Purchasing my first Foretravel this week at FOT! A 2017 IH-45 with 20k miles. It still has a warranty but we plan on going through a full inspection over the next 3 days.
Question for the group:
- Are there specific trouble areas we should spend extra time?
- Anything we should ask of Foretravel?
- Are there items they typically include in the sale?
- This forum seems fairly quiet on the newer IH-45's. Are there other sites with more activity?
Thanks in advance!
The reason it is quiet on that model is that they have probably only sold as many ih coaches as they sold u320s in 1999.
Check the the pto retrofit was done.
Might plan on staying in the coach at FOT for a couple of days and use every system on the coach. Check everything for proper operation. Make sure all manuals are included.
Ask them to do an inside pressure leak test. They connect a low pressure line thru the roof vent and close coach up so any seams, windows, doors etc etc sprayed with bubble liquid will show potential leaks. You do not want a leak allowing water in to ruin interior.
I personally saw 2 that were in shop for that reason about 3 yrs ago.
Good luck on purchase.
JohnH
All I have to add is ... Congrats!!! This is my hope in the near future .. Please take photos and maybe a video of the walk.. If you can..
Maybe next year or so we will take the tour and start looking at which one is going to be next.. Let us know how the purchase goes .. the good or not so good.
Stephen,
Does the 2017 IH 45 use the Spartan chassis?
If the IH 45 is using the Foretravel chassis get the front shocks inspected. The front end is heavy. This coach needs Road King shocks, not Konis or the other brand that Foretravel uses.
We purchased a 2012 IH 45 in February 2015 and sold it in June 2016. We were very disappointed in the ride and handling in the coach. The customer service and getting repairs made was poor.
For the money you are going to spend you would be better served looking at Newells and Prevosts in that price range. These may not have all the bells and whistles that the 2017 IH 45 has, but they will be a better coach and you will get better service from their respective facilities.
Reese Cantrell
Former IH 45 Owner
I like a company that stands behind their product.
I would ask for an extended warranty on their part.
3, 6, 9 or 12 months.
Like a "certified" preowned vehicle.
Everyone has an opinion. Mine is the opposite of this one. It is interesting that Reese still comes to this forum even though he now owns a Newell.
I have had great over the top service from FOT. They got me taken care of quickly when I had a slide problem, when I did not expect the quick, excellent service. My IH45 is my 4th Foretravel.
I have looked at Newells and Prevosts and I did not care for the interiors of them. To each his own.
As was stated above there is not much forum activity on the IH45 anywhere. There are a few of us on this board that I have talked to and are very happy with their coach. There was one person that I talked to that had lost his IH45 to a flood and then purchased another one to replace the one he lost.
I agree also with above that if you can stay a few days at the campground you will find any problems. Might also go on a day trip to get to know all of the systems.
If you private message me I will give you my phone number and we can go over things. Between my 14 & the 17 there were some changes but not that many.
I believe this is not an issue with the newer IH45's as was the 2010's
Congratulations!
Keep us all informed as to how you enjoy your coach.
I second DavidS. Video the walk around. Probably more for you than us. Although we'd love to see it. :) They throw so much information at you no way you can take it all in.
Also second staying in the coach for extended period at FOT. Torture test everything!
Congrats!
see ya
ken
X2 (or 3) When we did the walk through on ours , short term memory failed almost at once: Video and audio, YES! ^.^d
First off, congratulations on a very nice coach! You will be happy with the service and expertise from FOT! Now, get those photos up on the site so we all can drool a little! lol
In looking at the pictures of your soon to be coach I thought of somethings you should ask for. They make a big U that goes in the refrigerator doors to keep them closed going down the road.
I was going to make one since the Velcro straps would come undone when I would make sharp corners. My wife found some cabinet latch to keep little kids out and so far they seam to work. I have not given them the full test yet!
Make sure you get the manual crank adapter for the front drop down TV & the awnings
I think you should have 5 different TV remotes. One for Living TVs, 1 patio, 1, master, & 1 for each bunk bed.
Verify the aqua hot works on burner and is burning clean.
Make sure they go thru how the AC's work. Have them show you where the 4 temp sensors are located.
In my coach the 2nd from the front AC will work on the inverter. It is great if going down the road and do not want to run the generator, but it can run your batteries down pretty fast if you stop for a while with the roof AC running on inverter.
Have them set up your Ipad so it will work with the systems in the coach.
Once you have it you will need to get a cutting board that will fit over your cooktop. It will give you more work space, plus it will protect the cooktop when you open a cabinet and something that was in it come crashing down on it. We learned this one from a friend that destroyed her cooktop shortly after they got their coach.
You will have two remotes for the master bed. Make sure you carry spare batteries. If the remote go dead you might have a rough night sleeping with the bed in storage position. I have not figured out if there is a manual override to get the bed to lay flat.
Make sure you understand the air doors to the master bathroom and bedroom. Mine has a button if you are in the bathroom you can lock the door so no one can open the door. Can get a little excited if in bathroom and you hit that button thinking you are pushing the door open button and nothing happens.
For others interested in the coach, I think it is this one.
2017 IH45 Bunk House (http://foretravel.com/coach-view.php?id=700)
That is the bunk beds I need for the Grand kids.. only one right now but I have been talking to my daughter about another.. I will get 2 beds so she needs to get to work on her end :))
Congratulations, enjoy.
Don't think you will be disappointed. It is a rolling home and will take attention and some maintenance!
She's a looker. I am amazed at how the paint shop lays the paint on the 45. The ones I've looked closely at the paint and graphics look 3 dementional. Very nice looking coach .
What a cool layout with the bunks! I am excited for you, and a little jealous. Wishing you all the best!
Chris
Congrats!! ;D
I'm looking at the IH-45 too.
Newell's are way to pricey now.
I think it's a great move.
Enjoy your new coach.
Guy and Helen
16 Entegra Cornerstone 45B
Beautiful and great for family.