We are looking for our first Foretravel, well first RV period, and were originally looking at a 40', but have heard that many state and national parks will not allow a 40' in, so because of this we may start looking at 36'. Anyone have any input on this? Thanks
I looked at both. The only difference to me was basement storage. The 40 has a signifcantly larger amount. The interior space didnt seem nearly as different between the two. I would have happily purchased either, but the one I fell in love with just happened to be a 40, which I successfully backed into a spot the park service listed as "36' max". The rear end hung off the pad and I made sure the oil pan wouldnt get crushed on the parking stop when leveling, but otherwise it worked fine for me.
We have a 40ft U320 and we're really thankful for the floor plan that (for us at least) is superior to the 36ft. We have had no problems associated with the length and would get a 40ft again.
KK...got a question or two for you
Since it will be your first RV, especially a motorhome, how do you intend to use it? That to me is the first question. It may drive your conclusion easier than a parking space, maybe. For example, freeways or byways, some secondary roads? Perhaps shorter coaches help with secondary or winding roads?
Long trips, short trips? Trips with more than two (children or grands along with you at times or very seldom). Tend to be minimalist, as one of my daughters, or do you like to have most everything along? Desire to, or very seldom, camp where there is no hookups (water, power, sewer) at all or for short or long periods of time?
The length of the coach can dictate certain floorpans, restrictions. Do you care if the toilet is in a private closet unto itself or do you care or desire if it is out in the bathroom (doors still keep it private from the living area but this can impact the closet area in the coach). Do you know if you want or do not want one or more slides? Some years there were coaches that were mid-entry. They are quite different than front entry. After about 2000 it seems there are much less of these though I have seen 2003s and even a 2008 today. It is a good design, look at an example of both mid and front entry if seems may impact your choice.
Do you intend to tow a car? Do you wonder if with a toad you may not feel you can handle the total length to drive so think you want shorter coach?
Is the fuel mileage or towing capacity important to you? Do you know if you desire some particular engine? Some engines are better on fuel but seems fairly small differences to me, others may guide you better on that....IF it is important.
Good luck...you will get good help here.
Our 2001 36' with one slide is wonderful for us. A 40' would get us a bigger bathroom and a bigger living room and more basement space and prevent us from getting into many places we like or have a much more limited choice of sites. Without a tag axle, the gross vehicle weight rating for the 36' and 40' is the same. More space does not mean more weight. It is just the two of us, no kids, no dogs or cats or any other pets. A table is nice, a booth dinette for us (tall) is terrible. The J dinette is a good balance, easy for dinner or games for four with the two folding chairs we carry. A toilet in a closet seems like a bad idea to us - small, confined, hard to clean. Look at as many as you can, imagine how it will work for you. If we were ever going to full time (not likely) a 40' would be a good choice. At six months a year on the road our 36' works for us.
Whatever you find will work. Over some time you will make it yours and it will be perfect for you.
We have a 36'. We have been in parks (especially up north and out west) that a 40' would not fit. It's nice to have the flex to chose more remote sites.
We travel for 6-15 weeks at a time and have enough space to even carry our folding canoe in the basement. We usually carry a VERY full pantry - we don't dine out often.
We are completely happy at 36' and would not think of going larger.
Rich
You'll not get it right the first time, which ever you choose, you'll question your decision. Just buy whichever grabs you first, you'll be trading it in a couple of years.
And even if you do get it right the first time, which most don't, your needs/wants change over time. I echo Toyman's thoughts. Get the one you think you want, live with it awhile. Only then will you know what fits you best.
Yup !!
Bought a 36' gasser, slept 8, after a few trips kept finding little things that were a pain, ie:design of coach,floor plan, small tanks, even smaller gen set.. crapper in a too small box, & no quality of build...Every thing was super "get by cheep", very poor driveability & limited cargo/towing capacity..Finally had enough so went looking for Quality build,Quality components,Ample power and CGVW.. a coach that will last us for as long as we care to travel.
Bought a 40' with a tag axle & single slide.. Happy Wife = Happy Life !
I never thought the length would make much difference in terms of fitting in a space. But then, on one of our summer trips to Garner State Park, we got a short space and our 36' barely fit. You don't get to choose your spot there. Was glad we had the 36', at least in that instance.
Chris
You are forgetting one thing, height, many parks are so overgrown with trees you cannot get a newer bus height coach in without scratching the heck out of it.
How physically big are you? Size matters
As has been said already, how are you going to use the coach?? Full time living or vacation home on the road. We had a 38ft GV and traded it for a 40ft U320 and found the difference in storage a big plus as well as more inside space. There were only two of us and a little dog.
Our use was for a vacation home on the road. When planning the trip I would check sites for size availability and only ever had one problem and that was in Yellowstone at Fishing bridge where they allocated us a 40ft slot for the 38ft GV and I was touching a tree at the back with the nose just out in the road!! Otherwise never a problem unless you count the sites that do not have larger slots, but planning can avoid that problem.
Speedbird 1
In the 6 years we have had our 45' unit, we have stayed in State Parks at least 50% of the time. I have not had any problems with length. I do research each destination and verify prior to. The "general" comment that you must have shorter length to visit state parks might have been applicable years ago. But I find most state parks have upgraded in the past 5 years to accommodate larger rigs.
BTW, We travel as a family of 5.
Agree, my 40' has been in and camped in most of our major NP. The extra length is a convenience for the user every day, while it might inconvenience you 1-2 times a year or less
When we go online and search for sites at campgrounds, which for us are dry, no power campgrounds, we have used the 36' length search function and never had a problem with our 40'. Where we go they never get a tape measure and check us. Either the front or the rear depending, as we camp together with my brothers 40' Monaco, will hang out over the inside of the space and be inline with the outside.
Question....handling characteristics of 36 vs 40, additional directional stability due to longer length?
That is controlled by wheelbase in my experience. Same overall length longer wheelbase more stable. A 40' should have longer wheelbases than 36' model in Fortravels. have seen same wheelbase on SOB's 36' and 38' models.
Hey there KK....how it going? I have many people I consider friends on this Forum, not met some.....and without a doubt they all are trying to help you and have great ideas, guidance. We have owned a 36 and a 40 ft coach and we like them equally but differences as all say.
Beyond 36 vs 40, as this your first buying, you can study a lot, and there is a PDI checklist on the Forum that is helpful, consider this:.
Suggestion: Even so, get someone to go with you, to help you look, to talk, give an initial impressions inspection or ideas about the condition of the coaches you are narrowing down to and then get a professional inspection. I offer this as important as deciding between the other factors.
Best of luck
In the area we live here in the Sierras, the campgrounds have not been upgraded and at forty feet, it would be difficult making some tight turns as well as finding a space long enough. We end up squeezing into 25-30' spaces as is. Sure, we could do it but it's just easier at 36'. Since we will never full time, we don't need the washer/dryer, etc so it would be just wasted space. There are just the two of us plus a couple of dogs so we have plenty of room unless the overseas relatives are here. (they may not be able to visit now) In that case, the sofa comes in handy and we also have a big tent for the overflow.
We don't spend that much time in the coach unless the weather is bad so 36' is pure luxury. We had a 29' SOB for several years and thought it made excellent use of space. Took it to Canada and Mexico a lot and loved the size. Since we eat out a lot going cross country, we also don't need a double door fridge either. Our 35' bus was huge in comparison and without power steering required a lot of work in the small Mexican towns. On the other hand, we could turn off the main road and head down a river wash to the ocean without a thought of breaking a windshield.
Pierce
That was one of my criteria when choosing which length to choose from. Getting to the park/campground is not a problem. I wanted a shorter turning radius when trying to navigate tight turns with lots of trees and not having to worry about backing up, etc.
We just recently had that experience staying for a week at Clarkco State Park 20 miles south of Meridian, Ms in Quitman. http://www.mdwfp.com/parks-destinations/ms-state-parks/clarkco.aspx It originally was an old CCC camp built in the 1930s.
A beautiful quiet park and the kind of places we like to get away to. We were in site No. 39 and turning into the road for campground No. 2 was very tight. http://www.mdwfp.com/media/243723/park_map-2.jpg My 36' rig was probably the longest one in there. I always unhook my toad and although there were no length restrictions, I wouldn't want to be over 40'. The choice of sites in these older smaller parks is increased with a smaller rig and I also like to park my toad in front if possible. There was only one pull-through site and it was taken. I usually can unhook the toad, park, level, and connect to the park utilities in about 10 minutes or less! I like to make as little noise as possible. The same can be said when it's time to leave. I just smile when I see somebody with a big pull behind or fifth wheel struggling to back-in and get leveled in a park with a lot of trees. A guy with a big long heavy trailer a few sites away from me spent over an hour with lots of yelling trying to get set-up. It was rainy and his wife wasn't too happy. They left after a couple of days. I'm sure most of us on the forum have a story like that to tell!
Here's a few pics including the gold fish pool from the old CCC park. That's all that's left besides the old closed off road to the park now used as a hiking trail.
Jerry
KKinkead,
You don't show a location on your post so we have no idea where you are located. If you gave an area there may be some members around who would show you theirs and share thoughts??
On my 40ft the washer dryer has been removed which leaves me with an extra large cupboard for all the sheets towels and bedding. There are many variations so look before you leap!!
Speedbird 1.
Going back to your original post, "this is your first rv". If that is the case and you are not a truck driver or bus driver, go small. I sold my 40' Monaco to a gentleman in N.C. and I am in Los Angeles. I took him for a test ride and was going to go somewhere he could get used to the size of the vehicle. He chose instead to have his son, a bus driver, come drive it home for him. I don't know all of the Forum members history but I graduated up from smaller coaches. The longer coaches swing the back end into objects when you pull away from a curb and cheat the rear end when making right turns. Have seen much damage from beginners.
Many of the front engine gas motorhomes have a huge overhang from the rear tires to the back of the coach. Yes, lots of damage. Plus, veteran front engine models seem to bend downwards in the frame/body right past the rear axle.
In any long coach, cutting across the corner apex can spell trouble, especially on right hand turns. Stopping in the middle of a campground road to start your backing into the campsite takes a while for some to learn.
Pierce
Thank you all for sharing your experience and helpful sage advice.
We have never actually been in a Foretravel and would love the opportunity to get in a 1995 to 2003 Foretravel and get a feel for it. We live in Wichita Kansas. We are planning a trip to Nacogdoches Texas, but will not have time for the two day excursion for about another 6 weeks.
A friend of mine, who is a fellow aircraft engineer, owns a Foretravel and says it's just like working on an aircraft. So I'm all in.
Even though ours' is a 36', it's amazing how tiny the Grand Villas look compared to the Bus models.
I've had a 36 Unihome and a 40 Unicoach.
36 footer was easier to wheel around, the 40 was a more mature ride.
Space shrinks quick underneath with slideout and aquahot from what I've seen... Not a problem with either of mine.
Seems like no matter how long a coach is, you're going to fill it up. ^.^d
I have seen where there were lines on the ground in front of the campground office. If you're close, they don't bother you. What is bad is if you claim a shorter rig and then have a lot of difficulty maneuvering into a spot. The bottom line is that campground owners don't want any empty sites if they can help it.
I took the Goldilocks solution. I positively love my 38' single slide no-tag U295.
But if it's a U280 or U300, it has the taller compartments and is about the same height as the bus style. The tall GVs have a higher driver's position than any other including big rigs (about 2 inches). 102" on the later GVs makes a visible difference too.
Pierce
36 is just fine for two people. Sold 36 and got 40. Takes a lot of ground to turn the 40 around . Love 40 best due to floor design.
I love looking down on the "big rigs". :o
What is more fun than looking down at them is to have enough horses
to pass them going up hill!
Carter-
Oh, we do that 2 .. the Kitty Cat loves it.
That picture of the two coaches is misleading as the grand villa is at the back end of the other coach!
Yes, absolutely love that. But to be fair, I have to pick on a loaded big rig and then it's no contest. Unloaded, it's 12 to 16 liters against our 9 liters and then they make me feel bad. I would love to have the 8V-92TA with it's 12 liters like in Prevosts and Wanderlodges, but without their weight. Plenty of room for it but then I couldn't cool it without a lot of work. Need that 6 speed too.
Pierce
When we first went to look our coach, it was in a high-end storage facility, full of Bus Style coaches; it looked like a "Jr. Coach" compared to the rest. We love her! ^.^d
I like Mike's comment above. Here's a shot of our little coach next to the Big Boys. We plan to put more air in the tires and sit up straighter. A smaller dog could make us appear more...well, stately?
For long trips, we love the length for the luxury of getting out each other's space once in a while. The bath is wonderful and pretty spa-like in our 40'. We drove a 34' SOB for 100K miles and feel like our non-slide Foretravel coach has a lot more real-estate (footage) without too much hassle getting in and out of spots. Stupid Big Turning Radius though, right?
The reality is that these are huge coaches no matter which one you choose. Everywhere you go people are gonna comment on how huge it is and they won't have any idea whether it's a 36 or a 40 footer. Many campgrounds won't even accept a coach this large, which is my main regret, and I have a 36 footer.
Thanks for posting this thread. Very interesting for a FGV wannaown....has same issues and thoughts regarding which length to go after.
Thanks for posting this thread. Very interesting. I too am a FGV wannaown....I have the same issues and concerns regarding which length to go after.
And then there are the two different widths. Our GV is a 92" wide model and not the 102" wide coach.
Quickest way to tell is the space between the front grills. Narrow is a 92" and wide is a 102"
Nice thing about the wider versions is that your tires run in the same wear pattern as most large vehicles on the highway today.
The 92" width like our coach mandates that the alignment must be correct and the front steering components, including tires, must be "up to snuff" or you end up fighting the drafts created by semis passing in either direction and the wear pattern on the roads.
Our coach was a nightmare to drive when we first got it until we had the front aligned at FOT. After that the DW was even willing to drive it.
Why 92" not the old legal 96"?
Oops, guess I'm thinking wrong?
We've been on the road for a little over two years now, so others have much more experience than we do. We prefer COE campgrounds or State parks, but we've been in commercial parks, too. One once have I had to back up and maneuver to get around a bend. I probably could have done it without if I had asked Jo Ann to get out of the Jeep and check that I wasn't getting too close to danger, but it didn't take much effort on my part to do it myself.
Height can be as much of an issue as length or width. Our U300 isn't nearly as tall as an IH45. I suspect that those coaches might suffer some damage if they tried to go into some of the places I've taken our GV.
FWIW, as soon as someone buys our Foretravel we're going to a 34' Airstream TT, preferably one without a slide (yes, from 2000-2008 they did make some with a single slide). The top of the a/c on the Airstream is closer to the ground than the top of the windshield on our coach.
They didn't actually widen the chassis in 1992 when they widened the body. The body overhangs past the wheels. They probably did widen the chassis on later models but I'm just speculating based on the fact that I'd widen the chassis as soon as practical if I were the manufacturer. It looks pretty stupid with a wide body overhanging past the chassis but whatever. Also when you look at a 1992 or newer coach with the wider body notice that they wasted the extra 6 inches in the hallway instead of making the bathroom wider, so it's very difficult to justify the huge difference in cost, which brings me to my next point. The real clincher is that the 1992 and newer models with wider bodies cost twice as much as the 1991 and older models, or at least they did back when I was shopping around for my coach. Also pay attention to whether or not the coach has a side radiator with hydraulic fans or a rear radiator with a belt driven fan. Before you purchase a side radiator model search this forum for keyword "hydraulic" and read the stories. Before you buy a rear radiator model read my story about the fiberglass fan and immediately replace the fiberglass fan with a nylon fan. If you replace the fiberglass fan with a nylon fan you'll be fine but definitely don't drive it with the fiberglass fan. Apparently Foretravel made a few 1992 models with the wider body that still had the rear radiator, because I camped next to one of them at Capitol Reef national park last year. Sorry to go off topic and talk about width when you asked about length. There's no clear cut choice on length because each has their advantages and disadvantages. On the coach width the choice is really easy, at least for me. I seldom read anything on this forum drawing attention accurately to the differences between the wide body coaches and older coaches. Most people jump to the conclusion that newer, bigger, fancier, more complicated and more expensive is always better but I invite you to look carefully and examine this with common sense. You could save a lot of money and frustration.
RRadio you are correct about the chassis widths under the coach.
My long term foretravel dealer chassis guru mechanic mentioned to me in passing that until the 97's were built the steering box was still at the 96" width. Steering wheel is offset to the right versus the 97 and up coaches.
I have not measured them personally so the info is his.
Nor am I saying there is any drive difference.
I used to point out wide body competitive coaches on narrow chassis long ago.
The marvelous WTBI finally gets full use of the 102" body. No hall way to speak of
I never see any mention of this here on the forum. Is the price still double for the 1992 and newer compared to the 1991 and older?
I think the big jump now is for a slide. Same year same length almost double at NADA
Don't know who told me, but when at Foretravel five years ago, getting our coach front end alignment done because it steered so badly that part of the problem was that we still had the narrower axles. That our width was constantly going back and forth trying to get into the wider wear pattern created on the highways by the newer, wider axles on big trucks.
True or not, but it made sense to me at the time.
I haven't paid any attention to where the steering box is on our 1995 U320 but the steering wheel appears to be centered with the driver's seat and the dash instruments. Based upon pictures I've seen I don't think the steering wheel position changed in 1997.
Measure from the left wall to the center of the steering wheel and I will measure ours just for info.
Someone ask J.D. Stevens about his steering wheel relationship to the driver's seat.
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