Visited the Foretravel factory yesterday, and while there had a conversation with a friend and long time employee. Here is what we learned.
It appears that Foretravel will not continue to build the small Sprinter chassis motorhome. They have built three units and that looks like all they will build.
They are gearing up to build both new 36' and 38' motorhomes instead. The process is underway now. These units will be built on a custom designed Spartan chassis.
None of this was verified by management--we didnt have a chance to speak with anyone on the management team, but due to the source, we believe this information to be true.
Good news for those looking for a quality smaller coach!
The shop was busy, all buys full and coaches waiting.
I have also heard they are going to build a 36 foot motorhome. I had not heard about the 38 foot, but I was only interested in a 36 foot or less so I did not ask. Rumor has it that the L9 will be the engine. I was hoping that they would slip in the new X12 as an option but no word on that yet. If it all works out I will be lining up to purchase one, our current coach is too big for the areas we like to visit.
That engine transmission will mean no slides or overweight. They had to put the tag on after the one slide 320s were bumping limits with the ISM.
2002 u320 still had 2 slides with the M11 that weighed in dry around 2020#. The new X12 with the pollution system requirements is probably about the same weight (https://cumminsengines.com/showcase-item.aspx?id=350&title=X12+(Stage+V)+for+2019#overview). Would be interesting to see what could be done with the X12 in a 36' coach. I do a lot of mountain climbing so having that torque would be sweet!
The new Spartan k2 has 17000 front and a 24000 rear axle. Would be cutting it real close to get two slides on that coach, if built to present Foretravel standards.
Although Foretravel did build a 2 slide 36 ft coach in 2002/3 on a single rear axle.
2002 Foretravel U320 36' Priced at $ 152500 (http://motorhomesoftexas.com/coachrv/foretravel/2002--u320--36--C1394)
Got a look at the coach the owner of HWH is having built in-house at HWH.
Two LARGE slides, tag axle, monster engine, two large (24" dia?) fans for cooling, everything, and I do mean everything controlled from the driver's seat. Elevator for entry, no steps.
Big, big, big!! They have been working on it for around 14 years.
Sounds awesome but Foretravel is trying to offer a smaller 36' coach, not a bigger coach than they already have.
I have 36ft two slides, with 400hp Cummings single axel! Should I be worried
As long as you keep your coach weight under Foretravels recommended GVWR and GAWR for your coach, no.
RV and Vehicle Weight Definitions - Your RV Lifestyle (https://www.your-rv-lifestyle.com/vehicle-weight.html)
Wonder what the price range will be?
Rumor is MSRP around $500,000, we will see.......
Finally "They are gearing up to build both new 36' and 38' motorhomes instead." ^.^d
"These units will be built on a custom designed Spartan chassis." This is I am not so sure if i'd like, but I understand it.
I sure hope they will build it sensible (design wise) not too much like the 2015-2018 models. They need an outsider yet an inside designer input. I am sure they know what to do. I just can't wait to see one and hope it to be very successful.
Glad to hear that Foretravel may be considering a smaller unit and getting out of the monster rig mentality. Of course ... this Forum and many, many owners have been telling them to look in this dorection for more than a decade. You can lead a horse to water ... but you cannot hold it's head under, I guess.
Our 2001 U320 was more that $500K when it was new. It is hard to imagine what 36-38' coach they can build with comparable equipment today for the same price. Lots of guesses and speculation here that are just that. It will be interesting to see what they come up with and what market they go after.
Wonder if FOT will take a closer look at the older, lower GV models.
Maybe make something wider than my GV, with slides, not as tall as the current models (unless an NBA player wants an inside ceiling height of 8' and is willing to pay for it).
Keep fuel efficiency and access in mind.
Make the designers work on the new models to determine ease of access and simplicity of design in mind, along with cost of services.
Simple is better and hopefully less failure prone, along with ease of troubleshooting and repair.
Whatever market they go after, if it's $500K it won't be the one we (me and the crew) live in...or will
ever live in...sadly. :'(
I've always thought "less is more" within family needs. It is amazing, over the past few years, how many folks we've met who have downsized, ( though they could afford a 45 footer). Perhaps they've learned that you don't need a large coach to have fun, maybe realized a "traveling big box" is not needed. For us, a 36 gets the best of both worlds. ^.^d
chuck
in 2018 dollars, how much would your current FT cost?
Or are you saying you won't live long enough to own a 25 year old 2018 FT?
:-)
Tim Fiedler
Sure Start Soft Start (http://www.gen-pro.biz)
TCER Direct (http://www.tcerdirect.com) generator-gas-prod (http://www.generatorgasproducts.com) 630 240-9139
Gen-Pro
Every once in a while I like to dream about designing a "perfect" coach - perfect for us, of course. I end up starting with our coach as a good basis, then raise the ceiling a couple of inches and put in a modern engine/transmission. Outside, I'd like the bus-style basement doors that lift up, rather than just pivot (harder for the wind to blow them down and get damaged when they hit my hard head). That's it. Oh, yes, I'd like to get rid of all of the carpet inside.
Yes. And if I did, you wouldn't want me driving it...unless they include "driverless" technology. Ask Uber how well that works. 8)
The fad of every gadget, mirrors and motorized everything is over. People are realizing smaller, simpler, lighter, shorter is better. A new 36' could be build with the late 90's ForeTravels and people would buy it. Just regular switches, modern inverter, etc. No need for crazy options for the wow factor. Simple but quality fixtures.
Weight can be kept down by using brains and a little planning. Again, cutting back on expensive fancy gizmos helps with weight.
Lastly, offer with or without slides. Design the structure to do both. Many people don't want slides. And have a floor plan that is usable with slide retracted.
There needs to be a lower price-point model to get new blood into the ForeTravel brand. The u270 did this in the past.
If they can recreate the 1994 U225 like the one we had, I will quit my job and become a Foretravel sales person :-) They will sell like hot cakes. 3 models, no slide 34 and 36. Also 38 with slide & tag. Slightly wider and taller than 94. Must be build functional, no need for bling and just enough current technology but no need for too much technology, 2-5 year old proven technology be more than enough.
I'll take 10 of each for first run. If they can be profitable with $400K (34), $500K (36) and $650K (38)
I wonder they need a design engineer .... hummmmm >:D
X-2 in spades judging from how many folks have admired ours (with fresh paint & stripes) and thought it was new! ^.^d
To me its skate the fine line between.
1. Drivability
2. Safety
3. Comfort/Function
4. Smaller/Lighter/Cheaper= less fun(willing to drive)
2 cents
I can say after downsizing to smaller simpler that unless FT really figures out that people want that this one will not fly. The silly venture into the sprinter follows a failed attempt at horse trailers. They priced the sprinter out if the market vs the road trek and pleasureway. It they price this new one like the sprinter it will not sell either. I hope they make a simple light coach at a price point that is competitive wit the competition.
Don't forget towing capacity. If they can boast highest towing capacity in class that will help sell it. A lot of these motorhome end up dragging people toys behind them and not one at a time.
This is getting to be pfun. I have a different perspective as I have actually within the body shells dimensions custom built 37 ftx and GV's from my ca sales manager job.
You will pardon my old fashioned ways but I would seriously suggest a mid door 38' coach no slide allows the galley to be on the street side and have a propane cooktop and the dinette under the main awning facing the campsite.
Without the slide weight and height no tag might be needed. Lower height. No tag. More storage inside and out
Like every ftx and GV made. No it does not look like a "bus."
Has to have two floor plans. WTBI and the enclosed potty room.
Aqua hot. Quiet gen. Large Solar std. four 8g8d's. House refer. Less fancy paint. Can be white gel coat and decals as a less price option?
Walnut or light wood.,..