Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Discussions => Topic started by: Journey, Roam, Explore on April 17, 2018, 02:34:07 am
Title: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.
Post by: Journey, Roam, Explore on April 17, 2018, 02:34:07 am
Not sure how to search for this, and probably asked before, and if so I apologize. I come from a sailing background, and have had 2 cruising sailboats, and had planned to retire in 2 years to another sailboat, and cruise for a 5-10 year period, then go RV. I like the foretravel coaches alot and have lurked on this forums before gaining knowledge. My question is concerning the older unihome foretravels vs the new ones (and with that I mean the pointy fronts vs the flat fronts... ) for want of a better way of putting them. What would I need to know concerning why one type is more preferable that the other? I would want to keep the cost as low as possible, like under 50K for purchase with a additional 10K or so to upgrade, repair, replace. We would not full time at first, but hopefully eventually do so. Don't want slide outs, cause will eventually be on bad roads and up to Alaska, and don't want or need the maintenance issues with it. But will need a lot of storage for camping gear, etc. We would tow a Jeep Grand Cherokee. I would mostly boondock or state and national parks vs RV park, at least at first. Sadly we had people in our family that did this but have since passed away and their knowledge is now lost to us. So people with the unihome type coach, why did you choose that over the bus type ? Any regrets? I guess it can all come down to money, with the older coaches costing less than the new ones. But anything else ? And those with the bus type, ever look at the unihome coach and wish you had purchased that type ? One of the cool things about the foretravel community I have seen is the wealth of knowledge and the willingness to share it, so for those that do, thank you. I can tell you a ton of stuff about sailboats, but with RV's its all new to me..... Bob
Title: Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.
Post by: John S on April 17, 2018, 07:09:34 am
There are a lot of us who moved from sail to RVs here. The pointy front as you call it are grand villas and the flat are unihomes. For your budget you could look at unihomes in the late 90s I like 99 or so. You get an electronic engine and still very few with slides. At that vintage it is all about care and upgrades or replacements. The cost is lower because you will need to replace stuff. For instance air bags and fuel lines come to mind and maybe shocks while you are at it. The fridge is another place that has a life expectancy that is or could be questionable. Tires and batteries need to be checked for age as well. So a great deal on a price that might need all of thus is way more then 10k. So shop carefully but enjoy the process. These coaches will take you there and back and boondocks great.
Title: Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.
Post by: Pamela & Mike on April 17, 2018, 07:59:36 am
Bob,
We have had both a Grand Villa and an Unicoach (the flat nose) When Foretravel started building there in house chassis the Unihome name was to distinguish there chassis from Oshkosh which they used on Grand Villas also. The big diffrence is in the U-225/240 with the torque tube spring system rather than air ride like the 280/300s and the 270/295/320s have. To us the reason that we didn't go back to a Grand Villa coach was we found a Unicoach that fit our needs first when we were in the market. Look at multiple coaches and see what fits you best. With a sailing background you will know the feeling that is right for you.
Mike
Title: Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.
Post by: Chuck & Jeannie on April 17, 2018, 08:50:53 am
So people with the unihome type coach, why did you choose that over the bus type ? Any regrets?
No, no regrets. Our Foretravel U280SE is our very first RV of any type, ever. We got into the motorhome game late in life. We wanted to buy our "Last RV First", and we did it. Our GV has been reliable, comfortable and a joy to drive. Here's a few of the most noticeable differences between the GV style and the Unihome:
1. Mid entry door. You enter the coach near the "kitchen" area, instead of tracking dirt through the "living room". The co-pilot does not have to disturb their "nest" arrangement every time you stop. There were some mid-entry Unicoach (bus type) models produced, but they are hard to find.
2. Higher driver seating position. Puts you up at eye level with the 18-wheeler truckers. Good for seeing traffic situation ahead.
3. Pure mechanical engine (if you get a Cummins). Simpler to work on, less to go wrong, very reliable.
4. Classic design. People never get tired of telling you how cool your coach looks.
On the other hand, the Unihomes have some definite advantages, like standard equipment transmission retarders, larger available engines, ducted roof A/C, pantographic storage bay doors, and AquaHot.
There are similar floor plans available in both style coaches. At your price target you should be able to find a nice coach in good condition and pretty much trip-ready. Look for a well maintained unit that has been driven regularly, avoid coaches that have sat stationary for years. Good mechanical condition is more important than interior cosmetics - the cosmetic stuff is easy to change to suit your desires - it only costs money!
Good luck with your search. You've come to the right place to ask questions.
Title: Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.
Post by: Gerry Vicha on April 17, 2018, 09:12:12 am
We have a 1994 U300 - Love it ! Our coach is 102" wide and 40' long. The only draw back with the "Grandvilla" ("V" nose), is interior head room. It's about 6' 3" inside and can feel a little confining at times. Great coach for two people to live in with lots of storage inside and outside. We have the Detroit 6V92 TA Electronic Control coupled to an Allison 4 speed automatic Transmission, with a "Jake Brake", which works Great for Us. Our coach is rock solid with walnut interior (Beautiful). As with any piece of machinery You need to maintain it. Ours has plenty of power and gets about 6.5 mpg. Good luck with your search, you should have any unit you are considering to buy inspected by a competent knowledgeable person before committing to purchase. ^.^d
Title: Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.
Post by: Tim Fiedler on April 17, 2018, 09:25:45 am
Welcome and good luck on the journey
Find a nice clean 1999 36' U-270. Have it checked professionally by someone very knowledgeable paying attention to the items JohnsS mentioned as well as the basement "bulkheads". All coaches are a compromise, but the one recommended is simple, no slide, more modern and available in some reasonable numbers. If you look for a year or so you will come across a few and know what the market prices are, when you see the right one, jump on it, and don't look back.
I have owned the Gran Villa (1989 36'), U-270 (1999 36') and currently own U-320 (2000 40'). Love them all but with your target requirements the 1999 U-270 would be where I would lean. A 1999 is 19 years old, a 1992 Grand Villa is 26 years old. Age takes its toll, and there are significant enhancements between 1992 and 1999.
Tim Fiedler
Sure Start Soft Start (http://www.gen-pro.biz) - home of SureStart soft starters TCER Direct (http://www.tcerdirect.com) - home of Generac Approved Aluminum and Copper TCER Composite cable generator-gas-prod (http://www.generatorgasproducts.com) - home of X-Riser Gas Risers for PE installation Call me at 630 240-9139 Gen-Pro
Title: Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.
Post by: Jack Lewis on April 17, 2018, 09:39:30 am
Sailing seems like a path to a Foretravel. I've enjoyed sailing a lot over the years and now am having fun with a Foretravel at 75. I'll keep you in mind, in 5-10 years I may be ready to sell. My 5-10 yrs could be like yours, and be 2-4. However many years, it sounds like you will have to enjoy. I do believe sailing prepares you for rv'ing with a motor home. Simpler is sometimes better, staying a live is a good choice, safety is important, research mfg and construction before buying, be prepared, have patience, all good advice on the water and land. And I cannot leave out the great participation on this forum. I wish I could have pulled up a forum like this when motoring under the Golden Gate Bridge, with 6 knots of current, my diesel in my Santana 35 sucked air and quit (due to pickup tube, not in the center like a Foretravel, you had to keep it 1/2 full, not bad advice for a Fortravel owner either.) I started the following post after noticing many forum posts commenting on their past: Sloop, ketch, rope, line, port, starboard, back stay, cunningham, surfing, etc. (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=33575.msg305915#msg305915)
Title: Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.
Post by: kb0zke on April 17, 2018, 12:59:31 pm
Welcome, Bob. You will get lots of opinions here as we try to help you spend your money <grin>. Actually, we want you to get the best possible coach FOR YOU.
We spent several years researching before we chose our coach, a 1993 Grand Villa. We went with this one for several reasons. First was the mid-entry. That means that Jo Ann is sitting even with me, not somewhat behind me, as she tells me where to go and what lane to be in. Her view of the road and signs is every bit as good as mine.
Second, we chose a U300 over a U280 because of the towing capability. Our U300 can tow up to 6000 pounds, while a U280 is limited to only 2000.
Every coach has advantages and disadvantages. Only you can tell which features are advantages and which are disadvantages. One advantage of the newer Unicoach (bus style) coaches is that they have newer "stuff" in them. Our 1993 got an in-frame engine overhaul last year, and there was exactly ONE mechanic in San Angelo, TX that knew the old Detroits.
Even though I look 18-wheelers in the eye (or sometimes actually a bit down on them), our coach isn't nearly as tall as most others. Part of that is that our interior isn't as tall as others, and part of that is that our basement isn't as tall, either. Neither is an issue for us, but would be for taller people.
Title: Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.
Post by: bogeygolfer on April 17, 2018, 01:30:46 pm
I looked at both styles, and chose the Unicoach although I liked both styles. I preferred the engine and transmission in this coach (8.3 Cummins), and it seemed roomier inside. GVs look cooler on the outside. You really cannot go wrong, in my opinion - except that you can buy a newer model if you will accept the Unicoach style (with some rare exceptions, like a GV320).
Best of luck in your search!
Title: Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.
Post by: Caflashbob on April 17, 2018, 01:40:14 pm
The unicoaches are flat floor and have much bigger windshields. Sit in both front seats and look around.
97 and up have dual pane quieter, better insulating windows. Three house batteries on 97 and up.
Wall paper instead of wood paneling and std cabinet doors versus tambour.
Aqua hot has been mentioned. Bigger motors. Parallel compartment doors are a big plus
Title: Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.
Post by: Numbers on April 17, 2018, 02:09:34 pm
... I would want to keep the cost as low as possible, like under 50K for purchase with a additional 10K or so to upgrade, repair, replace. We would not full time at first, but hopefully eventually do so. Don't want slide outs, cause will eventually be on bad roads and up to Alaska, and don't want or need the maintenance issues with it. But will need a lot of storage for camping gear, etc. We would tow a Jeep Grand Cherokee...
Bob,
Welcome to the forums.
With the coach years you are talking about I don't think the $10K for upgrades, repairs, replacements is close to realistic anymore.
I will probably get a lot of grief for saying this, but I would plan/budget for having to spend equal to (or slightly more) for repairs, replacements, upgrades, than what you paid for the coach.
If you approach it this way then leaking radiators and oil coolers, new fuel lines, generator servicing, etc. won't catch you by surprise. And you'll be in a very good quality coach for less money than a new front engine gasser Class A.
If you find an older coach where all these items have been replaced with new parts, then expect the purchase price to be more than $50K.
Chris
Title: Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.
Post by: Journey, Roam, Explore on April 17, 2018, 03:14:43 pm
Wow what a really nice surprise on how many of you kind people took the time to "school me" and I thank you. I forgot to mention in my original post that, as much as I love sailing, I think the retire on a sailboat days may have past me by. As far as living aboard anyway. Wife is not as interested in it as I am, and I have a 2 dogs that won't like it to much either....So in 2 years or less it will be a RV for us, and Foretravel has always been my #1 RV to go with. So I like the idea of being up high. But at 6 foot tall, need to feel a bit of head room above me to feel comfortable. Knocked my head more than a few times sailing and didn't enjoy it to much, but it went with the territory. Now in 2 week, I turn 60, and now into that as much anymore. As I look at coaches on youtube, MOT, and RV trader, I like the idea of the mid entry vs front. Towing capacity is important though. As a traveling nurse, my wife and I crossed this country at least 3 times and most was pulling a trailer. Last time we pulled a 12000 lb sailboat on a trailer from Anacortes WA, to Bradenton Fl., with a Ford diesel Excursion, and that was a adventure. I have a few weeks off in last may, as was thinking of driving up to Nacogdoches to check out some coaches. There is a 1999 U320 in Nag by a private seller that I would love to look at and of course at MOT. I have started reading the forums from the beginning and hope to glean some knowledge that way. If I did find a coach that looked promising, is there a list of people the forums recommend that can inspect them (a survey in sailboat terms) and how much would it cost for a average 36-40 foot Foretravel for that service ? I understand that trying to finance something like this age wize is difficult, yet most of my funds are in the market in retirement funds and are currently not available, unless I take a loan out on them, and not sure I want to do that at this time. Did anyone here ever finance a older RV and if so with whom? Thanks again! Bob
Title: Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.
Post by: John44 on April 17, 2018, 03:17:06 pm
Agree with above mostly except that if you can do the work yourself the cost will be a whole lot less.Just saw your in Corpus, c'mon over and check my 96 u270 out.
Title: Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.
Post by: Journey, Roam, Explore on April 17, 2018, 03:19:05 pm
With the coach years you are talking about I don't think the $10K for upgrades, repairs, replacements is close to realistic anymore.
I will probably get a lot of grief for saying this, but I would plan/budget for having to spend equal to (or slightly more) for repairs, replacements, upgrades, than what you paid for the coach.
If you approach it this way then leaking radiators and oil coolers, new fuel lines, generator servicing, etc. won't catch you by surprise. And you'll be in a very good quality coach for less money than a new front engine gasser Class A.
If you find an older coach where all these items have been replaced with new parts, then expect the purchase price to be more than $50K.
Chris
Chris, that may be and I would bow to your knowledge on this. I expected, when buying my next boat, a 40 foot, to spend around 50K and put in another 50K at least, so, yes I realize this could be true. I guess I took some of those numbers from people on the forums here, and elsewhere. But that was probably more for tires and batteries and the like, and not for a major refit. One always has to balance the cost vs over improving and never getting that back, so I guess when I bite the bullet, I have to make sure that its the one we want. I do not want to upgrade or trade in later if I can avoid that. Thanks, Bob
Title: Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.
Post by: Journey, Roam, Explore on April 17, 2018, 03:20:46 pm
Agree with above mostly except that if you can do the work yourself the cost will be a whole lot less.Just saw your in Corpus, c'mon over and check my 96 u270 out.
John I would love to do that. I have a week off next week. I will PM you my phone number and we can set something up. Thanks! Bob
Title: Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.
Post by: Michaeloh59 on April 17, 2018, 03:39:56 pm
Bought a 97 U320 in Dec 2016. Had it inspected. The report was that it was a good one. We were prepared to spend the obligatory 10 CB. We did. Then we spent another 10CB. And as everyone knows the maintenance never ends. So do your homework but be ready for nasty surprises. We are trying to make our CB count. We have put about 18k miles on ours so far.
Title: Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.
Post by: Jack Lewis on April 17, 2018, 03:41:25 pm
Hello Bob, Buy this one now, and keep the sailboat you have now. That way you can cruise the coast of the US up and down the east and west coast and enjoy the Foretravel starting this year instead of in five. Think of the pluses! Remember as they say in sailboat racing: follow the leader, you will not come in first. Take a different path, and you just might come in first. Won many a race with that in mind. Just saying, rv'ing is fun! Welcome, and it sounds like you have a good plan. Not mine. Lived in, but good deal (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=33880.msg310083;topicseen#new)
Title: Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.
Post by: Jeff & Sandy on April 17, 2018, 04:38:20 pm
Bob,
We used Brett Wolfe, a member here, to inspect our coach at MOT. I researched for a year before I got serious and did not want to buy a FT unless Brett could do the inspection. We gave MOT a deposit over the phone pending the inspection.
I had a great experience with Brett and at MOT. I fell lucky to have found both.
Financing these classic coaches isn't easy. Lenders want to use NADA. NADA values really do not apply to our classic coaches.
We weren't comfortable financing a coach so we waited and eventually found a Grand Villa that we could afford. At the time I rationalized that this would be our starter coach and if we loved the lifestyle we would trade up later.
It has been 4 years. I love my coach and I'm keeping it until my kids take the keys away.
Welcome and good hunting.
Title: Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.
Post by: Mike Leary (RIP) on April 17, 2018, 06:52:13 pm
X2 Jeff! We had the same criteria: knew we wanted a '93/'95 GV. Our year's research found price ranges all over the place, but, having two other SOB coaches, also knew how much we could spend after the fact! We found one, close by, and the PO was kind enough to provide us with E-mail pics and 'paperwork, paperwork, paperwork'. That sold us, we paid $10,000.00 more than most coaches we'd seen, but worth every penny (having a fresh paint & stripe job helped). Little did I know at the time, that she was owned by none other than Mr. Brett Wolfe earlier! b^.^d
Title: Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.
Post by: Journey, Roam, Explore on April 17, 2018, 11:06:54 pm
Good to know there is someone in Texas that can do the inspection. Don't know much about a RV to tell the difference, but would know neglect and rust, and would know enough to get the fluids checked on the engine and genset. Think I am looking for a 1998-99 U320 with the M11 for towing. I like the way the GV looks, but not sure about the towing, and I would need that for a heavy jeep with stuff in it... maybe even a sailboat who knows? David is kindly going to show me his rig in Kingsville Tx, a short drive away next week. Then its just looking at everything I can until I either find one good enough to purchase, or wait till May 2020 when I retire. I am sure I will have a few questions now and then...
Title: Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.
Post by: Bob & Sue on April 18, 2018, 11:38:38 am
"Second, we chose a U300 over a U280 because of the towing capability. Our U300 can tow up to 6000 pounds, while a U280 is limited to only 2000."
Just to clear this up. Our U280 is 30,000 gross but the gcwr (gross combined weight rating) is at 36,000. We are currently at 26,000 n change so I could tow about 9 but why push it. It's a 300 hp cummins so a 4,500 lb Jeep will be plenty.
Title: Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.
Post by: Bob & Sue on April 18, 2018, 11:41:29 am
Sorry, forgot the pic.
Title: Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.
Post by: Jeff & Sandy on April 18, 2018, 12:17:49 pm
Good to know there is someone in Texas that can do the inspection. Don't know much about a RV to tell the difference, but would know neglect and rust, and would know enough to get the fluids checked on the engine and genset. Think I am looking for a 1998-99 U320 with the M11 for towing. I like the way the GV looks, but not sure about the towing, and I would need that for a heavy jeep with stuff in it... maybe even a sailboat who knows? David is kindly going to show me his rig in Kingsville Tx, a short drive away next week. Then its just looking at everything I can until I either find one good enough to purchase, or wait till May 2020 when I retire. I am sure I will have a few questions now and then...
Brett's inspection took a half day. It is really thorough. If you are there, which I strongly recommend, have a notebook handy. You will learn more than you can imagine about how everything works, what it needs and how to maintain it. It's money well spent.
Title: Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.
Post by: jcus on April 18, 2018, 01:10:18 pm
Good to know there is someone in Texas that can do the inspection. Don't know much about a RV to tell the difference, but would know neglect and rust, and would know enough to get the fluids checked on the engine and genset. Think I am looking for a 1998-99 U320 with the M11 for towing. I like the way the GV looks, but not sure about the towing, and I would need that for a heavy jeep with stuff in it... maybe even a sailboat who knows? David is kindly going to show me his rig in Kingsville Tx, a short drive away next week. Then its just looking at everything I can until I either find one good enough to purchase, or wait till May 2020 when I retire. I am sure I will have a few questions now and then...
Foretravel Specifications, Floor Plans, Photos & Brochures (https://wiki.foreforums.com/doku.php?id=through_the_years:specs) Some good info on different years and models of Foretravels. Agree with you on the M-11, you can never have too many "foot-pounds" especially if towing a big sailboat.
Title: Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.
Post by: Mike Leary (RIP) on April 18, 2018, 05:46:30 pm
Brett's inspection took a half day. It is really thorough. If you are there, which I strongly recommend, have a notebook handy. You will learn more than you can imagine about how everything works, what it needs and how to maintain it. It's money well spent.
Brett is the man! Notebook? Heck, I'd get small recorder so you can replay all the info you missed. ^.^d
Title: Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.
Post by: Michael & Jackie on April 18, 2018, 06:12:49 pm
I believe you will find that MOT is doing a pretty good PDI. A newer process . Not an independent inspection but I had occasion to monitor that process for a buyer and was pleased with that one if you are unable to get the other inspection
The interesting question to ask, does the dealer stand behind the PDI any dealer does? I think they could on some items, not on other items.
Title: Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.
Post by: jcus on April 18, 2018, 06:28:33 pm
I believe you will find that MOT is doing a pretty good PDI. A newer process . Not an independent inspection but I had occasion to monitor that process for a buyer and was pleased with that one if you are unable to get the other inspection
The interesting question to ask, does the dealer stand behind the PDI any dealer does? I think they could on some items, not on other items.
Agree with Mike, had both Keith's do a pdi on my coach, [after working hours] and they found problems I had missed. Plus they explained the operation of the new to me, slides.
Title: Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.
Post by: Numbers on April 18, 2018, 06:58:46 pm
Good to know there is someone in Texas that can do the inspection. Don't know much about a RV to tell the difference, but would know neglect and rust, and would know enough to get the fluids checked on the engine and genset. Think I am looking for a 1998-99 U320 with the M11 for towing. I like the way the GV looks, but not sure about the towing, and I would need that for a heavy jeep with stuff in it... maybe even a sailboat who knows? David is kindly going to show me his rig in Kingsville Tx, a short drive away next week. Then its just looking at everything I can until I either find one good enough to purchase, or wait till May 2020 when I retire. I am sure I will have a few questions now and then...
If you can find a 1999 get that one over a 1998 for towing purposes. I believe the rear axle/rear end on the 1999 units were upgraded and the towing capacity was increased to 10,000 lbs.
The 1998 units are still great units, but towing is limited to 6,000 lbs.
The extra 4,000 lbs of towing capacity opens up more options for you. Full sized trucks become possible to tow while still staying within the GCWR specs. But you also start getting pretty long on the road.
Someone correct me if I am remembering incorrectly.
Chris
Title: Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.
Post by: Willy White on April 18, 2018, 09:23:07 pm
I agree with towing capacity of 10,000 lbs. I tow a full size diesel pickup and have no issue with the M11 here in the mountain area. Plenty 6% grades here in Arizona and average speeds up hill is between 50 to 60 mph depending on traffic, with around trip of up hill and down hill I average 7mpg. The best mileage I ever got was an round trip to MOT in Texas was 8.4mpg. Last note I'm 65 ft long with the pickup hitch behind my 40ft coach. Steve
Title: Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.
Post by: Journey, Roam, Explore on April 24, 2018, 11:52:57 am
Going to see David and Charlene's Foretravel today for a look. (its not for sale.. ) They were kind enough to invite us over for a look see. Sounds like I will have to give Brett a call when I find the right rig !
Title: Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.
Post by: Economy Travellers on June 24, 2018, 08:03:32 pm
We had 1998 34' U270 (flat front) and now have 1995 U280 GV Unihome both with mechanical 8.3 Cummins. Love both but the GV is so unique and an eye stopper.
When considering a purchase, repair records are always beneficial.
Title: Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.
Post by: speedbird1 on June 24, 2018, 11:14:29 pm
Bob, I have had both a Grand Villa, 38ft and a 40ft U320 Unihome, The GV has style and those huge bumpers sure get the old ladies attention when you come around the corner at a Red light!!
We loved both but the 320 has more power and more room plus Aquahot system which is great. Only one slide which was enough for us and made just that much extra space.
Look on the forum classifieds as most of those on offer are known to other members who will always weigh in with their knowledge.
Good luck with your search and you will be real happy with a FT whichever one you choose.
Speedbird1
Title: Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.
Post by: Tim Fiedler on June 25, 2018, 12:58:18 am
Speedbird did you add the Debonair to your signature lately or did I just miss it?
Currently flying a B33 Deb, a 7DC champ on wheels and a 7EC Champ on PK1500 floats out here in Gig Harbor area - lusting after a Cessna 185 or 180, so many awesome back country airstrips out this way
OOPS - thread hijack alert!
Sorry,....... If the flying guys chime in - maybe start a new thread to do it......
:-)
Tim Fiedler
Sure Start Soft Start (http://www.gen-pro.biz) - home of SureStart soft starters TCER Direct (http://www.tcerdirect.com) - home of Generac Approved Aluminum and Copper TCER Composite cable generator-gas-prod (http://www.generatorgasproducts.com) - home of X-Riser Gas Risers for PE installation Call me at 630 240-9139 Gen-Pro
Title: Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.
Post by: Protech Racing on June 25, 2018, 01:19:06 pm
Airplanes, boats, busses, and racecars, seem to go together . I designed, built and flew my Ultralight for about 150 hrs.
Title: Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.
Post by: Dub on June 25, 2018, 03:22:23 pm
I will always miss the 280 I owned for 10 years but like Gerry Vicha I'm high off the ground and needed the dome type ceiling for more head clearance.. Bought a 270 and really like it as well.. I would have kept both coach's because I like both and the money wasn't big enough to have prevented it but I would wipe myself to the grave with 2 rigs.. Shopping can be half the fun as I enjoy the chase and maybe you will as well. Good hunting and have fun... That's what any hobby is supposed to be.
Title: Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.
Post by: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart on June 25, 2018, 04:41:18 pm
Speedbird did you add the Debonair to your signature lately or did I just miss it Currently flying a B33 Deb, a 7DC champ on wheels and a 7EC Champ on PK1500 floats out here in Gig Harbor area - lusting after a Cessna 185 or 180, so many awesome back country airstrips out this way OOPS - thread hijack alert! Sorry,....... If the flying guys chime in - maybe start a new thread to do it...... Tim Fiedler
Starting my 51st year flying. Started with a Emigh A2 Trojan, Tri-Pacer, Avid Mk4 and Quickie Q2. My main aircraft has been a 1958 D50 Twin Bonanza for about 20 years. Best twin ever made. Now flying a Grumman AA5 Traveler with a new breathed on Ly-Con O-320 Lycoming. Just set the speed record for the type aircraft I think. Good 4 place for the four of us. The wolf does not like bad landings.
The instrument panel photo is the record in level flight but 150 RPM over redline. I still need a about three inches pitch on the prop to add about 5 mph. No wheel pants, fixed pitch prop and fixed gear.
Here I am flying into a high elevation Sierra-Dearwater airport in the Sierras. Select high resolution on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGo_OKSp1xs&t=333s
Pierce
Title: Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.
Post by: speedbird1 on June 25, 2018, 06:23:56 pm
Hi Tim & Pierce,
Thread bend coming up!!! Yes, I have added the Debonair and the Chipmunk has gone as well as the Citabria that went to Mexico.
Speedbird1
Title: Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.
Post by: Jerry Whiteaker on June 25, 2018, 07:06:07 pm
Hi Bob, For about 15 years when I was working had a cruising sailboat. Sold it when things started going south for my employer. Wanted to sail when I retired, but by that time was too old for ocean cruising. Also rented motor homes 4 or 5 times when I was working. All of them had something that needed repair. Same with the boat. When I retired in 97 bought a 1989 29' Georgie Boy. Gas engine, 3 speed transmission, 7-8 mpg. Last of the gas engines with a carb and 3 speed trans. It had a tendency to just stop running and once it had to be towed. Built on a truck frame and rode and drove like one. Lot of work just maintaining it, but we had fun going places in it. FT is way better with the outboard air springs, no anti-roll bars required as there is very little lean on curves. Guy at the storage lot where I kept the GB made an offer and I sold it. Thought that was the end of my RVing, but would look once in awhile for Foretravels mainly a Grandvilla. 2 years later found my 96 U270 on Craigslist near Tampa (living in Austin). Made a lowball offer and after about 2 weeks he accepted. This was in 2008 and fuel was $4.25 in Fl, wondering if I had done the right thing. No maintenance records so I had all the oils changed in FL at the summer special price of about $300. Not soon afterward found the generator radiator leaking, front wheel seals leaking (they have oil not grease), then new batteries. But all in all it was still a great buy. I haven't had much trouble with the basic body, engine and other mechanicals. A lot is similar to a fiberglass sailboat. If you can change engine oil and that kind of stuff it will save some $$$. The engine holds 4 gal of oil, 13 gal coolant, and the trans and differential equally large amounts. Probably the reason they last so long. I think you would be happy with either a Grandvilla or the bus style. The GV gets a little better mileage than the box shaped Unicoach. Some of the later GV's are 102" wide like the Unicoach. You sit a little higher in the GV. The Unicoach windshields are more prone to get rock chips and cracks than the GV. I am glad my coach has a diesel generator. Some folks like the aquahot heating, they make less noise than the propane furnace, but require more maintenance. Since you live in TX, if you can find the time to visit Nacogdoches during the week there are usually several FT's for sale at MOT, the factory and other places. Foretravels still require maintenance, just not as much as other brands. Half of the work I have done is in the nature of upgrades, like the TV's, roof air to split central with dropped ceiling, shower skylight, led lighting and the other half repairs to fiberglass, replace water pump, (engine and fresh), toilet seals, etc. There is one thing I think is a safety issue and that is the parking/emergency brake. It is just a push/pull knob and can be easily released by a human or a pet. There is no park detent on the transmission. And everyone should know how air brakes work and how to do the test. Also TX requires a class B drivers license for air brakes and weight over 25,000??? but don't expect anyone to tell you. The written is or was the same as CDL license. You may have to parallel park, move the mirrors down to see where the rear wheels are and don't forget to readjust. Bet of Luck sailing the asphalt sea.
Title: Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.
Post by: AC7880 on June 25, 2018, 09:05:43 pm
Complete thread hi-jack.
Needs to be split into two seperate threads.
Title: Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.
Post by: craneman on June 25, 2018, 09:08:35 pm
He already bought Rich's coach it is a dead thread anyway let it run.
Title: Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.
Post by: Journey, Roam, Explore on June 25, 2018, 09:30:44 pm
Thanks Jerry for taking the time to write that. Yea, same here with the ocean sailing and getting to old... Should have done it earlier. Now have a 1999 U320 that I am getting to know little by little. Just had the jackknife sofa reupholstered, working on replacing the sound system on board, first trip planned for August. Funny that RV's boats and planes are a lot alike. But unlike a plane, I don't have to worry about hitting the ground when something goes wrong in a bus, or sailboat.... Bob
Title: Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.
Post by: Roger & Susan in Home2 on June 25, 2018, 09:43:21 pm
I have said this to many others before. You don't have to get everything done before play begins. Just the critical stuff. Lots more can be done as time goes on. And your experience gained by use will help make choices going forward better.
We are closing in on eight years with our FT, still learning, still improving, enhancing and changing. All at making our 6 months elsewhere every year better for us.
Title: Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.
Post by: Old phart phred on June 25, 2018, 11:14:19 pm
I have said this to many others before. You don't have to get everything done before play begins. Just the critical stuff. Lots more can be done as time goes on. And your experience gained by use will help make choices going forward better.
We are closing in on eight years with our FT, still learning, still improving, enhancing and changing. All at making our 6 months elsewhere every year better for us.
Good point, I drove the imperfect coach home 1400 miles. Now to start using it before it's perfect, I like that attitude:)
Title: Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.
Post by: Roger & Susan in Home2 on June 25, 2018, 11:53:49 pm
"You're capable of amazing things. But unless you let go of the idea of perfection, you'll have a hard time achieving those amazing things. The pursuit of perfection is noble, but unless we're willing to settle for "good," we may have to settle for nothing at all." (1)
Perfection is the enemy of good. It takes a lot of people a long time to recognize "perfect enough". Necessary and sufficient.
1. Your Secret Mental Weapon: 'Don't Let the Perfect Be the Enemy of the Good' (https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/249676)
Title: Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.
Post by: Jack Lewis on June 26, 2018, 02:58:23 am
I agree with the previous post by Roger. How many others here "in the pursuit of excellence", have caused another problem. An example for me last year was in replacing the lift pump on my mechanical 8.3 as preventative maint. ("in search of perfection, for my upcoming 2,500 mile trip, and I had to leave the next day after getting it back from the shop) , as I had no history of it's replacement, and it was the the old style, I caused a new problem, air leaking fuel line from cracks undiscovered by me or a tech, probably accentuated by the lift pump replacement. I made it thru the 2,500 mile trip in the next two weeks, but not without some issues.
My lesson learned was not to do this many upgrades and maintenance right before a long trip, with out time between the repair and the long trip to test out the completed "perfections".
Title: Re: Need some help in choosing a Foretravel for impending retirement.
Post by: Journey, Roam, Explore on June 28, 2018, 04:45:22 am
Last sailboat I purchased, a Endeavour 40 center cockpit had a diesel leak. Surveyor told me to not worry about it and just sail her. I knew better of course and proceeded to repair it. Tank was in the bilge under the engine, was a know problem with the older boats, and the smell really bothered me. With great difficulty I pulled the tank out and proceed to repair it with marine tex and cloth. Then painted the bottom with epoxy. Couldn't get it back in the companionway. So ordered a new tank. Since the tank was out of the boat, time to rewire the engine space. The wiring was a mess, the inverter charger was exposed to high moisture and the back of the electrical panel was corroded. That took a month or two. Some where along there I had to move the boat due to my slip being needed for the annual in water boat show. 2 days later she was on the bottom with 3 feet of water in her. Never was able to get her back to my standards and had to part ways with it. Would I do the same again... knowing me, probably. I hate the smell of diesel. And of course my new coach has that smell as well.... but leaving that for another day. (think its the aqua hot and I tightened up the fuel line, hope that fixes it) Bob