We were sent to this forum to find out why we should buy a foretravel diesel pusher. If anyone has any insight let us know.
We need this to last for a good while because we are going to be using it for full time rving. The coach must sleep 6 comfortably.
Thanks
You must make the decision to buy. I do not think any one here will try to convince you that a Foretravel is the best coach for you.
I suggest that you open and review the following Link: Foretravel Specifications, Floor Plans, Photos & Brochures by Year (https://wiki.foreforums.com/doku.php?id=through_the_years:specs)
Here you will find numerous floor plans for numerous years as well as base equipment provided. It is a wonderful resource of information regarding most things Foretravel.
We purchased a Foretravel because we felt that it was the best value/best coach for us.
Open this recent thread for some insight: Why Foretravel (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=23242.msg180288#msg180288)
Use the Search Function in the top right corner and read.
Please feel free to ask any question, none are stupid.
Good luck in your search and research.
(ETA - I see you asked the same question on iRV2's Newmar forum about Newmar Why buy - iRV2 Forums (http://www.irv2.com/forums/f103/why-buy-254872.html) which mentions that you are also requiring "spacious bedroom, spacious kitchen, spacious living area. Lots of storage" and per Escapees, don't want to go older than 2007)
This requirement will be a challenge with any DP. Just because they are larger than a class C or a travel trailer does not mean they are set up to sleep proportionately more people. Most are designed/laid out for
Drinks for 6
Dinner for 4
Sleeping for 2
Pull out couches will add a little sleeping space, but not for 4 additional people comfortably. Certainly not adults. It will be challenging to find a coach with more than one pull out sofa since one tends to take up most of the available width of the coach - they would have to be staggered so they weren't opposite each other and I can't think of any coach where that would fit in 45 foot length or less and still give you a kitchen and a bath.
There are a couple of FTs with bunks out there. Maybe 2 bunk beds plus a regular bed. I can recall 1 2005, 1 2010, and 1 2011.
You might want to investigate a Prevost entertainer bus conversion. They are often designed and outfitted to sleep up to 10 through the use of bunks.
I have seen a number of people get a FT with two couches and they can sleep four that way. There are a couple who have added bunks and there are a few out there with bunks. In fact one just sold but if I wanted to sleep 6, I would look for an old entertainer Prevost. You can find one with bunks on each side in the middle of the coach.
Had a Foretravel with bunks. The 2005 referenced. Went to one without having bunks but opposing sofas. One is a fold out that sleeps two. With an air mattress (twin) we can sleep six but I'm pretty sure a Holiday Inn starts to look more appealing at 5. We prefer having the additional living area that the bunk arrangement tends to consume.
We met a fellow who was towing a trailer with a Jeep inside. Jeep out and the trailer became a bunkhouse for four. It was nice. No bathroom though. Roger
Easiest way to sell RV's is to market floorplans. Then fabrics. Then paint.
"There all the same" is the normal comment for new shoppers.
Foretravel is built like a quality yacht. Different idea.
Hopefully you find one modded to suit your needs. Will be rare.
You probably will end up with a "price coach"
Something that when built was designed to sell for a particular price point and sleep x number of people.
Insulation, tankages, drive ability, noise level cabinet work will vary.
We here are fairly spoiled. Enough to search out 20 year old coaches to buy cash.
I met an ESPN commentator who pulled a trailer with his coach so he could take his family and Au Pair with him to the matches he was calling for TV. Worked for him.
Back when we were traveling with Airstreams the kids always slept in tents. Living with six people in less that 400 sq ft will always be difficult. Privacy? Never.
I agree. Our Foretravel is perfect for the two of us, and we have occasionally had two additional adults and two small children as guests for a few nights, but that wouldn't work on a full-time basis. A used Prevost entertainer coach (there are several companies around Nashville who sell them) would probably be your best choice. Even at that, while one would comfortably sleep six, I believe it would be "cozy" for full-time living for six!
If it were me I'd try to figure things out so I'd end up with a FT that fits these needs.
I've only owned mine for 6 weeks but I researched this purchase for several years, well, maybe 20 years if I'm honest. FT had the quality and feel that I wanted. I didn't find anything else out these that compared. For me personally once I found FT everything else was ruined for me.
I'm finding it's also one of those rare circumstances when the reality is even better than the hype. It has exceeded my very high expectations. The more time I spend with the coach the more thrilled and appreciative I am that have one.
As a final point, This forum, it's body of knowledge and the willingness of members to help each other is incredible. I wouldn't have bought a FT had it not been for the forum. I know personally the patience and generosity of its members.
Good luck on your hunt and safe travels.
Jeff
We utilize the basement Joey Bed as additional sleeping space when needed. I think it may be tough to find one that sleeps 6 comfortably, without using the basement cargo area. We love out FT and have enjoyed the comforts it comes with. We bought an older one 1995 GV, as it fit our lifestyle much better than a newer one. I get about 10mpg with it here in Alaska climbing all kinds of hills and traveling on rough roads. I love the one button leveling we have and would not want to have to monkey around with jacks or driving up on those things to level it. We have no slides which is exactly what I wanted so no issues possible with slides not working properly. Plus I did lots of research on safety, so wanted a retarder, knew I wanted diesel and read that slides can reduce the side integrity of the coach. You really don't realize what you have in a FT until you spend some time in one and compare them with others brands. Do your research and pick the one that suits your family the best. Good Luck!