I purchased a 2004 Holiday Rambler Endeavor 4 slide new in 2004 and owned it for 10 years. Over that time it gave good service but I realized the materials and quality just wasn't there. I don't think the newer Motorhomes are any better. This time around I wanted a quality coach and ignored the age but focused on the build, materials and layout not wanting a slide. The minute I walked in a Foretravel I knew it would meet my expectations.
Realizing Motorhomes of Texas had several and they tend to specialize in FT I looked at 4 and out of those choose a 1995 U320 that has been well maintained. Looking forward to many trips. Glad I found Fortravel!
Welcome.
Your coach Is beautiful. Enjoy and don't forget the pics. 1995 was a very good year. IMHO.
I personally think that--on balance--the 1995 U320 is the very best Foretravel ever made. There are a few (but very few) changes I would have made in ours, but we've been extremely pleased with it over the past 6+ years of ownership.
Ditto. The amount of detailed information available is amazing, too. Documentation (and this Forum) provide a terrific resource to keep these coaches running well. I enjoy fewer "big surprises" each year as we comb the burrs out of our rig.
Our '95 keeps on chugging along and we love it. We hope you have as much enjoyment from your new coach.
Less electronic gizmo's, the better.
We bought our coach for all those same reason's
Sweet ride you got.
Welcome to the club
Chris
Welcome. ^.^d
I ignored the age and am quite happy with a 30 year old coach, that is simple, beautiful, and performs very well, as 95% of systems are fully functional. Upgrades at at my choice, and timeline, i will sink another 8k into it for upgrades t want.
Same for us with our 96 U295 that we've had for about 3 years now. So, far, it's been very reliable in our logging ~20K miles since we purchased from MOT.
I had an opportunity to look at an older GV the other day, mine is a u320 , 2001. After looking at the older coach I can see where Foretavel got their reputation... just look at the latching mechanisms on the bay doors.. The older coach has a mechanism that is a work of art . Wow !!! On my coach they used flat galvanized flat bar, cut off with a chop saw, and didn't even grind the rough edges off the cut material... It makes a person wonder....... Just my opinion ....
Safe Travels
Dave
Dave, do you have a picture of what you're referring to? My '03 has bear claw latches with matching striker bolts. Just curious.
T Man Dave might mean these
I might be at 1$ per mile plus fuel ,including the purchase price and upgrades. KISS works for me .
Congratulations on your purchase. We really like our '96, and I'm sure your '95 is even better. We love the tambour doors on the cabinets and the old-school non-ducted a/c (I love white noise when sleeping in the coach).
The flat bar stock mentioned by Dave must be the catch at the compartment lip.
I understand, thanks.
Good luck with your new ride Nigel.
I have a 95 also. It's my first and only foretravel and my only motorhome. Like others have stated it's amazing of the features and quality of build. It has features that newer and more expensive coaches don't have. People when they step inside are amazed of the beauty and quality. I hope you get many years of joy.
Sounds crazy but it's possible that our unique coaches may be worth more than some may think.
Book values and calculated depreciation may not be as much of a factor in the future.
Personally our 97 would be a premium item if we were to sell it.
Definite maybe
That's the way I feel about our coach, but, like you say, what would I buy? ^.^d
Hard to buy down in build quality isn't it?
With the low production number's, supply and demand. Condition, condition, condition is everything.
As my used car manager friend told me once, "go ahead, go down the street and find another you can compare it to, then come back".
He was right, a few years back, I paid 1K more for a newer used car, because of the color.
CW
I was referring to the flat bar that runs from the handle assembly to the latch assembly.. It works but not a work of art. The GV is a work of art. Yes they are both functional... but just saying... what a difference !
Safe Travels
Dave
I like the locks on storage doors on our 91GV, (twist to open and push in to lock). Some are a little loose though and I'm not sure how to adjust them. Has anyone done this before?? Thanks and have a great day ---- Fritz
Age is just a Number, just like all of us! The very first time I laid eyes on a Foretravel, I knew I wanted one! That Journey took way longer than I expected! This is my 7th RV, and First Motorcoach! When I retired, from the USMC, my very first job was Selling these fine examples of Craftsmanship and Technology. It was not only Fun, Rewarding, and Great to be part of this Company at the time, but such great Clientele, who were always Top Notch! Still are!
But as others have stated, Less is Better with the Gizmo's! My Coach came with Add On, Electronic Gizmo's that just Failed Miserably anyway! The Technology that was in our '95 was and is just fine! Not too little, and Not too much! Slides....I don't need no stinkin' slides, that fail, just when you don't need them too! Aquahot is just "Nice", to me, I'll take a 10 gallon gas Electric and Water Jacket Heat, any day! Regular Heaters, Overhead Cabinet Delete, it works just fine, for us! .....and the ride....well you all know!
The only RV that isn't 7 figures that I would trade our '89 for is a '95. As everyone else here has said, you made an excellent choice.
The photos of the latch assembly is exactly what I was talking about... Thank You for posting the photos.. Seriously, if you have an opportunity, check out the difference. And that is only one item !!!!
Safe Travels,
Dave
The 95 models while excellent have been updated considerably by 97's.
97 to present somewhat similar in design.
Screen door on 97's
That was a great improvement! We didn't have one on our 95 and as far as I could ascertain, it was not possible to fit one. The 97 does have the screen door. Of course, it predates another great improvement - the wider door. After hanging on that door pin a couple of times one lusts after a wide door entrance.
jor
My 96 doesn't have a screen door. My next one probably will ^.^d
Larry
I was being courteous about the 2" wider door in 97 and ups.
I'm trying to think of a place where one WOULD NOT need a screen door.........Antarctica? :facepalm:
There used to be a roll up screen door mounted sideways that worked ok,
Bob, I take it that wasn't factory available?? Aftermarket?
Anyone here used one?
Larry
My biggest thing is the solid cabinet doors on a 97' and up, and the wanes coat on 98's and up, which is why I added the wanes coat to my 97'..........Not putting a 95 down, just sayin'
Cheers
Mine has a screen door, but it has been nothing but trouble for us. The original plastic 3'screwed latch holder will not hold the screws. I tried gluing toothpicks into the hole and that did not hold either. Have used tape along the open edge to hold it to the door, which works okay, but looks ugly.
Our life style doesn't look like we have a need for the screen door. The only benefit I can imagine is allowing fresh air to enter with the outer door open, but the windows may provide that also.
I would appreciate it if y'all could share your reasons for using the screen door. Or those of you who want a screen door may talk to me about using mine (it is the wider door opening. Talented/imaginative people may be able to reduce the width with some effort.
Thanks for educating me,
Trent
Where we camp in the summer leaving the door open allows My DW to pass things through the screen by just sliding the aluminum piece instead of me having to open and close the door for a Pepsi, sunglasses, cell phone etc. Also lets her talk through the door as we usually have the chairs and tables near the door. I don't know how the 295 door is constructed, but I have always been able to repair stripped screw holes in just about anything. Sometimes toothpicks don't do the job and JB weld products work.
We have a cat. Used to have two. The smart one would bolt for the door.
Some people live or travel to bug and fly areas.
Both require screen doors
One of our Cats, bolted out the little slider in the screen door, super cat!
When we had two, they got up on the coach at night, and slid the screen open, then jumped out. We didn't know, till we heard the big cat fight outside. There were other cats in the park!
Our '95 never had a screen door—I'd love to have one, just to slow Harry down a bit when he bolts for the door. Our narrow door is two bounds away from Freedom and our dog waits for his chance to break out. Lots of personality without much character...FoFums here will confirm.
Couple things.
We have no screen door ('96 model). But, the window on the door opens and has a screen that can slide up and down. It's not huge, but it allows air flow should you be somewhere you desire that.
We use our coach mostly in warmer/humid weather, so we are almost always using the a/c and or heat. In other words, we never open windows, much less need a screen on the door.
In the 10 years we used our little travel trailer, with two screen doors, I can only remember twice that we used them. Again, because of the climate when we camp.
Bogeygolfer, my coach is about 90 units newer than yours, but my door window is fixed. Do you know if yours was special ordered or changed out somewhere in its past. Right now, all we have are the windows for cross ventilation.
Larry
Our 1995 U320 has the same opening window design in the door. We like using that open window and appreciate the "cleaner" interior appearance without the screen door.
We also have the "opening window " on our door but we don't use it much. The little tabs that keep it up are all but broken off so we're avoiding using it to preserve them. I guess I should look for a fix but it's farther down on the list.
I do feel we could use a screen door to cut down on SLAMMING the door when closing and we prolly need to overhaul the door with a new piano hinge and gaskets.
I'll add it to the list.
Our little tab broke....looking for a fix of some sort. Cable is fine, its the S shaped part that broke..
Anyone..??
our door window serves us well
Number 7, your order is ready! :))
Thats one way to pay for the diesel ^.^d
Larry
I think this is the real advantage of having an entry screen door. Just don't have to open and close the big door every time we go in and out. My door closes with little effort but that light screen door is much more convenient. There is plenty of ventilation provided by the windows so I don't see that as a factor in having a screen door.
We have a new dog and this guy looks to be the curious escape artist type like Knucklehead's. I added a 1/8" piece of plexiglass on the bottom section of the screen to block his efforts. It looks great now. Might look a little different in a couple of months!
On our 95, we never used the integrated door window-screen. I would have just as soon had a solid window like Larry's.
jor
foil
I do not know, but it looks original.
Tried the Plexiglas on his bottom, but the Duct Tape Hobble System seems to be working out great for us now.
Why I bought an older Foretravel
1. couldn't afford a new one
2. Quality at an affordable price
3. looks of the Grandvilla front
4. unibody construction
5. mechanical Cummins diesel engine
6. Allison transmission with a retarder
7. (and probably should be #1 on the list).......... DW loved the interior ;D
Just can't quit em'.
jor
Duct Tape Hobble System: The DTHS will be held in reserve.
We are very impressed with the build quality of our 93 GV and knew it was unlike any SOB the moment we walked in it. What's most impressed us though is the community of people on this forum! If you have issues, you're in good hands with the folks here! Also, our coach has a screen door, and from all the talk about screen doors I guess that's a rarity?
We, too, have a screen door!. ^.^d Wow!
We qualified for collector plates this year, the new plates are good for 5 yrs with a saving of 37%+ over paying year to year.
In our state, collector plates are only to be used for test drive, show , parade, or service.
We have them on 4 of our collector cars.
Everyone questions me about driving with them some where other then above, but I say, "heck every where I go it's a car show, because people ask questions".
Cheers
Considering I pay $50.00 a year for registration, I like what Arizona offers! I saw a blurb that I'm going to research; you can buy on-line, a plate with your year on it, and DMV will register it as yours. pretty cool, I like those old AZ plates!
I believe there are some use restrictions related to collector plates in our state, however I have never heard of anyone running afoul of the law. Case in point, I drove a '56 GMC as my work truck for years and only had collector plates on it ..... wish I still had it,like the '65 Cutlass with the SGJ motor or the '65 Ford ranch special and on and on all with collector plates.
Recently bought a 1987 Foretravel Gran Villa with 75 000 miles on the coach, 3000 miles on the tranny 40,000 miles on the Ford 460 engine. It has a brand new Dometic fridge, a brand new 5500 watt generator, new water heater, new front and rear shocks and 6000 dollars worth of brand new Goodyear tires.The only bummer I found is the rear air conditioner in the roof needs work ,it puts out cool air but not cold air. I honestly don't think the seller knew about it.Thankfully the front air conditioner works well. The seller made me drive the coach for about an hour on the highway and the back roads before he would sell it to me. He said he didn't want to sell it to someone who couldn't drive it safely. That tells me he loved the coach and put his heart into keeping it reliable. I looked on the internet for comparable units and the price he was asking was fair.I love this coach, to me that's all that matters, not what other coach owners think. This is my third RV. What I learned is if you love your unit then whatever you have to put into it to keep it running is worth it. I find the older units seem to be better built. There are some exceptions to this rule. I'm sure there are people who will disagree with me and that's OK. Bottom line is what makes you happy and of course not getting ripped off. There is a balance between those two. There is a line to where you are paying too much for too little. Hope this helps, just my devalued two cents worth.
Congratulations. We are the 2nd owner of our 85 454 Chevy Foretravel Grand Villa 33... took us almost a year to find the right brand, coach and seller... no fancy computers, slides, aqua hot, motorized steps... just a keep it simple coach.. 40,000 original miles and we have all maintenance records.. post photos when you can.
Some photos of my new rig
More photos to share
Beautiful coach Gray Wolf!
Grey Wolff,
Nice coach! Sure is nice to have an easy to replace or repair 460 Ford up front. You could easily have a spare on the garage floor. Looks like the PO took great care of it.
A little different coach but we have a real N.A. Grey Wolf that travels with us.
Pierce
Pierce ---- Is that "wolf" part Siberian Husky?? Have a great day ---- Fritz
Previous owner installed a double electric fan configuration in the rear right in front of the radiator to help keep the engine cool. Also has a fan behind the transmission cooler and one behind the oil cooler. Hopefully this system will make a difference when it gets warm. Drove it three hours from Arkansas to Missouri and didn't have any temperature problems. My co-pilot enjoyed the passenger seat view on the trip.
Wolf breeders usually put a little husky or malamute back a few generations so they are legal is most states. A wolf has stripes unless white or black and can't curl it's tail like the others. The wolf nose is quite a bit longer and it has a much stronger bite than any other dog. Wolves howl and don't bark unless they are around a dog for a while. Also taller and longer but 88 lbs is the average male for a Yellowstone wolf. Koda is almost exactly that. There was a black one in Y at 144 lbs and a Russian held the record at 172 lbs.
In Alaska, there are a lot of mixes. The sled people tie a female in heat to a tree at night and the wolf pack comes along and several months later, there is a super smart wolf/husky/malamute mix.
While the wolf is the smartest of the dog family and in an outdoor environment, can out think many people, it is the lowest on the obedience scale and will not obey at all other than food time. They try and run the show. Koda has done appearances with the designers on the popular TV show,
Project Runway.
The only ill tempered wolves are in the movies. Very shy but they don't attack people. Great companions but on an equal basis. For a better understanding, read the great book https://www.amazon.com/Never-Cry-Wolf-Amazing-Arctic/dp/0316881791
Koda is going on 14 years old. And yes, he came from a wolf breeder.
Pierce
Another good option for additional cooling on an OREG (Oshkosh Rear Engine Gas) is a front radiator.
You already have hoses going to the dash heater core. Two "T's with ball valves and an aftermarket radiator can make a lot of difference.
Maybe even use the OE AC condenser .