Foretravel Owners' Forum

I know we are not to post ads, but this is so special a coach, i hope it is begrudgingly allowed that i can mention it.

The Crystal Ship is for sale at MOT.  It is immaculate, no stains, very updated.  I recall this belonged to Steve Mudd.  I met him in Fredericksburg, had ATV with beer kegs mounted on it.

Wasn't he with The Doors!  Well he left a beautiful, immaculate grand old lady.  Fully painted 1993 GV.  I hope someone with a tender heart rescues this grand Grand Villa.  Darn it is just perfect for even much newer than what it really is, a 22 year old coach.

Surely some one on our Forum who loves the GVs, who does not just see it as an entry priced coach, will take this one into their home! 

Mike

It sure is clean.  They listed it as a twin turbo?  Definitely not standard equipment - probably a mistake but that's not like MOT - I would think they know better.  So maybe it is modified?

I feel a little sad seeing it - reminds me of Steve even though I never met him; my loss I think.

Me too, i hate to see it sell just as a "cheap" motorhome to someone that may not appreciate what they have.  Wish i could find a place to keep it but upkeep would be a consideration even if i just drive it a bit...kinda like having a vintage Mustang convertible or such for Sunday drive, but this coach way more than that.  There are much newer coaches that are not as "clean".

Hmmmm.

Mike

It looks like a great buy for someone.

I would like to see a picture of it but don't see it on MOT website.

93 FT on pre owned

Thanks

Someone is going to be a happy and excited camper.

Thanks for posting, Mike.  Since it was a forum member's coach I've moved it to Discussions for better visibility.  I hope it finds as good a home as it had with Steve.

Has anyone here seen this one in person? It seems to tick all of our boxes. Mileage is a bit high but not a huge concern.

We saw it last summer at Catherine's Landing in Hot Springs. It is an immaculate coach and very well cared for. If I remember correctly, it was repainted at FOT not long ago. Steve showed us a number of the upgrades, bells and whistles that he was very proud of. As I recall someone tried to buy it from him in the RV park. He declined at a higher price than mot is asking.

Priceless if you are a Doors fan

I think it looks great.  I'm not a doors fan, but the paint/interior/upgrades all seem top notch.  I liked it when Steve mentioned/showed it with photos (seems about a year ago).  I realize someone could buy a similar aged coach for 1/2 of that but it does look good!  I emailed it to someone that has been sniffing but probably not ready to pull the trigger.  Best of travels.

Sure I have seen, taken three locals to marvel at it....why I posted.  Will take photos if you want, pm if want my phone number.  It looks NEW!  I got Don Hay to look, he a GV guru, loved it

I only trying help someone that on Forum may want such a coach, I have of course no financial interest, just help whomever

Let me know if want photos, but it spotless

Mike

Thank you Mike for posting.  Looks like this one won't stay on the lot too many days.  It's a beauty, and well kept.  I'd buy it, but two diesel pushers is a bit much for my budget.  But, there will be one lucky owner soon enough.  Hope it goes to someone that knows what they're buying.

Hi all. Thanks for posting this, I think.  ;D I made an offer pending inspection, which I am sure will go well.

My offer was accepted this evening.

I am not sure if I am more excited or more terrified. I've been lurking here for a year quietly looking and learning. We were planning on waiting until late fall or early winter to start looking seriously but this one was too good to let get away. We won't be able to use it much until fall but we can use the time this summer to 'make it ours'.

Thanks all.

Jeff

That's great news, Jeff - hope all goes well and you can change your signature soon!

ETA - here are a couple of Steve Mudd's posts showing what updates he did to his coach

What did you do to your coach today II (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=17940.msg121647#msg121647)

First impressions of our new 1993 U300 40' (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=17369.msg115593#msg115593)

Thanks Michelle. My offer was accepted.

 :dance:

Awesome!

Jeff,

Welcome to the world of Foretravel. Until you start using your new coach you can't understand all the ins and outs.  The last time we saw that coach it was spotless. If you (no when you) have a question feel free to ask as we all have been in your shoes.

Pamela & Mike

Jeff,
Congratulations on your purchase.  You will not regret it for one minute.  You just bought the top of the line Foretravel made that year.  That's saying a lot.  Enjoy and keep her well maintained for the best road trips of your life!

You did good!    Lynn and Marilyn

Welcome,

I've seen and been in the coach. It is very special. Steve was good friends with the Doors drummer and knew all of the group. His buddy wrote a lyric/poem on the sun visor by the drivers seat.

I believe the coach had all of its maintenance done at FOT.  We saw it in the FOT parking lot on a regular basis. I'm sure you will enjoy owning this coach. I have the same coach and love it.

Thanks for the warm thoughts everyone, I really appreciate it! So much to do! I'm confident the the inspection will go well and I'm depending on that to learn all that I can. My last camper was a Coleman Popup that that we put lots of miles on with my young family. My boys, now grown and out of the house look back at those trips as some of the best experiences of growing up. I grew up camping with my parents in a 36ft Yellowstone trailer. Starting then, I knew I would have a motorhome one day.

Finding this site helped me match my desires with reality. I wanted better quality than any else I saw over the years. I was always looking. I wanted hardwood cabinetry, not pressboard and cheap wallpaper. We like things in life that are old school....quality craftsmanship and timeless design. Until I found this community I couldn't find it.  Once I did it was light a light bulb was switched on. I realized what I wanted from this forum.

We are 57 and 58 and want to see the country this way, taking our time, traveling with our own bed and bathroom. We retired early a few years ago and moved to the mountains in western NC. My wife got bored and health insurance skyrocketed. We decided to buy a local pet store here in town a couple of years ago. By next summer we will be able to take lots of time off to hit the road. We can eventually see ourselves spending half our time in the mountains at home and the other (much colder) months traveling.

I've already secured heated indoor storage. Now I have to find insurance and figure out the Toad situation.  I have a 2011 F150 Supercrew ecoboost, too heavy to pull. My wife has a 2009 Subaru Forester with an automatic transmition so no flat towing. I want a vehicle that I can pull without a trailer of possible. I prefer to have only two cars so I have some decisions to make

I am a bit intimidated but look forward to the adventure that is now possible for us.

Thanks all, I look forward to seeing you on the road!

Thanks Kent. Part of what hooked me on FT was your forum picture.

Edited to add: I am thrilled that Brett W. was available to do the inspection. I look forward to meeting him and learning as much as I can.

A few folks on this forum tow a Ford F series truck.  But, I do not know the towing capacity of the U300.  But others will chime in on that one.

You got a great coach! Enjoy it and welcome aboard this great forum

Hi Jeff,
  Welcome to our Foretravel family. I'm glad it has all come together for you. Enjoy!
Raymond

You got a good coach.  I saw it at FOT a couple times.  I talked with Steve as well. He had the right attitude. The issue is as long as the drivetrain is in good shape, the rest of the stuff is minor.

You will love the freedom to travel it offers.  As to towing, I think unless you have the manual 4 wheel drive shifting instead of shift on the fly you will not be able to tow the Ford. You can get a dodge or chevy and tow them but you are dealing with heavy.  You might consider a Jeep as they tow well and you can really get off the beaten track and explore too.

My brother towed a Harley Ford with 2 Harley roadbikes in the back with no problem. Added a driveshaft disconnect.

My first of many dumb questions, do I need a CDL or will my regular license suffice?  :D

You should not need a CDL, but depending on your state the weight of the coach *may* require a different license.  Check with the licensing authority in your state as each one is different.

RV Driver's License Requirements (http://changingears.com/rv-sec-state-rv-license.shtml)

Thanks for that link Michelle. I see that NC requires a special license but not a CDL. I'll call the DMV Monday to find out what that entails.  Time to start some files and a notebook.  :D

Well, this capped off a very busy day with a couple in town to purchase a coach......jy001 sent me a nice thanks for posting my original post to notify folks of the Crystal Ship.  I am rewarded for the effort, very pleased, this turned out this way, that a Forum member has found it.  It nearly had a buyer that I met earlier this week and he walked away, at least for the time being due to how he was going to need to live in it.

I did take a few photos (well many) in case someone wanted them, but did not post since no one replied to ask that I do so.....BUT since it has moved along, I want those others on this thread to see it.  I really wish I had a place, and the time/resources, for this as  a second coach!

Thanks to all for participating in this discussion; I hope this grand example of the Foretravel quality, so preserved and maintained, gives many years to the buyer.

Mike

Jeff is a friend of mine and one of the good people out there.
I know he will care for this fine machine.
I'm so glad he found his Foretravel.
He will be a valued member here.
Congratulations Jeff!

Thanks Lon!

Congrats, Jeff! Looks like a wonderful coach. I hope you enjoy it as much as we have been tickled by ours.
 Paul

Jeff, I believe you need a class B and not not tow anything that will put you over 65 feet, especially on 77 near Charlotte. The NCSP check every so often. Also, they look for stickers and racing names and say you are commercial and need the CDL but those are usually on the trailer. 

Kudos, Jeff, looks like you got a good one.  Welcome to the GV subdivision of the ForeForum collective!  I like the white mirrors - very COOL.  8)

From one Jeff to another welcome the Foretravel Grand Villa scene!!  Beautiful coach!!! Just buy a nice BMW motorcycle for that lift!!...oh sorry that' my plan lol

Jeff

Thanks all. One thing I do not see is a satellite dish. Does anyone that has been in or seen the coach notice one?

We want to add a couple of receivers to our Direct TV account. I don't foresee needing in-motion but do like the idea of auto-tuning and a dome covered dish.

I used the forum Advanced search to search for "satellite" with a user of "*mudd*" and came across this

Installing satellite receiver for bedroom tv (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=17115.msg112914#msg112914)

At one time, Steve had a Tracstar and Dish.

Jeff,

Welcome to the Foretravel Family and Congratulations on buying this great GV motorhome you will love it!

I knew Steve and can tell you he was meticulous in the care and maintenance of the motorcoach, you are definitely buying a great coach. We spent a few days together in Vegas just prior to his passing he told me the coach was running wonderfully on his 1200 mile trip from Home towing the Jeep and motorcycle.

As Kent and others have mentioned Steve was a huge fan, groupie, of the Doors, a good friend of Rob Krieger who acknowledged in a condolence email to Steve's family as being one of their most enthusiastic groupies!  Steve had even showed me a video of him singing on stage with the Doors during one of their performances!
Robbie Krieger did personally autograph the underside of the drivers sun visor after driving the coach one day with a verse from the Door's song, the Coach's namesake, "Crystal Ship".

Have Fun and Great traveling in you new great coach!
Tony

The coach has an in-motion satellite.

Jeff,

Welcome and congratulations on acquiring a beautifully maintained U300.  I also have a 93 U300 36'  like Pierce has.  I saw this coach at camp Foretravel in January last year while we were there getting some chassis work done.  I didn't get to meet Steve but really admired his coach and the paint work that set it apart from the others that were there. 

You should be able to obtain most of the service records to see what was done.  I would be surprised if there are any major issues still to be addressed.  Brett Wolfe is one of our resident experts here and will do a thorough inspection especially on the chassis where it really counts.  Make sure you check the bulkheads and the hydraulic fan pump system.  You should have twin fans and your fan speed is very important for cooling.  You will find much experience here with both of those issues.   

The U300 has a GCWR (coach and tow) of 36000#.  The GVWR is 30000# fully loaded.  I believe the tow hitch is a class IV rated at 10000#  with a tongue weight of 1000#.  If I'm wrong someone here will correct me.  I just weighed my coach last week at 25740#.  I'm shorter and lighter at 36' but you should be okay with a Ford F-150.  The Foretravel chassis with four wheel disc brakes, a Detroit 350,  an Allison HT746 transmission, and a two stage Jake brake make for a smooth comfortable ride. 

Were all glad the Crystal Ship is ready for her new maiden voyage.  Smooth sailing ahead!

Jerry

Gotta love the DMV. In NC a Class B license is required, 50 question written test and a driving test.

Me: How do I get the coach from TX to NC without a Class B License?
DMV: You drive it here and test the tests.

 ::)

They are all the same...I asked the nice lady at the Cleburne (TX) DMV the same question.  She said, "We don't ask, and you don't tell".

Here's the weights of our 40 foot 95 300. This is fully loaded: Full fuel, full water, empty gray and black and a case of beer in the closet to simulate dog food.

Front: 9560
Rear: 19350
Total: 28910

The 300's GVWR is only 30,000 so we are just 1,000 or so lighter than the maximum and we travel pretty light. Still wonder about the lower GVW as compared to the 320. Same engine and trans and all the running gear and suspension components look to be identical. I asked JamesT about it but he didn't really have an explanation. Probably some complex formula for figuring GVW.

When you get the Ship weighed you will likely be pleased with the weight distribution as Foretravel does a great job in the initial weight setup on these babies.

You scored a great coach.
jor

If you look at the pre-2015 Honda range they are tow-able 4 down as is.  We have a CRV.

Here is a link to Remco's search-able list of tow-able vehicles:

Store : Remco (http://www.remcoindustries.com/Towing/Store.php)

Keith

Where to start. Wow.

I secured insurance, Coach-net and Good Sam today. I bought my plane ticket to Houston, rented a car and made a hotel reservation in NAC

I need to become familiar with how everything works...when parked, when stored, summer and winter and while under way.

Second, we need to outfit a new house that happens to be on wheels, sheets, towels, pillows, cookware, dishes, silverware, cooking utensils, a coffee maker, cleaning supplies and on and on.

Then I need to figure out what tools I need, what supplies and extra parts and more.

I was able to learn today that everything pictured in the basement is included, and nothing is included upstairs.

I have a headache.  :D

We will either go this way or with a Jeep Renegade.

 Take a deep breath.  If you live in a cold climate and the coach is going to be in storage in the winter,  make sure your hot water heater has a bypass valve.  It would also be a good idea to install a diverter valve at the water pump to make easier the job of winterizing all water lines & appliances with RV antifreeze.

 Unless you want to tackle the installation of these items, I would have them installed and Motorhomes Texas before I leave.

Thanks Peter, I appreciate the suggestion. I'll look into that. It seems like it's a good modification to have just in case...

In a word (actually two words): SLOW DOWN.

Not a single one of us hit the ground knowing all there was to know about motorhomes, their "care and feeding" and how to enjoy them.

But it should come more quickly than the many, for example, who left their work career and departed on a sail boat.  LOTS more to learn there. 

You have a great community here in the Forum to help you along the way.

...and I'm grateful for that Brett. I tend to be a full immersion type of guy.

With a deep relaxing breath, knowing you have an entire forum of "Internet Friends" who are here for you  :)


Take one step at a time with this.  Start with what you absolutely need.  Consider - you don't need as many "sets" of things as you do with a house.  Consider also - sometimes better to have fewer, but same quality as you would use in the house, than many and cheap-just-because-it's-an-RV.  Think of the coach as a 5-star hotel suite on wheels, outfit it so, and feel like king of the world every time you take a trip.