My first post.
Our focus over the last month has been to get rid of stuff and prepare for our giant garage sale, which we had yesterday. Sold at least 3/4 of what we had – a big success. This is a big step on our path to full timing it. Sold our pop-up in June. Plan to put the house on the market in the spring after sprucing up the interior over the winter.
What happened in the middle of cleaning house was totally unplanned. After researching brands and going to shows for the past two years, I started to focus on used Foretravels. Bob and Brenda in CT had their unit on the market briefly, but decided to keep it. I asked to see it when it came back from the shop where more improvements were being done. I had never seen a Foretravel. Bob was very happy to learn that someone else in CT was interested in Foretravel, and when he learned we were just one town over he was thrilled. Sandy and I had been planning a trip in the fall that would include a stop in Texas to see what these things are all about, so having folks only 14 miles away willing to share their enthusiasm was a great find.
While their coach was at the shop Bob and Brenda spotted their dream unit in CA. Bob called about two weeks ago and asked if I was interested in his 40' 320. I was leaning towards a 36' unit, so I said possibly. After seeing the unit Sandy and I decided that the livability of a forty footer was worth a try despite the locations we may be excluded from, so we told Bob we would take it. The fact that the unit is beautiful had something to do with it too. Drove it home last weekend and closed the deal the day before Bob and Brenda headed to CA.
Sometimes things are meant to be. We had no intention of buying anything until next spring, but we are thrilled to have the coach sitting in our yard. Now that the tag sale is done we can spend a little time in our coach figuring out how to make it into our next home.
First, Welcome Tom and Sandy!
Second, DANG, I thought we had a lot of stuff........I mean, valuable and rare collectables!
Third, going from a pop-up camper to a 40' Foretravel U320, you are going to notice a few insignificant differences...
that thing in the first picture... what is it and what does one use it for? =)
Neighbor had something similar. I thought it was a place for mice to live and chew apart. He never ever used it. too much hassle.
great upgrade. your 320 is beautiful!
Welcome to a great group of friends who love to share their get-togethers and knowledge of FT ownership.
Hans & Marjet
Beautiful coach! Welcome to the forum.
Congratulation's and welcome! We also went from a Coleman Pop Up to a FT, although we had about 15 years in between. :D
Welcome to the "Family"! We don't think you'll be unhappy with your 40-foot rig. We are extremely pleased with ours, and are really thankful for both the interior and exterior added space and other livability features as compared with a shorter unit.
I think you picked a great coach. You beat me to it. I had been looking at it for quite awhile. Best of luck and happy trails.
Great to have you in the Foretravel family Tom & Sandy.
Now the fun begins...................... ^.^d
Tom & Sandy,
Welcome! You bought a great coach. Susan & I inquired about it at one point, but (as you said), they subsequently decided to keep it. We were very impressed by how they had cared for it and the upgrades they made. Congratulations.
We went through the same debate — 36' versus 40'. Thankfully, we had some good advice from Gary Omel (also on the Forum), who said, "If you are full-timing, go 40'." We now know the wisdom of his advice. We have been full-time in our coach since late May. As much as we might have liked a 36'er to get in a few state parks we enjoyed with our 16' trailer — yep, quite a change! — we need every inch of the 40'.
Very best wishes! You chose well. :-)
Just a thought: full timing, the way to avoid collecting all that stuff again. Remember, a successful garage sale brings in $500 by selling $10,000 worth of stuff. ^.^d
Coach looks great and well maintained//Good luck on your ventures and may you make it to Texas in the future. DAN
Thanks for all the welcoming messages. It's great to be a part of the community. I have a LOT to learn, and will contribute when I can.
Welcome to the club. Don't be shy about asking questions.
Craig
Welcome to the Foretravel family, wonderful forum and a great looking coach! You can contact Beverly K. administrator for Foretravel Motorcade club to apply for your membership, information at Foretravel Motorcoach - Foretravel Motorcade Club (http://www.foretravel.com/motorcade.php).
Tony
Baltimore, MD