I have been doing a pretty exhausting search for a Bluebird WB 40' in the years 88-90 and have three that I expect to see in the next 10 days. They appear to be an excellent coach and its owners love them and how they drive/ride. I saw a classified ad for a 1998 Foretravel U270 34" and am giving it serious consideration. I have a zillion questions and would appreciate your thoughts on the primary different between the two. The Foretravel is a 8.3L cummings with a Allison 6 speed trans which I like much better than the Bluebird's Detroit engines. How would you owners describe how your coach drives and rides? What particular concerns would you have if purchasing the 98' U270 with app. 100K miles. Anything information, concerns, opinions would be most welcomed and appreciated. John B.
Hi John -
Welcome to the forum.
Have you seen this website? Specifications, Floorplans & Brochures (https://wiki.foreforums.com/doku.php?id=through_the_years:specs)
Use the "Search" function, click on above left "Community". Search by Topic or area of interest and you will get a bunch of reading material.
There are some BB former owners that will probably chime-in regarding your specific questions and the general forum members do a great job of answering all questions. Better specific questions than general ones.
The BB was also on our short list but decided on a FT for lots of reasons. See "50 reasons to love your Foretravel" in the above link/website.
BTW - We have a very nice upgraded 2001 U320 42' with Tag that you may wish to consider.
Update your browser to use Google Drive - Google Drive Help (https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1xOo_NBE5VhGx_G_C_UXw7wLRG9QWzMTM) She will be in the Classified section of this forum next week. I can be PM'd for additional info.
Good luck and enjoy your search.
Bluebirds are a great RV. But there is no comparison of an 88-90 40' BB model to a 98 Foretravel 34. The 34' U270 is a great small RV including the transmission retarder (3060R), rare and popular. The 40 foot 98 Foretravel U320 with the 450hp Cummins and the 4060R trans is an even better comparison - not rare and also popular. Chassis is the SAME, as is build quality.
And don't expect a Bluebird with a 2 cycle Detroit to get more than 5-6 mpg. Good coaches but no factory support.
I really wanted a BB until I came across Foretravel. I'd still like to have one, for that matter - but the lack of factory support concerns me on such a complex coach. I guess it depends on your expectations - the best description of the difference I ever heard was that Bluebird is a true BUS - heavy duty, metal everywhere, solid. Whereas - the Foretravel has more of a "motorhome" feel - both great, just different.
The other thing I learned about was complexity - one guy on the WOG forum said it best: "the BB has solenoids that operate solenoids."
2 miles of wires in a BB pt40. I sold them new. 5mpg. Metal is hot in the sun. Will overheat at 120 temps up a grade. Stay out of the Southwest in the deep summer. Very few live in a painted metal box. Too hot and cold.
John, your question: 98 U270 34' how does it drive?
Our 99 U270 36' no slides.
New tires and shocks, rock solid on the interstate, great on hills with the Cummins 350hp engine.
A pleasure to drive, no lane wander, the airbags with Koni shocks keep the coach firm with no roll.
Barely feel the road when driving and road noise is very limited.
Ride should not be your concern!
Good luck
David
We too looked at BlueBird Wander Lodge motorhomes because we wanted something that wasn't ready to fall apart and we bought an entry level Foretravel U225 because it ticked all of the check boxes for us.
The big difference between BlueBird and a Foretravel is the chassis. BB are built on the heavy is good, heavier is better design philosophy. The Fore family decided to build for light weight and strength. Underneath the fiberglass skin is all metal construction. From the windows down you almost have an Army Bailey bridge with bridge truss construction to handle the weight and boxes and bulkheads underneath to prevent twisting and provide storage space. Above, from the windows on up is welded tubing to form the frame work for the spray foam insulated skin on the outside and the solid wood interior on the inside.
Think pre-war Bugatti versus Bentley.
Thanks guys and gals for your comments. Many of your thoughts i have seen in my reviews. The Bluebird is a heavy machine and mpg is dismal. Seems that the owners also share a common desire and need to be more mechanically inclined which I am not. The drive and ride was concern given the lighter weight of the Foretravel. Thanks to you all, I'm pleased to hear that is not a concern at all. I'm cutting a deal on Wednesday and should began to share some experiences soon. Thanks to all . JohnB.
I had two Bluebirds, and now a Foretravel.
I would no longer buy a Bluebird. Factory support is gone, MPG is much worse.
Ton's of support for Foretravel in Nacogdoches TX, even if eventually the factory shuts down.
Foretravel handles much better due to the outboard dual air bags at each wheel position.
John, with the Foretravel the towing capacity changed by 50% in 1999 to 10k. Transmission retarder seems difficult to beat, although the U320 coaches have a larger Transmission/retarder with a M11 engine. 2005 towing capacity increased to 18k on all of them. There several in the classified area
Scott
Every comment is spot on. I have owned both. Just don't drink the Wanderlodge cool aid. I question the 88-90 years is it just because old school appearance or only what you can afford. Either way it comes down to what YOU really want in a coach. I have realized it's not necessarily the engine or the chassis it's how the inside fits you best, you spend most your time inside. If there are things that bother you they will always bother you. Bathrooms, kitchens, matter. The foretravel will have more of a comfortable feel, more home like. Bluebird's are good machines but they are complex, I could work on them but still there was just anxiety no matter what. The first time I got under a Foretravel it was easy to work on I loved the simple design. As stated above the newer 4 stroke engine and power train is definitely better than the older wanderlodge Powertrain. All will have issues, the newer Foretravel will be easier to work on in my opinion. Both Are built to last. If you have more questions send me a private message and I will call you.
John, the appearance is appealing but didn't pursue the Foretravel because of my budget. Building a second home in Florida and don't want to go too crazy. But as you suggest, the more I looked at Foretravel, the more comfortable it seemed and when I saw the money was fairly close, it is a no brainer. Glad to get the cummings and six speed tranny. Thanks to all for confirming how sweet the drive and ride is. Closing the deal on Foretravel on Wednesday. Thanks to all. John B.
The 1989- 1990 Bird is 96" wide, after 1994 most or all Foretravel 102" wide. 89/90 Bird have a Cat 3208 @ 300 hp not my favorite engine. I owned a 1990 36 ft Bird for 7 years before buying my U300 Foretravel. Almost forgot, much better brakes on the Foretravel.
Repeat you will be pleased with the ride and handling of the 270..
Poster mentioned 40'. Thats 102"
We have owned our 2000 U270 34' for going on 3 years. Looked for several years to find a non-slide 34' (only 26 made in our year).
We're the 5th owner and ours had about 145k miles on her when we took possession (now 165k). Never owned a BB but have seen many in our travels and talked with their owners...all of whom seem to love them. Here are my personal Foretravel observations:
1. Simple Systems, high quality/workmanship, well built, well documented and well supported (factory, Motorhomes of Texas, and this Forum)
2. Easy to update/modify if you're DIY and if you're not only requires only $$
3. Classic look. Most folks know it's not new but can't really place them being as old as they are
4. Comfortable, smooth and easy/predictable to drive. Our 34' rides as well as the 36' we drove prior to finding ours.
5. No matter what you pay upfront, and what you spend to make her yours, a well-cared for Foretravel won't cost you half as much as similar sized new coach that even when new won't be half as good.
And, while there are many great features on the U320 slide models we like the simplicity and of our 270 systems (propane/electric water heater and propane furnace).
Again, these are only our thoughts. Do what makes you happy.
Randy
Congratulations on your decision. Keep us posted!
A test drive over a less than smooth road should resolve the indecision. The eight airbags, factory support, forum support, and woodwork answer the questions to me. Hope you you'll join the motorcade club once you choose a Foretravel!