Hello my names mike , i have never had a motorhome , I'm retired my wife has one more year , so we started the search, we have friends that have 2002 american eagles so that's what i was looking for , two reasons one friend owns a trucking company, , has his own shop and knows about everything there is to know about American coach , i started noticing foretravel , i have found some on line in my price range and i think i like them , looking around 99-2000 , they dont have slides which is one thing my wife say's we need , we will be spend some time in it , our grand kids live 3,000 miles away, so I'm here to learn , l know this isn't the place but i can't figure out how to post a new comment , thanks
Welcome to Foreforums, Mike! We're glad you're here ^.^d
Hi Mike! Welcome to our community. Many of us have walked in your shoes looking for a coach. Everyone's path is different but we can help as much as you want. The more you learn the more questions you will discover.
Where are you? Most of us would be happy to show you our coaches if you are close. Best way to do the hunt is to see as many coaches as you can, see what floor plans look like, look at colors, see the differences between lengths, years and models. The differences are subtle in some cases and most don't see them until someone points them out.
I hope you find your coach out there. We did. It is a great life.
Roger
I live in mobile Alabama , i want something that will stand up to the road , i drove a truck for 33 years , I'm looking for the peterbilt of rv's
Welcome to the forum and good luck in your journey. This is a great web site and all are helpful. Let the Search button, upper left be your friend. In the mean time you might look at Barry's web site. Lot's of information and a great compilation if information.
Foretravel Specifications, Floor Plans, Photos & Brochures by Year (https://wiki.foreforums.com/doku.php?id=through_the_years:specs)
Any question is fair and will probably be answered promptly.
Scott
Howdy Mike, Welcome to the Foreforum. The best blog on the net!!!
IMHO, your definitely looking at the correct coaches!! Good luck, and enjoy the search..
Dave A
There were several good quality coaches sold back then.
All their factories are gone.
Only Foretravel is left.
No frame coaches. Unitized body is superior construction. Bigger storage.
Spread air suspension lessens wind sway and body roll.
Air disk brakes will stop best.
Trans retarder is the finest safety item available
Slides are something you don't need the HEADACHE of. Tell your wife! Sit outside where it is nice :)
I have had three coaches with and without slides. I think the proper floor plan will work just fine without. If i was looking again, I would not only look for slides either and not more then two if I got them. If you are traveling a lot then you are always home in a coach that can be lived in without slides or without huge slide intrusions. My two slide coach is totally usable with the slides in. I too have grands 3000 miles away and this way on the way west I just pull into a rest area and spend the night. Very easy and in the spring and fall no generator is needed.
From one old trucker to another as far as concerns of a coach taking the beating the roads give, I have a 89 U280 with 153000 miles that doesn't have a rattle in it other than the dishes in the cabinet. It drives and rides similar to a late model Pete or KW and have had and currently have a slew of those.. Anything less will be like you driving a Volvo semi.. anything more ie Prevost.. cost much more and the systems are complicated to the point that a person with average skills can't work on one.. You will appreciate the 8 air bag suspension ... I'm not a salesman but I do have 3 1/2 million miles on me and I would hate to go down the road in anything less.
2nd that dub.....Even with my Oshkosh chassis I don't have to move the coffee maker of the counter. For what it's worth....my parents had an American Eagle, i think an 04...nice coach but it wasn't holding its bits together like my 26 yr old coach does! Plus the factory is very helpful with parts and assistance should you need them. Not to mention the forum here!
Welcome and enjoy your search!
Welcome aboard! Please read as much here as your time permits, and don't hesitate to ask questions. We found our 1995 U320 here almost three years ago, and have learned a tremendous amount from the fine individuals here. We think you'll really enjoy owning and traveling in a Foretravel!
I am also driving a 22 year old coach and the bottom of the Foretravel line back then to boot. Of course, the bottom of the line in a FT cost about $250,000 (when my '94 Ram diesel 3/4 ton pickup with the same engine cost me $16,000 with 36,000 miles on it). I am constantly amazed at what stays on the counters (a glass of water in the bathroom next to the sink, for instance) after 400 miles. (We may be getting lazy in our pre-launch inspections. LOL)
We have had slides and prefer not to have slides but we do spend a lot of time outside. There are some issues you need to learn about (bulkhead is the big one) but they're easily corrected (and easy to inspect for).
Having the factory in business (with people who can remember working on your RV is worth a lot) with drawings and part numbers. The parts might not be made any more but there are usually alternatives.
Welcome to the forum. :)
Craig
Thanks a lot for the info , reason #1 i want to buy something that as soon as the dealer hands me the keys i can drive 3000 miles to stay with our grand kids for a few months , #2 reason I'm looking at older ones is price , i can do a lot of upgrades and still be money ahead , at this time we are not going to full time , maybe six months at a time , the #1 one thing I'll do is put in a residential fridge , is the washer dryer really useful or just take up space ? Think i may take it out and make a cabinet with drawers,
Blukheads ?
Welcome,
One of many discussions on bulkheads: Bulkhead Repair-- A Comprehensive Look (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=8645.0)
No way my wife would give up washer/dryer, but others feel the opposite. Newer Splendide big upgrade over OE version. Many have upgraded, including me
Rear bulkhead. Lots of info available with search function.
I'm the male person on this forum ID and thought I should add that the washer / dryer is something I would hate to do without. When we first looked at coaches, I thought the same as you. Why would anyone want a washer/dryer in a mh? Now I'd have to say it is one of my favorite toys.
How much space do you actually lose if you go from 40 to 36 foot , is a 36 footer do able ?
Hi Mike and Wanda, welcome to the group.
Here's what you do: Take your wife (DW) to look at a 34' coach (if you can find one). Then let her look at a clean 36' coach - they are pretty nice, and work well for many members. Finally, take her to see a well-kept-up 40' coach. That's what I did with my wife...
We ended up buying a 40' coach.
Take a look at the link below - it shows the 3 "classic" Foretravel coach sizes. You will notice the bedrooms are almost identical, as are the driver compartment and "sitting area". As you move up in length, the extra "space" you gain is concentrated in the center of the coach, namely the kitchen, dining area and bathroom. In the longer coach, you get more storage space, inside and underneath. You also get more "elbow room" and "party space" if you are the type that entertains on a regular basis. It all boils down to individual preference - you have to find the floor plan that works best for the both of you. Good hunting!
1999 Foretravel U270 Floorplans (http://beamalarm.com/foretravel-links/models/1999_foretravel_u270_floorplans.html)
Mike,
We are what some call full timers part time. We may leave and be gone 6 to 9 months at a time. We have just got back from being gone ~3 years (long story) with only coming home over a weekend in the car to check on the home base. We have a 40" non slide and have been very comfortable in all our travels. Now I can't carry all my sewing stuff and dear hubby has limited tools but we manage nicely. Some people would have no problem with a 36' but we were crowded when we had a 36' non slide. I agree with Chuck look at every Foretravel you run across (most of us will be glad to give a tour) and you will be able to better narrow your search down to what will fit your needs.
Pamela & Mike
We do 3-4 month trips , DW ,dog and I in our 36' double slide . We didn't look at other size which I think is a great idea , this coach came up at the right place and time .
Ps
We do triathlons when we travel , lots of stinky kit , washer dryer is wonderful , would not be without it .
Mike,
Welcome to Foreforums. There's more information here and in beamalarms.com than you can read in a year.
Take your time searching for the right layout and length for your needs. Getting this right will preclude frustration in the future. It is very expensive to trade up as many here will attest.
Non slide Foretravels have more cubic feet of total storage than coaches with slides as the slide mechanicals take up basement as well as inside cabinet storage.
Have patience. Keep looking until you find your coach. It may take a year or more. And when you do, pay to have the coach inspected unless you deside you can take the hit for some major item not discounted in the purchase price.
Go into this purchase with eyes wide open. It is expensive to keep any diesel pusher on the road and all of its features & components working properly and safely.
Budget enough so you're not surprised when a large bill comes due. We budget about $3,000 annually for just maintenance. As far as coach improvements and replacements, you may want to set aside about $10,000 initially or maybe even more depending on the condition of leather items, vynil stripes, gel coat, etc. because I assure you that improvements will need to be done on coaches in the years you're looking at.
Aside from the above, Foretravels are far superior to the other brand your friend has.
All the best in your search for the ONE. Be patient and ask us lots of questions.
Nothing like a warm towel when stepping out of the shower.
Miss wanda and i are going to Mot , it's a 500 mile drive , going check out used foretravel , does anyone know of a inspector that lives around that location? Someone that knows what to look for , i have used the search and check out a million things , it's mined blogging, wish us luck .
It has been said that Brett Wolf - Wolf10 is the best comprehensive inspector around. He is on this forum and has posted on this thread. PM him and check his availability.
If you are going to MOT, you are hooked. LOL. When I went to the factory, I was. Especially after I had the tour at foretravel and saw how they were made. I think you will have a good time. FWIW I am on my 4th motorhome and this one is the best.
Best of travels!
I have had a 34 foot a 36 foot and now a 42 foot. I think if you can find a nice 40 footer you will be very happy. Two under bays for storage and a great ride. I had the 34 foot for 100K miles plus and the same for the 36 and I have 170K on this 42 footer. I will say I love the Tag axle but then you are looking at 42 foot and 98 as the oldest.
We would not be without the washer dryer and have run two loads here in the campground during the rally. It works well and means you take less clothing with you.
It is the floor plan that will decide it for you. I do not go into many of the small parks but I have not been shut out of any area I have wanted to stay with my 42 foot. That said the 34 fit everywhere with no issues as did the 36. I really liked the 36 foot 320 with its big engine too. It would eat up the miles.