.
Jacks on a $700K coach! No retarder? Are the storage bays pass-through or does that chassis prevent them? Why not buy a Nimbus for $100K less and get a full air bag suspension and leveling and a retarder? ???
Because FT will only build a Nimbus (or a Phenix) as a custom order (and actually at a higher price, not lower than the Realm). Realm is a standard/stock coach.
One of the things that was pointed out when we toured the factory was the placement of the air bags. The Realm's are inboard; the IH-45's are outboard.
But, there are so many things, such as the bay door hinges -- totally different and heavy duty on the IH-45.
If I had $700K to spend, I think a used IH-45 might be a better deal IMHO.
Trent
So perhaps the feature from the list
is the equivalent of the HWH Active Air system... I would think having both systems available for camping would be a plus, other than the increased complexity of an already very complex machine. I don't know, but I would guess that the hydraulic would have an advantage of range on a 45' coach. Plus it seems like having the hydraulics for stability with a four slide coach might be an attractive feature for some. I did talk to an early 90's Vogue Premier that told me his coach had both jacks and air leveling while being parked, so I figured it isn't unheard of to have both. At the time that prompted me to some looking on the web and I found other mentions of coaches having both, including somewhere on HWH's web site.
Don
And I know of one U320 where the owner had a Jake brake added in addition to the Retarder. Nothing like redundancy, ask the Apollo 13 crew.
Not my cup of tea. Luckily... as the chances of me ever buying one are expressed as "j" in electrical theory. :P
Craig
imaginary
not even that for me
If I ever am in the market for another coach, it will either be a real Foretravel under 38' or something altogether smaller.
It looks interesting but I have more under bay storage in my 01 it looks like.
That's our thinking, as well. Our U320 is perfect for us, and we are happy to have it.
We do wish Foretravel the best, and we hope they remain in business for many more years, but the new huge coaches really aren't for us.
Ditto on the shorter size FTs. We've been to many CCC, ACE, city & county campgrounds that would not have accomodated any length greater than a 40' coach. We take great pleasure in finding the most scenic campgrounds (lake front usually) at the best price ($7.50/ngt is the low bench mark presently).
However, if tailgating before a game or race in a large parking lot, then length is your friend.
Looks good, but for the life of my I can't figure out why designers feel they need to have the dining room in with the living room. The IH does the same thing and they add a ton of room to the master bedroom. Not sure about everyone, but we spend most of our time in the living area, kitchen area and dining area not the master!
I'm not fond of the front end cap below the windshield. Reminds me of Thomas the Train!
My first thought when I saw the front end was that it reminded me of a 1951 Willys Jeep front end. Really cluttered and cheap looking. Definitely not a Foretravel quality design.
Bedroom is huge considering the amount of time spent awake in there. Put the space back in the "daytime" area and provide some separation between kitchen/dining area and the living room.
Nitehawk, you hit the nail on the head. 1951 Willys Jeep!
I too see the Jeep is look. It's the silly chr ok me strip mimicking a radiator grill. IMO, the chrome should go.
I like the headlights, similar to my 2003 U295 but bigger and projectors. I wonder what they are off of. Might make a nice upgrade to mine.
"Bedroom is huge considering the amount of time spent awake in there." If we had to point to one area that we wish was changed, it would be the space between the foot of the bed and the wall. Another six inches there would be most welcome.
I notice they are now selling the Realm from the factory. One is now listed on their website.
There are definitely places where we can use a little more room due to our getting a little "fluffy" in our later years. We do not get fat--we get "fluffy".
I noticed that there's no ladder to get on the roof. I guess if you have the coins to buy this you could rent a "cherry picker" when you need to get up there. :) Those of you with newer coaches don't have ladders either, huh? What is the height of the Realm? 13'?
Noticed it was the Aquahot 450 instead of the 600 too.
I notice several electrical panels in the bays that are not covered and what appears to be the fuel filter for the Aqua Hot also inside the bay. These are small things perhaps but I don't think they should be found in a coach in this price range.
At 15years of age, it won't hold up as well as my 1998. The wiring is cleaner in my 1998 as well. Like most things, I miss the 90's/80's and older.
The truth is, there is no more quality stuff for middle class people. The same has occurred in boating, general aviation, and everything else. A family with solid middle class income used to be able to afford to purchase AND operate a nice 40-50foot boat (like a Hatteras) or even a small airplane.
Hatteras Yachts did the same thing FT did...chased the high end $1-5mil boat market. No "entry level" anything.
Nice video ad for the new Realm
MHSRV - The Realm if Here (http://www.mhsrv.com/lp/realm/index.php?utm_source=aweber&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=realmvideophotolink)
Seem to be an air for acquisition of Foretravel by MHS in the near future. Perhaps Greg Amys may have felt the same with his early "retirement".
BTW What's the justification for the variety in warranty between the models? And why not offer the 3 yr maintenance included with the Realm for all FT models....would be more closely consistent with the customer service and loyalty developed back in the "cm fore" days most may remember?
2015 ih-45 Coaches are covered by an 24 month/24000 mile warranty.
2015 Realm FS6 Coaches are covered by an 24 month/24000 mile warranty.
2015 Phenix Coaches are covered by an 18 month/24000 mile warranty.
2015 Nimbus Coaches are covered by a 15 month/21000 mile warranty.
Liked the shower. ;D
I liked most all of it. New world.
Wonder how hard a 600hp cummins engine brake holds that size coach back on a steep downgrade?
The n14 cummins I drove long ago did not need a retarder at its weight then.
I assume it has active air.
Jacks I like. Had a few die hard customers order air level and jacks on an cc intrigue. Non swing down. Take the tires off the ground all the way around.
When we first started researching, be didn't know the difference between jacks and air bags for leveling the coach. I actually thought that the jacks would be better. Then I got a message from someone who was considering trading his 'Bird for a Foretravel. His biggest reason was that he has punched holes in asphalt parking lots trying to level his 'Bird. One night we had a neighbor with a fairly new SOB with jacks. He pulled in, hooked up the electricity, then put four 2x6 planks out. Then he could go in and level his coach. I like our air bags better.
Both allowed tire and other servicing with safety stands used.
Less wind sway. But much more loading on the structure.
I was pretty disappointed with the video.
It either shows how disconnected from the reality of motorhoming Foretravel management has become, or that they are targeting a market that has very few members (like, zero). Stiletto heels, give me a break! I never wear mine while motorhoming.
Me neither.
They appear to have gone for a chunk of the Prevost market, the biggest legal rigs, only driven (often by paid drivers) to NASCAR events and football games, or taken to a luxury motorhome resort, never a low-class "campground".
Not the old school crowd C.M. Fore targeted. The members of this forum are 99.999% (or more) old school crowd.
OK, I just watched the video.
Do they really need an announce with a British accent to sound good to the snotty rich wanna be royals?
I really like the invisible tow bar for the Bently.
Some of the features sound really cool, like the slide I have on my 2003 and the air leveling system, also on my 2003, and the exceptional paint job, also on my 2003. But i sure wish I had that marble and metal flake paint, both on the outside and on the dash.
The commercial mostly sounds like a laundry list of aftermarket add-ons that they made standard. Kind of reminds me of the old Alfa brochure, talking about all the add-ons that were standard equipment, without bothering to add-on quality.
It does have some features not on my 2003 are the four slides, the power lift floor sections, the power tilt steering wheel, the power rear camera, the power joey beds. I have to use a little muscle. And the interior features that need 45 feet to work, I only have 38.
I wonder if the Queen is buying some for the royal family?
I liked the video. Thought they did a good job reviewing the features. It's a nice MH, should do well.
Where does it fit? Seriously?!? You can't take that thing in damn near most of the campgrounds around the USA. At the size of it, what is the point? Just rent a fancy hotel room.
I am in State Parks on about 70% of my trips. Never had a problem getting my 45' Phenix in and parked.
I am 42 foot and I get most places I want to go somehow. Height is my concern not length on the east coast.
Both height and length would be a major concern at the state park in California. At a mere 38', I am too big for many of my one time favorites.
I respectfully disagree with this statement. There are more members of the new school than .001 percent.
I personally wish there were a lot more new school crowd.
Larry
+1 I also liked the video and the motorhome.
Larry
The factory did a nice video when the Unihome was introduced. Guy in a black tie that had a great delivery and pointed at the big storage bay and said you could take a barrel of monkeys with you and the kitchen sink.
12 minutes. Several couples talking about motorcades and making new friends that were still their friends after the motorcade.
I set the a tape up with two hours of the video.
Set up a TV in the dodger show in a dark box with chairs in front of it and a bottled water setup under a big awning.
Foretravel had a video before that that showed a photo of a wagon on a bridge and the voice referred "to a man named Fore" the grandfather of cm who used to build wagons in Nac long ago.
Clomp.clomp was the soundtrack. Still photo.
Showed that one also. Any audio visual helped greatly.
Also VCR taped drives up the local hills on dick wells traded in big box VCR with a seperate giant camera.
If anyone sees dick or sue Ellen wells ask them about the old VCR setup he traded me.
He watched the video I made many tines. Fun days. So did Cleo dunlap and lavigne johns
I liked the Realm video, I like the Realm. Its a beautiful coach, I would love to own one.
I'm not sure for the price difference between the IH and Realm that I would pick the Realm. The IH seems to have a reduced price and the option of purchasing a lightly used model, these choices move the IH to a close price point.
I like my 95 U320, but I must admit it does look aged when sitting in a campground surrounded by more modern coaches. I knew this when I bought it and accept this fact. I also have to accept that it does and will require LOTS of repairs, and upkeep. I never know how to take the complement "looks good for a coach that old" If I could afford a newer coach I would certainly jump on it.
A newer coach purchase presents more questions to me, My coach is paid for, a HUGE plus and I bought it at a bargain price. Even with the thousands I have spent on parts and appliances and the thousands yet to come (all my own free labor) I still could sell it easily for what I have in it. This is all the plus side.
The other side is "those newer coaches sure look fine!" Sell the house, downsize, and open the check book for a new coach. Now the soul searching begins, How could I ever justify spending 3/4 of a million on a RV, a huge money pit. Answer is , I couldn't. Obviously some can.
I could buy a lot of airline tickets and stay in a lot of 5 star hotels on the choicest real estate properties and pay for it all with the interest that the same 3/4 million would draw. I could buy a simple RV to camp in when visiting those out of the way Parks. I agree some of these high end coaches look out of place in a "normal "campground setting. They do seem to be built for glamor and show and a weekend at a outside event where you can show case all your stuff, nothing wrong with this, just a different end use than many here participate in.
Non the less, they sure are purdy!
I'm with you Lon, those new coaches look mighty fine. We have been parked between 2 newer full body paint coaches (SOB's) sure makes my coach look old. But hey I just smile at the thought of the title in the safe, and we nice and comfy in the old FT.
And when the Big New coach is on the side of the road with some check engine light on and all systems are shut down due to the bathroom interior vanity light solenoid malfunctioning and the mainframe computer cannot auto diagnose the situation,You can glide right on by in your simple old dependable paid for coach and wave.
That Realm would sure look out of place parked under the trees next to my Brother in Laws tin barn.
OOPS, Tree needs trimming and coach won't clear edge of tin roofing, back to the drawing board.
Gary B
Yes, the height is the main issue (other than depreciation) that would make the new coaches not a possibility for us.
I can see saw 40 or 45 into most places but we barely scrape under the trees as it is.
They are beautiful.
I have the height issue now. I scrape the trees for a mile each way in my own neighborhood. Once out I have problems with trees along boulevards. I also don't like the jacks for leveling. I saw numerous other small differences when I visited the assembly line that while not deal breakers, but I definitely prefer the IH45 over the Realm. Realisticly, I would stick with the Phenix.
When a cactus rubs against my 93U280 it's Oh Well but a new three quarter million dollar coach it would be oh *%}%*!!!!. But then if I had a new coach I know we would not be visiting our favorite dry camping sites and what a shame that would be.
Roland
I read somewhere that most Americans spend 90% of their time indoors. Whether or not this stat is true, it does all make sense now.......
Guess we fall in the 10% bracket on that stat.
Roland
Well since I work at a desk, I guess I fall into that 90%.
When I am inside my house, i consider my self inside.
When I am inside my coach, parked in some great outdoor setting, I consider myself somewhat inside and somewhat outside. Maybe 50/50.
I found this on the web.....a magazine article about the new Realm.
Realm of One (http://www.motorhome.com/rv-reviews/realm-of-one/)
Yes, nice article, very complete in presenting this "new" FT. We are looking presently, had a CC Magna which we sold 5 yrs ago. Had lots in Las Vegas Motorcoach Resort. Now, with all our kids out, we're ready to sell a house a keep our second home in Summerlin LV and purchase a nice bus. Much to consider. Viewed all comments in the 4 pages about the REALM...now I've got mixed emotions. Not sure I can spring for an IH45 thus looking at the Realm. Also like the new LV 3 model which is identical to the Entegra Cornerstone model for 2016. So, this suits me just fine, I've got my floorplan I want, but the comments raised here about the REALM vs IH45 do concern me. Any input? Pro or Con? I'm open.