I went over to David F shop to talk to him and I got to go inside my first Realm today. I have seen pictures and of course seen the ads that FT put out. I will say that It is much better in person then it is in the pictures. I really liked the Realm and how it sits and the insides of what I saw looked vintage FT with wood and a nice floor and a nice bedroom setup. It should compare very favorably to the competition out there. I think FT has a winner in this coach. I have not driven one yet but in walking thru the layout and the coach is very usable and very much like an older model Foretravel in feel and not the glam and glitz of the newer IHs. I am sure it can be made that way but I was happy to see the old style wood and look and comfort too. I hope MHS sells a lot of these coaches for FT and maybe FT can sell a lot of them too.
Audrey and I toured one when we at FOT in May and were also very impressed. I would sure miss the retarder though.
I looked at a Realm yesterday at FoT while having work done on our coach. IMO it is postioned very well relative to the IH. It seems to have most of the Foretravel stuff and looks and "feels" high end but is not quite as nicely finished as the IH. But still very, very nice. Also, there must be economies in using the Spartan chassis which allows a lower price point.
Unmatched quality, service and support make for a premium-priced winner.
Fingers crossed, they have a winner.
I have read that the engine brake built into the Cummins ISX is VERY impressive. Holdback HP is same as engine - 600 horsepower.
On a side note, does Foretravel still build any Nimbus or Phenix coaches? Not everyone wants a 45' coach.
Yes, they will still build either one for you.
I passed one on I-40 a couple of weekends ago.
I have to say, the paint is really impressive.
Chip H.