I'm seeing more concern here than I did a year ago about Foretravel management. The Realm forum and discussions about the PTO, mixed with my own experiences have me a little concerned about the future of Foretravel. That said, my inlaws just had a horrible experience with my previous Newmar shop and the build quality of Foretravel still seems tough to beat. That said, we want four slides. We like the bunks but like the larger living area that comes without them even more. So, I am eyeballing a few late model Phenix coaches. Two are located at FOT, and am even considering an early IH.
Any particular production issues in 08, 10, and 12? Anybody have the specs on height and weight or know where I can find them?
Appreciate you all.
I can't speak to the realm but on 08 that is the change over time for the new pollution stuff. They had it worked out pretty well by 12 with def. There are no issues that I know of with those model years but they are not that many coaches being built then so the sample size is smaller to hear about them.
I know personally I do not want a rear bath as you have to go thru the floor to get to the engine but that is me.
Thanks John. After locking myself out and having to come in via the engine bay and bed, I understand how the rear bath could be a disadvantage.
However, I don't think I'm inclined to do the IH yet. The ratio of those things in th shop every time I'm there is troubling to me. I do like the 10 Phenix and gave it consideration last June but the price wasn't right.
Shame about the Realm. I think I'm pretty much the target buyer but initial build quality reports matched with the dealer I'd have to work with are immediate deal killers.
I believe from one member's recent experience, the hydraulic pump is an issue in virtually every coach built between 2007 and 2010. You would be well-served to understand a particular coach's history in this area (has the pump been replaced, if it has been replaced is there record of the new one being regularly greased?) Break down on I-10 (fan pump failure) (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=23654.0)
That is true Michelle but as a known defect, I would now hope that ft is taking care of them.
Thanks you all. If you know of someone looking for a rig with bunks, please send em my way. In the mean time, I will be doing lots more homework given the potential increase in cost.
One other thing they made a few units with the hybred gensets. Great idea but in talking with cummins a lot more complex. It is simpler to just put a bigger generator in.
Bunks? You have bunks?
Susan
We do. Two mid coach passenger side. The old listing and pics are still on the FOT website, I think. Close to the bottom.
I think you might have Lyle Reeds old coach if you have two bunks in that coach.
Wasn't Reed's coach a gold 2003 or 4 Designer series? Certainly the one he had when we encountered him in 2005 at Camp FT was. Had that overlapping squares/rectangles paint job.
WOW! That's an awesome rig ^.^d - glad to know was out of our price range! :D LOVE IT. /off-topic
Susan
He had a dark colored 05 I was parked next two with two bunks for driver and passenger. He took one of the last deliveries I think.
I have seen the designer series you mention too. One was owned originally by Pete Gerber of the Gerber knife fame. He sold it when he decided to buy a 70 foot trawler to cruise a while.
It is my understanding this was Mr. Reed's coach. Appears to be built right. Except maybe the door handle. :))