Hi everyone, my first post here. I'm looking at buying a 1983 Prevost Le Mirage Foretravel RV. It's in rough shape on the inside but I can handle fixing that. The price is low so there is some room for fixing what ails it. What I would like to know is how are the old Prevost Rv's? What should a guy look out for, weak spots and so on. I'm new to the RV game so any suggestions on what questions I should ask and what to look for would be a great help!
Sounds to me like you're covered for everything, prevost million mile chassis and Foretravel interior, so let's have some photos lol
Welcome to the Forum! I hope we can help you with your questions, and provide some useful guidance.
I would be extremely suspicious of this coach's provenance unless the seller can provide documents or photo evidence proving a connection to Foretravel. In the early 80's Foretravel was building the FTX series (see photos and links below), and was also building Travco based coaches. If they ever did any one-off conversions on a Prevost style bus, it would be a very rare model with little similarity to their other offerings.
The best advice I can give you is BE CAUTIOUS! People will do anything to tart up the image of a old motorhome they are trying to sell, including making up facts to arouse the interest of buyers. If you can, get some photos of this coach, either in person or by email from the buyer. If we can see what the coach looks like, we can probably tell you if it was actually built or converted by Foretravel.
Media [ForeForums Foretravel Motorcoach Wiki] (https://wiki.foreforums.com/doku.php?id=through_the_years:1983)
1982 Travco Motorhome (http://bruiser-our1982travco.blogspot.com)
" I'm new to the RV game"
This statement alone would tell me that this would NOT be a project for a novice to undertake.
Foretravel did Qty 4 Prevost conversions , all 36' in that time frame
Tim, I'm wondering if this is the unit the OP is referring to: http://www.rvtrader.com/listing/1983-Foretravel-FORETRAVEL-33-DIESEL-5009040945
Believe all the Le Mirage coaches were 40 and 45 ft with a few 35 ft coaches.
Prevost Car LeMirage Series - CPTDB Wiki (https://cptdb.ca/wiki/index.php/Prevost_Car_LeMirage_Series)
1981 Prevost RV For Sale - Motorhome, Coach, Bus | US & Canada (http://www.prevostrvforsale.com/tag/1981/)
Never heard of a 33 footer.
Unlikely of getting much, if any, technical info from the factory given the loss of records from the early days.
I had a 1981 Foretravel/Travco built on an Oshkosh chassis with a 3208 Cat in the rear before my current 1993 U225. My concern would be the age and style of the systems, ie brakes, steering, etc. Even if they are like new or rebuilt, they are inferior to the systems used in the 90's and later.
It doesn't look like Foretravel quality of cabinets and wood work
I sold and drove several Foretravel Prevost 36' conversions. Soft, Heavy metal box. Round body shell to pass bus rollover standard caused loss od cabinet space and shower height. Same as the birds I sold.
For those years, the engines would be either a 6V-92TA or an 8V-92TA. As Detroit didn't have the DDEC then, they would be mechanical engines so would require a mechanic with knowledge to time the injectors, etc. YouTube videos on how to do it.
With the washer and three big compartments down the side, I can't believe it would be 33 feet. Sellers get the specs wrong all the time.
Once you use the bus compartment doors, it's hard to use anything else.
Pretty coach and decent asking price.
Pierce
As it's being sold by Camping World be very careful. They are not noted for their honesty. Double check everything before committing your self. If it's in fact a Foretravel conversion then you may have a good coach.
Keith
If I were looking for an old bus I would give it a close look IF Camping World didn't have a hand in it.
6v92
Well I made a call on the 1983 Prevost , turns out it not a 83 but a 81, and of
course its not a Foretravel. The managers reason for this was there computer
program does not go back that so they picked a 1983 Foretravel to be able
to get is on line. Sounds like a lot of crap to me. He stated they were trying to fix the post. Explain how they got the length was 1983 Foretravel was a 33ft. Could not tell me who the build company was. Stay away from Camping World.
Jimmy
Dash sure looks like a Angola Coach conversion. Still a good deal if it runs well.
1981 Prevost Le Mirage MTH-35' Motorhome For Sale in Asheville, NC (http://www.prevostrvforsale.com/1981-le-mirage-mth-35-asheville-nc/)
The person told you what it actually is and year. Whats the problem?
Dont have them work on it ,simply make your own judgment of the unit.
The 81 above is really nice and clean . Great value IMHO.
If I were in the market, At $12K asking, I would take a look in a hurry. CW is just selling it. Love the stainless, no tag axle, bus compartment doors and of course, the engine.
Pierce
Take along some garlic, a Cross, and a wooden stake and a mallet if going into Lemonass' lair.
And keep in mind that ANYTHING said by a salesman at CW is an outright lie.
Jimmy,
Here's a rare 1980 Prevost Foretravel XL-35.
Looks to be in great shape.
Well maintained with many upgrades.
Detroit DD6v92 with Allison HT740.
Beautiful coach, love to see it up close!
1980 Prevost Foretravel XL 35'Non Slide (http://prevost-stuff.com/1980PrevostForetravelXL_Howard612.html)
Jerry
That is a REALLY nice coach. Not a fan of light woods but this would be a keeper. What color do you think the carpet is? I can't tell if it's a beige/brown or has some red in it. Wonder if they take trades?
Probably a non-turbo, mechanical Detroit. From the looks of the valve covers, no Jake either. Bet it runs nice and cool in summer on grades too.
You can see the difference between a commercial bus and a small company.
Nice find Jerry!
Pierce
One of either 4 or 6 built
My guess on the carpet color is Lavender or light purple
6 I have driven and resold them. 36'. Prevost went to 40' only and Foretravel said no
How about a 2005 Prevost Parliament 3500? The ad says only six of these were built between 2005 and 2006 on a Prevost or MCI chassis. This one has two slides and single rear axle. Not sure if the body is fiberglass or stainless steel.
https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2005-Prevost--Parliament-5010177954
This coach gives me Hadley envy! :o
Don
Seamed sidewall normally means fiberglass.