Well what do you do after you have crossed the country many times and put on well over 300k miles on three FORETRAVEL's. Then add in health issues and I think it is time to downsize and get a smaller unit for day trips and photo expeditions. Interestingly earthroamer was designed by a photographer wanting a mobile platform. I want a bit more comfort then the expidition vehicles but want to get closer and stay in parks the coach does not have the ground clearance to get to. So I am thinking of selling and buying my third new Born Free on a dodge 5500 four wheel drive chassis. It never fails I finish up the last remodel and I sell. I am not a fan of the IH as that would be the same amount of work too so. Finally the fact that I don't full time and probably will not and I do not see myself wintering in FL for the next ten years at least make it so it is time to do things differently. Has anyone else done this or are most of you going bigger?
This was a hard decision to even think about and has taken me over a year to even get this far. I love my coach and the comfort it gave me during radiation a few years ago and I could full time in it no problem. But with living next to the grand kids and my love of photography growing more and more it is time. I think Dave M's death was the final push along with the thread on living life.
John, I am sure every one of us will reach this point sooner or later, bigger, smaller or not at all. And if we aren't thinking about it every once in a while we are probably kidding ourselves. It is sort of like an athlete who retires at their peak. Better then than when the choice is forced on you by circumstances you have no control over.
We bought our coach from a couple in CA. They were in thie mid 70s. They (mostly the wife) decided their rv days were done. He wasn't real thrilled about it but they seemed happy their coach was going to us. Within a year they bought a nice Class C for short trips.
A coach is just a means to do what brings true meaning and purpose to your life. They are a great way to travel and very comfortable but if it is inhibiting your true calling then make the change. Doing what is most important to you is more important than owning a coach. And you can be sure your coach will help someone live out their lives doing what they want to do.
Sometimes doing what makes us happy is defined and limited by the boundaries we put up for ourselves. Nothing wrong with that. Being close to family or close to home. Maybe it is a job. All of those constraints define the space within which we pursue our purpose. When those boundaries are removed or expanded there can be many new opportunities to improve how we pursue purpose and passion.
If you are thinking about it a lot then it is probably time to act. The days ahead are far fewer than those past.
Added a while later ...
I lost a great friend a few years back. Reminded me of Dave M. a bit. As he was slipping away from us, 54 days in a coma, we, I, talked to him at great lengths. And since he couldn't talk to us, we had to ask ourselves and each other the tough questions. What, Where, When, How ... What and who are most important. We came to many answers during that time. Even though Mike didn't participate in the conversation he helped us all make it happen. An amazing last and lasting gift to all of us from our dear friend.
And here again are conversations beginning, thinking starting, questions asked. Many brought to us by our friend Dave M. whose simple message "Do what makes you happy" has so much meaning at so many levels. Bless your heart, Dave. As you should, you live on in our memories.
Well said Roger. We will all come to this crossroad at some point in our lives. When alls said and done, it comes down to doing what makes you happy.
Very true.
Bought my next small one (small POS class C) from MOT a couple of months ago. We're going to Alaska one more time next summer in the FT, then let MOT sell it. We've had 2 Sprinter B's and loved them, but felt they were to small for two old folks (& 2 Yorkies), and lack of service facilities swayed us. We looked longingly at the Sprinter C's, but not enough carry capacity, & same service issue. I had a Lazy Daze when we bought the FT, fantastic build quality for the "house" (better that the FT IMOO), but HATED the Ford chassis. We will take the FT to Alaska instead of the C, because of the comfort, capacity, power & space. It will be tuff weaning ourselves off of the FT for sure.
John, as sated by others the decision is always tough. In my case I had a number of classic cars. It just got to be to much. I sold off three and kept one classic corvette and bought a 2017. I miss those cars every day, but I have lots of great memories. When I bought my Foretravel I thought I died and went to Heaven. I think sometimes I would get one that is not larger but with a slide. But I'm like you I don't fulltime, do small 3 and 4 day trips. I have also looked at smaller coaches but I don't want to give up the added comfort in the foretravel. Some of the small coaches have great quality but cant give you the added room no mater what. I'm sure you will decide whats best for you. But you cant beat an older foretravel for price and quality.
John- sounds like something you have been thinking about for a while now. You are 100% correct in that we must continue to evolve and change as our situations change, otherwise we miss out on opportunities in life being stuck in the past.
Here in Harlingen ,TX we have some friends that we met in 2007 while we were all volunteering at Escapees CARE. They have gone through an evolution from trading up to a diesel pusher (SOB), to having health issues limiting driving, stress, etc. They came to the park here because of their Thousand Trails membership, liked it, started staying for the winter season, then finally sold the motorhome and bought a used park model. Now they spend 8 months here and 4 months in a 5th wheel near the kids and grandkids in PA. They are happy, having fun with friends, going on cruises which they never did before, etc. They loved full timing but now love their new life because they were open to evolving to something new.
As our friend Dave M always said, " do what makes you happy".
^.^d ^.^d
John,
Why not 'start' your new lifestyle with your beloved current Foretravel? How many have said they wished they had back the coach they just sold. And when it comes to a machine, it may be better to have a 'known' motorhome with all it foibles, than to break-in and bring up to speed something new. Wonder when smaller is better. But then there is the benefit of high ground clearance and 4-wheel drive that can't be beat. Never easy to see the future so now is the time. But you could have both worlds by adding rather than replacing.
John,
Maybe you can just tow an Earthroamer and then play? Might be a tad heavy.
actually, the F750 version is just the right combination of size and ground clearance !
EarthRoamer ยป XV-HD (http://earthroamer.com/xv-hd/)
John - I've thought about this for years after we bought our coach and enjoyed the hell out of the amazing experiences, comfort, ride, convenience... but I keep circling back to another set of questions.
You know, longer term. If you are not looking forward then what? What do I want to do next? What haven't you experienced and how best can you accomplish that goal? Whatever that is. Will smaller get you where you wish to go next? As others have said and recent experiences remind us, time is finite for all of us and we really should give some thought to choosing wisely. I wish you the best in figuring this all out.
It gets to the point where you've exhausted all you wanted to do with the large coach. Then, you need to move to the next set of adventures/likes. This does not apply to the fulltimers as there is no better coach for this style than a Foretravel.
You only live once. Or, as the younger generations put it...YOLO So do what floats your boat and don't look back. I think you've enjoyed traveling and remodeling Foretravels. So to me it sounds like you're ready for that next set of traveling wheels. Just do it, and don't look back.
We've met a lot of folks that have downsized (including FT owners). Those "Super B & C" coaches are pretty cool!
John might have to sell his 2001 FT 3-4 times. Those earth roamers start at 425 CB's. :o
EarthRoamers are built about 20 mls from us, I don't know for sure if they have corrected their quality control and customer service. Fella' we know bought 2 of them for his movie biz. came into town for some warranty work on a thursday and was told to come over the following monday as they were have an employee party. This was when they only $300 k each !!!
John,
I hear what you are trying to say. Life is a large arc. We start out with smaller projects and they grow
higher and larger as we add on the years and get to a point that we can afford bigger and better. Then
as we crest the arc and start down. Where we hang onto the bigger and greater things (our trophies of
life) that we have accumulated along the way. I am getting to the point that I worry about getting older.
I realize that my reaction time is not as sharp as it used to be. Then I realize that maybe it is time for a
smaller coach, easier to get around and not as many bells and whistles to have to maintain. Most of us
are not ready to totally give up, but we can still stay connected but not on as large of a scale as before.
Good luck in your decision,
Carter Langford
Nac-
The fellow I'm going to meet soon has a 40 foot FT. In the midst of our two hour conversation, he said something interesting that I'll remember: "I just got to the point where I did not trust myself driving a long coach w/toad". This comes from an ex-trooper!
Interesting thoughts here, and I value them. I have been looking this over for a few years and since 2006 I have owned two coaches a Born Free and a Foretravel at the same time. The BF was a bit to small butmostly it was a gas van and the dog house burnt my leg and was too tight and loud. It was for under 200 mile trips and I put fifty thousand on the second one and 45k on my first ne. I had exactly two repairs over eleven years with twitter coaches. I used it for photos but it was a van and not four eel drive so I sold it this year. Then I saw a coach on a 550 and a couple on navstars and said wow they would work well. I think it is time to do it differently and to go,places I can't get this coach into easily. To take the fire road or hit the field and park by the creek or to use it to sit and rest till 4 am when I get up and set up. If I was in my old 34 foot this would be a much harder decision. I almost bought a bus but did not figuring I had everything they had and it is paid for. I want to go shoot and use it as a base came and to explore off the beaten trails in comfort so I guess I will put this on the front burner now.
We sold our coach last weekend to a couple from Connecticut. Bittersweet, to be sure .... but what keeps me happy is knowing that it is going to folks who are excited and motivated and have years of adventures ahead of them. When I imagine them seeing the stuff that Jeff and I saw, laying eyes on all that wonder for the very first time, my heart is happy. We have a decent "withdrawal period", as they are keeping it in AZ for the rest of the winter and we will babysit. When they come back in the Spring, we will do a good tutorial before they head out. It was definitely time for us to move into the next phase. Age & Gravity are ruthless forces.
For those of you who know Jeff & Suzanne Ashlock (Two Hams in a Can), former Foretravel folks and Forum members, they have just moved on to their next unit! They went from an Airstream trailer to a Foretravel to a Casita and now to a Phoenix Cruiser 2400! They are on their way to Sarasota to pick it up right this minute!
It is actually the kind of thing that I might be interested in ... but first, I am thinking about a River Cruise in Europe. Just sayin'!!
How fun that folks adjust like Two Hams are doing. Good to hear that! I wonder what they did with the Casita? Love those little trailers.
Chris
the 2400 bought by two hams appears to come in a FORD 4X4 version per their web site.....
What first got me into "the itch" was when I was a professional photographer. Had a Land Rover 109 long body. Built a platform on the roof to take the tripod and a ladder up. Mostly traveled alone w/faithfull dog. I was in Rock Springs, WY having a cold one, noticed a VERY good-looking gal working there, young, "jail bait". Fine, flirt, leave, get in the LR, the dog was in the front seat, which was odd for him and the blinds were drawn. Pulled the blind back and, whoops, the gal was in the back! She said, "I hate my parents and hate this town, please get me out of here." For a moment, the thought crossed my mind. I then recalled Kansas had "The Mann Act" which was a go to jail offense for transporting minors across State lines. I asked her to leave, wondering if she'd make up some story about abduction. This was fifty years ago, and I always hoped she'd made it. ^.^d
They come in different configuations in different years. Believe the unit they are buying has a Sprinter chassis.
John,
When people ask for advice I tell them to choose wisely before they make a
move, but that life is not a one way street. If we make a change in our life path
and it does not work out as we want, we can always go back and try again.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained and that nothing is forever.
Carter-
Nac
That is true and I have owned a Fortravel for 16 years so far.
Maybe you just buy the coach that FOT plans on the sprinter chassis with the Mercedes engine?
I think the sprinter is only an 11k while the 550 is 19k. Foretravel should have done a smaller coach a long time ago on a chassis.
Care to elaborate? I have not followed FOT's plans lately... Thanks in advance Mike.
I have heard good reports on the performance of the BF on the Dodge 550 Chassis with the Cummins engine. And yes, I am partial to BF's as a first choice for something smaller than the FT.
John, I wish you well in your choices to come.
We recently downsized to a 2016 Roadtrek 210 Popular Class B. Have been on about 6 trips so far, really like it.
One important feature for us was trailer tow capacity. We pull a dual axle 7000 lb horse trailer with approx 1000 lb tongue weight with the tack room loaded. This ruled out every other Class B chassis except the Chevy Express 3500 1 ton, which the 210 is built on, which is rated at 7650 lbs tow weight and 1000 lbs tongue weight. We of course use a weight distributing hitch and electric trailer brakes.
That is one reason I am happy that there is an option on the 5500.
Peter..We did the opposite and upsized from a Roadtrek 210 to our U300 years ago...Enjoy.!!
Mark, was with some FT owners at camp FOT and they had been to factory tour, last week. Management told them they were selling about 20 coaches a year and want some other projects.
Their plan is to use a spartan chassis and Mercedes diesel to build a small coach. They did not say when this would happen but seemed eminent to begin.
The question in our little gathering was...will these sell? Lot of talk about downsizing for sure, but to them, when you hear the price you may want to go with a used FT? That seemed the greater concern...not sure they would switch. I heard from these couples about $180k for this type of coach....was the estimate. You know that MOT is now a dealer for Born Free, with the idea to bring in some of the downsizing customers. I do not know how that is working.
I can tell you that the Born Frees at MOT offer a range of size and features. The smaller that they have would be unlikely for us. The larger reminds me of our first coach, a Class C, but much nicer than we had....that experience in driving would make it hard for us to switch back. I do not doubt the newer more trim C and B+ are better than our 5500 C, but enough?
John, You and Linda aren't allowed to desert us. :o ;D
We were recently in NAC for two weeks. I also was told about the Sprinter Chassis considerations. Several of the Born Free Sprinters are over $150,000. The ones we looked at seemed more designed for luxury travel than for live in for weeks. Also when considering the projected Foretravel price point, we have seen a number of Unity brand Sprinters on the road and they too are over the $150K mark. We see more Unitys than Winnebagos priced at about $130K.
If FOT builds the right floor plans and can improve the handling of the Sprinter similar to the bigger Foretravels, I think they can be successful at $180,000. A lot of us are considering downsizing and after owning a Foretravel it will be very hard to go to a lower quality brand. IMHO
Thanks Mike and Kent for the FOT/Sprinter update. Interesting that FOT is exploring the opposite size/price point of their current offerings. Wonder if they are looking at splitting the difference...
Ha! I just had a vision of one of us pack rats deciding what to transfer from a 36/40 footer into a Super B. ^.^d
We have close friends who full-time in a RoadTrek Sprinter it has the rear duals (3500 ?) and all the bells and at $150k it better. That being said it's way too small for us, our friends previous outfit was a RoadTrek on the GMC van base so the new one is almost 50% larger........still too small.
Just to clarify an earlier comment about the proposed FOT coach, is that a MB sprinter conversion or MB motor in a Spartan chassis ?
We had a Class B for many years. We spent almost a year traveling after our first retirement, the two of us and our 70 lb Malamute in about 60 net sq ft. We utilized the outdoors much more. Sort of like living in a micro efficiency apartment. About 900 nights in it over time. Now we have a Foretravel. It would be hard to go back.
John,
Take a look at the Airstream Interstate. Foley RV Center just up the the road from me is an Airstream dealer and sells these new and used. http://www.airstreamofmississippi.com/default.asp?page=xInventoryDetail&p=1&vc=class+b+diesel&id=2743552&s=Year&d=D&fr=xAllInventory
I've seen them up close and they are awesome. Mercedes Benz on a Sprinter Chassis built by Airstream! 18+ Highway MPG . If I was going to downsize and had the coach bucks I would love to have one. Take a look at the video full screen.
Interstate Grand Tour EXT Touring Coach | Airstream (http://www.airstream.com/touring-coaches/grand-tour-ext/)
Jerry
I have decided not to go with the Sprinter chassis. They have had problems with their def system. In fact my HVAC guy has his in the shop again for a whole new unit. It is a 6K replacement. It is also an 11K GVW and the 550 is 19K so I can get bigger tanks and it is more like living in it. It is not going to be the same as the 42 foot Foretravel but it will go places that my FT can not. I have always had two coach and sold the BF in March last year. Climbing up and down to the cab over was an issue. Health issues crop up and it is time to down size and this 29 foot on the Dodge 550 is the best compromise. It is funny that I was talking on the Born Free Forum to Ed Goring a former Motorcade Director and he was driving to pick up his Born Free when I was talking with him. If you go back far enough the Kodak store used to have one inside and sold them as well as Foretravels. I think Foretravel should figure out the code and start making these smaller units. If you go with the two fuel tanks and four wheel drive and all the bells and whistles it should be pretty comfortable for a couple week stay. The best part is I will now longer have to hook up and unhook the jeep or deal with the steps that are causing this switch. Three medical issues in 5 years and my body is just tired so I will down size so everything is smaller and easier and it opens up lots more places to stay at under 30 foot and it is easier to get into and out of with less steps. I had hoped that FT would design one but that is not the case so I will get a Born Free. I have been talking to a Forum member who wants to buy my coach and as such I have not listed it here for sale. I will still hang around and even see you guys. I have been a FT owner for 17 years now but did not get my 400K pin goal. Oh well......
My vote would be to award you the 400k pin, anyway, John. You have done so much for the Forum (including kicking my butt around the block a few times, until I learned). Stick with us, post pics when you get the new cutie! ^.^d
John , I looked at the Born Free coaches at Ancira RV in Boerne Tx a few months ago, They have a Ford 550 4x4 on order from BF. I have definitely given it a lot of thought myself. Being able to get off road and hit some of those Trout Streams and Dawson City doing some Gold mining, Good Luck,
These new RV prices are insane. Fewer people are "retiring" these days (for many reasons), and when interest rates eventually return to normal rates (aka not ZIRP), I have a feeling it's going to decimate the entire RV industry. I hope I am completely 100% WRONG, though.
It will slow things down in the lower end especially
Younger "must have it now" generation don't give a rip about interest rates. They are used to buying on credit/time.
John,
Here's another 29' Class B+ with a great layout and no cabover. Looks like a great rig with 3 slides for the money, roomy, and with easy access to the cab from the inside. These guys have done their homework and this rig looks solid. Not in the same class as Born Free but worth looking at. I owned a 29' Minnie Winnie with a Ford Super Duty chassis and a V-10. It ran great and I never had any mechanical problems with the engine. The front cabover had the Entertainment center with storage cabinets and was not used for sleeping. It had a forward facing couch which also gave the feeling of more space in the living area.
The opposing slides in the front of this rig really give a nice open living area. I like the dark cabinetry also.
Jerry
Here's an excellent presentation video.
2017 Viper 29V Class B Motorhome - NeXus RV (https://nexusrv.com/product/2016-viper-29-v-class-b-motorhome/)
Wheel base on that puppy looks a bit short. Not sure how that would handle going down the road. Had a class A with a long overhang..... White knuckle driving.
Roland
We looked at this style as well, no capability to tow a heavy trailer. OK if you only plan to tow a light toad with no tongue weight, or nothing.
Roland,
I'm not sure either. The Wheelbase on my 29 footer wasn't too bad but I would get pushed from the big trucks passing and would get buffeted from crosswinds from the long overhang. This one looks a little more aerodynamic, but with 16" wheels and a big van type chassis in no way compares to the handling of our Foretravels!
Jerry
No slides if we get another. Very simple insides too. Nothing electronic to break but manual pull down shades for instance vs the electric ones.
Hey John, got one!! Even up swap?? >:D
Shorter (36'), all manual (except trans), No slides (except kitchen and bedroom drawers), manual pull cords (blinds & curtains).
Think I will go even smaller.
Pick one of these in the background great deals available
What did you do to your coach today v (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=27240.msg229809#msg229809)
Jeff and I are trying to decde if we will ever be happy NOT owning an RV. We likely will not be going out for months anymore ... but we need to be comfortable for 2 or 3 weeks. We began a non-urgent fact-finging and reconnaissance learning curve yesterday. We looked and drove 2 B+ units at a place here in Tucson. They were both Winnebago ... one a 25' Fuse (diesel) and the other a 24' Trend (gas) ... both with a floorplan that had 2 single bunks. We were just looking to see if they seemed like something we could tolerate. We want to also check out Phoenix Cruisers and whatever other brands might pass through Tucson. Just food for thought.
If buying new class B, Me, personally, as in what I would buy if I had the $$$ and knowing as much as I do about fixing them and all that....I'd get a gas engine one. Modern diesels with all the emissions stuff will spend more time in the shop than on the road.
Carol,
I bought a new Born Free class C for a friend of mine. We did a lot of research and they seem to about the best for build, insulation, etc. His had a bedroom slide and was a good size for parking and city driving. Both diesel and gas available. Lazy Daze are also good quality but dated design.
Mercedes Sprinters are good but have limited interior room. Body integrity is excellent. All are diesel.
Pierce
Carol, I did the research nd decided on the Born Free. The the Serenity or unity by pleasure way was a close second. I stayed away front he sprinter as there have been issues with the def system that they have to work out still. We were leaning to the double slide born free that MOT had on its lot but then I decided I wanted no slides and simpler. The one I will get is on the dodge 550 chassis and will have two fuel tanks and and a rear bed. I think he double slide is a better living idea but simpler is also good too. I think I could be out in it for a couple weeks as well. I will get the diesel onan generator as well as solar on top. It also is the only small coach that has 3 roll bars. I saw a rolled Born Free and while it was totaled it was intact. No other class c manufacturer has that. It is a big deal for me as well. Also the 550 is much more roomy up front and the pickup can get 4x4 as well so the muddy camp sights just stop being as big an issue. I have the deep tracks to prove that one time in the FT with my old coach. At 29 foot I will not tow but can if I want to and it has enough storage to be gone for couple weeks. The thing I will miss is my chair and the fridge and the comfort factor but it is ok but not a roomy. Finally I am putting an extra AC unit on the unit and going 50 amps. The rear bed and the lack of towing means much easier traveling and sleeping then a cab over bed and hooking up the jeep with the FT. Back surgery helped for a number of years but some of the pain is back and the doc said it was not permanent.
Don't forget to get Limited slip/Posi Traction rear differential,for if you get in the muck!
Thanks
I remember the rear bed in the Born Free was still very useful with the slide in for travel. Too many small rigs feel claustrophobic with the slides in while going down the road. It was a big consideration for my friend.
Pierce
John, congratulations, I'm sure it was not an easy decision. I hope you stick around. I've always enjoyed your posts. I was looking forward to meeting you on the road at some point. Safe travels.
Jeff
air locker!
Yes , Congrats!
What Dave said. Big tires. Lock it up. Floor it...
http://store.arbusa.com/air-lockers-c7.aspx
John- sounds like you have thought it out well and are planning on a coach that will work well for you. As I read your criteria I realized how we think alike so much in KISS. Hope it works out well and would love to meet up with you or come to visit once you have your new coach to see it. Who knows, in 10 years if you are ready to sell it I might be ready to buy it...... ^.^d
we will have to meet up again soon.
Well it is done. I will let the new owners share their good fortune. It feels strange as I have owned a Foretravel for about 16 years now. I wish the new owners as much happiness and fun as we had.
John,
Congratulations on the "next phase".
Stay with us here-- we need you!
Thanks for all of your help, John to all of us individually and to all of us as a community. As Brett said, Stay with us.
I will stay around. I have lots of FT friends I have made over the years. Now it is time to do something a bit differently. I went from FT to the idea of a Prevost and almost pulled the trigger but all that would have given me a a coach that could drive more mile and no real change in livability and in some cases worse. It would be the same amount of work too. I have owned small coaches as well concurrently with my three FTs. I decided to go a bit bigger then I had before in the Born Free and to try some smaller out of the way places and some roads less travelled. A FT is great for living in and I will miss its comforts but it is time to try something else both time wise and health wise.
New Owners driving away, I will say that the resonator is louder outside then in by a lot. Love that sound.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/269/32305623635_ed31572bcc_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/RdJLoX)Sold the motorhome, now on to different adventures. Here it is leaving (https://flic.kr/p/RdJLoX) by tinstafl (https://www.flickr.com/photos/31167455@N04/), on Flickr
TX John. 650 miles to go. Argh. 😃
It will eat those miles up.
@Carol & Scott,
Hmmm... Lets see... you guys reported your coach was sold, and John S reported his coach was sold, and your signature has changed from a 36' to a 42'........so......I must deduce that you are now the proud new owners of a beautiful 2001 42' double slide U320!
CONGRATULATIONS on the NEW (to you) RIDE!
Always happy to see TWO coach sales go off so quickly and smoothly, and that we kept the transaction "in the family".
Have a fun and safe maiden voyage. ^.^d
Chuck,. Scott always thought you were a pretty bright guy. 😎 Presently in Lafayette LA on route to our short term base in Spring, TX.Scott has been a "driven" driver, pushing to get from VA to Houston area in 2 days. He's seeing road lines in what little sleep he has gotten. Monday is for moving from the 36 to the 42. Pics to be posted when we're presentable.
Many thanks to John and Linda for the care they have taken of our new-to-us "Ol' Girl,Too." Although we doubt we'll ever match John's 360,000 miles driven, but hope to put a dent in it. The only thing we're missing is an intercom system so we can communicate between the front salon and the bedroom in the rear - this is one looooong coach!
Lovin' our new home! 😁😁
Carol and Scott
Glad you like it, I know we did. You will have a great time living in it especially since you are full timers.
The good news is that if John took the picture he wasn't stowed away underneath still trying to say goodby to it. It's good to see a deal where both parties are happy with it.
Good deal all around congratulations.
5 days - 2600 miles +/-. Parked, plugged in and collapsed. 😃
Glad you got there safe and sound. Enjoy your new coach.
Hi guys. . .voices from the past. Carol is correct; our 2012 PC 2400 is on the Mercedes Sprinter chassis and we really love it. . .more when we upgrade the sofa/sleeper to a top grade memory foam one. The Casita was an experiment. . .pretty well built, but too small now that our Cocker Spaniel, Scout has a sister, Sydney. Besides, when it was too cold or rainy to be outside, the seating was terribly uncomfortable for us. Resale was terrific. . .we got exactly what we paid for it (except for some custom upgrades) but came out good. We toured the Phoenix Cruiser factory, which is a 2 hour drive from us, and saw the quality of their build; and, they build them to order one at a time. . .reminded us of how Foretravel does it. No assembly line! We get out and about as sometimers now, and will head west for a multi-month trip probably in October of this year. Well, more later.
Well, I thought I would add to this one and close the loop. Well, we sold our beloved FT to Scott and Carol and they are taking it on further adventures and we ordered our Born Free. They closed up shop before they finished my coach so I did not get it but MOT was great and returned my deposit. We then looked for a used version of the coach we ordered. We really wanted a none slide class C on the 5500 or 550 and we found it with the exception of 4 wheel Drive and a Ford, it was exactly what we ordered. SO we bought it sight unseen and drove to TX to pick it up. I drove it home and the AC unit died so we did not use it much for the past 4 weeks but we are in it for the first trip to meet up with some FT friends in Lancaster PA. It drove well and towed the Grand Cherokee perfectly. I will say that it lives a little smaller then the FT. I would liken it to saying the FT lived like a house and this lives like an efficiency apartment. It is much simpler to run and use and has Jack's and not air leveling but they all work well. I am glad I did it and soon I will be taking it on a long photo excursion trip. I guess in ten years I will look and see what I want to do too do then.
John,
Congratulations on the new rig!
Carol and Scott,
Congratulations on the new rig!
There is a season for everything and our needs in RVs change over time.