Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Discussions => Topic started by: portlandft on July 23, 2020, 03:25:04 pm
Title: Been looking for a foretravel for a long time! Years -- Found a 1986 I'm 99% on
Post by: portlandft on July 23, 2020, 03:25:04 pm
Hey team! I've reluctant to post here as you may see these all the time.. but!
I've been looking at foretravel for a long time. 2-3 years? It's been 1.5 years since I signed up here :) But basically considered it off the table, because they are so hard to find. I've called a few times, and found others were already flying in!
I randomly ran into this 1987 foretravel with a lot of recent work done at $19,500 https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/1987-Foretravel-GRAND-VILLA-5012902624
40' long miles: 35.000Vin#: 10T9M9A88H1031132Motor: Caterpillar 3208 turbo diesel transmission: EllisonChassis: OSHKOSHIncluding 6.5K propane generator I bought this RV in 2015 with 17.000 miles. I have over $15,000.00 invested. The RV runs like new. Just completed a Peterbilt 20-point inspection, motor and generator serviced, and all oils changes as of 4/5/2019 (cost $2,500). I also just added a new electric awning ($2.150). I must sell this RV to help my business through the current financial issues due to the Corona Virus. The following things have been done since then: New tires New floor Both front windshields including all seals and rubbers replaced New window blinds New curtains New kitchen sink New kitchen faucet New kitchen tile tops New refrigerator (never used, $2.500 receipt available) New main furnace ($1.717, receipt available) Replaced water pump belt (by Peterbilt, receipt available) Replaced AC compressor belt (by Peterbilt, receipt available) Replaced alternator belt (by Peterbilt, receipt available) Replaced air filter (by Peterbilt, receipt available) Replaced fuel filter (by Peterbilt, receipt available) Replaced oil intake tubing (by Peterbilt, receipt available) Replaced transmission oil (by Peterbilt, receipt available) Replaced Differential oil (by Peterbilt, receipt available) Replaced radiator hose (by Peterbilt, receipt available) Replaced radiator fluid (by Peterbilt, receipt available) Replaced power steering hose (no receipt) Replaced coach battery (receipt available) Replaced starter battery (receipt available) Replace front brake airlines (receipt available) Rebuild rear brake drum; new wheel seal, new drum, new 6" wedge shoes, new wedge kit (receipt available) Replaced air dryer assembly (receipt available) Replaced and sealed marker lights (receipt available) Replaced complete front window seal (receipt available) Replaced both front windows (receipt available) Serviced Generator, lube, oil & filter (by Peterbilt, receipt available) Polished entire RV Heaters in the back are rebuilt. RV is completely sealed (no leak from the roof at any place) by All RV needs, $ 1,371 receipt available
And love it! I have gotten some interior videos, and just love all the recent inspections, upgrades, etc., documented. I've already ordered an RV inspection (not chassis), and I'm flying to buy it in 3 days, and am curious about any thoughts.
To me, it seems like the recent upgrades added make it a coach being sold not because of some disrepair, but due to real need. Why buy a new fridge, reseal roof, new awning before selling? I do feel it's unique among most of the foretravels I've found to date where I have to wonder.. "why are they selling?"
It's an ORED which is not what I was looking for, and has an odometer issue disclosed provably in the past few years (odometer has moved between purchase at 2015 to 2017) before stopping. Seller says odometer repair wasn't feasible in the neighborhood due toi parts issues except back in Texas.
Thanks all! It seems I will be driving this beauty in 3 days!
Title: Re: Been looking for a foretravel for a long time! Years -- Found a 1986 I'm 99% on
Post by: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart on July 23, 2020, 03:58:55 pm
Looks like a nice coach well taken care of. Good engine. You won't know everything until after the inspection. Good luck!
Pierce
Title: Re: Been looking for a foretravel for a long time! Years -- Found a 1986 I'm 99% on
Post by: craneman on July 23, 2020, 04:10:23 pm
Looks good, if it was in my neighborhood I would add it to my collection.
Title: Re: Been looking for a foretravel for a long time! Years -- Found a 1986 I'm 99% on
Post by: Bob & Sue on July 23, 2020, 04:11:12 pm
I'm guessing your local (relatively) to us. Given your name Portland-ft and the coach location (Ashland).. we are located in the Salem area. Nice looking coach.
Title: Re: Been looking for a foretravel for a long time! Years -- Found a 1986 I'm 99% on
Post by: portlandft on July 23, 2020, 04:13:39 pm
I'm guessing your local (relatively) to us. Given your name Portland-ft and the coach location (Ashland).. we are located in the Salem area. Nice looking coach.
Born and raised in Portland :) I hope to be joining FT family soon! I already feel apart of the sellers family, haha.
Title: Re: Been looking for a foretravel for a long time! Years -- Found a 1986 I'm 99% on
Post by: Twig on July 23, 2020, 04:55:55 pm
I had an '87. Those GV's had speedometer issues caused by the speed generator gears quiting. I replaced mine. Hard to find but simple to replace. Sounds like you got a peach. Bring it to Quartzsite.
It should also have a U-line icemaker (thousand bucks) and trash compactor but no inverter.
Title: Re: Been looking for a foretravel for a long time! Years -- Found a 1986 I'm 99% on
Post by: Texhub on July 23, 2020, 05:09:09 pm
I will say it! Welcome! We like pictures. So. Beauty shots of your new lady expected in 3 days. Work with seller on mirror position. Of course all items that you will use in cg. Ask about security when inside. Think wally, etc. Just to see how he handled it. Hiding places if needed for protection. Blind spots. They have been there done that. Better to learn now. Try to work deal on any spare parts, special tools they may have. Safety stands His routine for getting ready for road. Video it. Or at least copy audio. Tpm How he deals with roof. Safety and going onto. Fire, carbon monoxide, fire extinguisher check check check. (Batteries, charge) This site is platinum. You might want to add Fb foretravel also. How he maintains batteries How he gets internet in Rv. How he maintains interior. (Chemicals on wood finish) etc
Just some randoms Vr Mark welcome home!
Title: Re: Been looking for a foretravel for a long time! Years -- Found a 1986 I'm 99% on
Post by: Texhub on July 23, 2020, 05:11:13 pm
Would the GPS speedo work in his new Rv?. It was used recently by a fellow member?
Title: Re: Been looking for a foretravel for a long time! Years -- Found a 1986 I'm 99% on
Post by: Running Odometer on July 23, 2020, 05:20:47 pm
Looks very clean. Recently updated!
I just rebuild my front hub so I would recommend you check the front hub if it has been sitting for long time.
Title: Re: Been looking for a foretravel for a long time! Years -- Found a 1986 I'm 99% on
Post by: Subsilked on July 23, 2020, 07:19:35 pm
Welcome to the community... i have posted several questions over the last 2 years and have always been pleasantly surprised at the wealth of information
Pictured in our 1986 GV.....
Title: Re: Been looking for a foretravel for a long time! Years -- Found a 1986 I'm 99% on
Post by: Protech Racing on July 23, 2020, 08:53:35 pm
Welcome .You'll love it. My 88 is 87 chassis #. Feel free to ask anything as far as finding stuff and what they do.
Sounds like mine. Only I'm sure it looks better. The GPS speedo seems nice and cheap. It does not match the OE stuff as is tho and has bright led lighting. I like it . IT does show the actual speed that may disappoint you. My OE speedo read 10% high.
All of the work stated sounds similar, Check the air bags, shox, front end stuff and steering box. This has a box not like the later Shepard . I would consider that price to be fair if the above items check good.
Title: Re: Been looking for a foretravel for a long time! Years -- Found a 1986 I'm 99% on
Post by: Caflashbob on July 24, 2020, 02:05:50 am
The Oshkosh's used a spicer 710 steering box. Unless reset the steering tends to make the coach push towards the roads edge sometimes.
The "spool" needs to be centered on a bench. It's in the chassis manual.
3 hours shop labor. It was a early hour needed service. I fixed countless owners of many brands coaches that exhibited this driving issue.
If anyone's Oshkosh ORED wanders the box is the fix normally
Title: Re: Been looking for a foretravel for a long time! Years -- Found a 1986 I'm 99% on
Post by: wolfe10 on July 24, 2020, 10:28:07 am
Normally pulling toward right (following the crown of the road) is a sign that there is insufficient additional CASTER between the left side and the right side (right side should be around 1/2 degree higher to compensate for the crown).
Title: Re: Been looking for a foretravel for a long time! Years -- Found a 1986 I'm 99% on
Post by: nitehawk on July 24, 2020, 11:00:08 am
Our coach was squirelly until we had the front end aligned per the specifics listed on the inside of the glove box cover by FOT.
Title: Re: Been looking for a foretravel for a long time! Years -- Found a 1986 I'm 99% on
Post by: portlandft on July 24, 2020, 11:56:45 am
Welcome .You'll love it. My 88 is 87 chassis #. Feel free to ask anything as far as finding stuff and what they do.
Sounds like mine. Only I'm sure it looks better. The GPS speedo seems nice and cheap. It does not match the OE stuff as is tho and has bright led lighting. I like it . IT does show the actual speed that may disappoint you. My OE speedo read 10% high.
All of the work stated sounds similar, Check the air bags, shox, front end stuff and steering box. This has a box not like the later Shepard . I would consider that price to be fair if the above items check good.
Thank you! The interior has pros and cons. It doesn't have the signature stock countertops - the PO installed tile. Not the end of the world, but it's interesting how much that brand has made on an impact on my perception! Haha.
Title: Re: Been looking for a foretravel for a long time! Years -- Found a 1986 I'm 99% on
Post by: portlandft on July 24, 2020, 12:04:06 pm
I will say it! Welcome! We like pictures. So. Beauty shots of your new lady expected in 3 days. Work with seller on mirror position. Of course all items that you will use in cg. Ask about security when inside. Think wally, etc. Just to see how he handled it. Hiding places if needed for protection. Blind spots. They have been there done that. Better to learn now. Try to work deal on any spare parts, special tools they may have. Safety stands His routine for getting ready for road. Video it. Or at least copy audio. Tpm How he deals with roof. Safety and going onto. Fire, carbon monoxide, fire extinguisher check check check. (Batteries, charge) This site is platinum. You might want to add Fb foretravel also. How he maintains batteries How he gets internet in Rv. How he maintains interior. (Chemicals on wood finish) etc
Just some randoms Vr Mark welcome home!
Thank you! I feel I'm in good hands! The owner is willing to pick up me up at the airport, prepare the RV for a first night (kinda like new coaches, eh?) since I'd have nowhere to stay that night, and then in the morning teach me the ins and outs, his routines etc., tips and tricks, and drive it. Once it's 100% we'll got the bank, and I drive 5 hours to Portland.
I love the idea to video this process. Thanks for that! I hope I do not forget to do so.
My biggest concern now, is if I will be comfortable enough with the rig to back it up effectively into the lot that will be its forever home. I've been staring at google maps to imagine how I'd tackle the backup, but without being used to the rigs sight lines, could be tough. I think we'll be fine, but it does give me anxiety! Healthy anxiety perhaps. Happy to hear the PO replaced the windshield recently & added heated mirrors.
My last "almost purchased" rig had horrible sight lines to the right -- could barely see anything due to the "window seal delamination problem" where the seals kinda turn into snakes.
Title: Re: Been looking for a foretravel for a long time! Years -- Found a 1986 I'm 99% on
Post by: wolfe10 on July 24, 2020, 12:16:25 pm
No helper to assist with backing??
If so, some common hand (actually arm signs-- arms being easier to see than just hands).
Helper ALWAYS in driver's side mirror. If you can't see them, STOP until you do (they may need to take a quick look at the other side of the coach, potential overhanging trees, etc)
Helper facing you (forward):
Waving left arm (extended) slowly up and down-- move toward the left. Waving faster-- move more toward the left.
Waving right arm (extended). SAME
Crossing arms ("X") is stop.
Yes, cell phones can be used, but often distract. Same for hand held radios.
No helper, then practice in an open parking lot-- place cardboard boxes and practice backing toward/between them. Mess up and no harm-- the cardboard won't hurt the coach. I did this when practicing for my Texas B exempt driver's license, as parallel parking was part of the test. And, after a quarter million miles in a DP, had very little experience parallel parking!
Title: Re: Been looking for a foretravel for a long time! Years -- Found a 1986 I'm 99% on
Post by: portlandft on July 24, 2020, 12:30:17 pm
No helper, then practice in an open parking lot-- place cardboard boxes and practice backing toward/between them. Mess up and no harm-- the cardboard won't hurt the coach. I did this when practicing for my Texas B exempt driver's license, as parallel parking was part of the test. And, after a quarter million miles in a DP, had very little experience parallel parking!
I will make sure I have a helper there, so I at least won't run into anything. Just might need to try many times, and block traffic a bit.
I love this idea to use boxes, or some visual goal. Maybe I can practice in the parking lot somewhere. Especially with Covid, there must be a lot of completely empty parking lots.
I'll want to take a break during the ride up north so maybe I will target some parking lot destinations!
Title: Re: Been looking for a foretravel for a long time! Years -- Found a 1986 I'm 99% on
Post by: portlandft on July 24, 2020, 12:37:10 pm
Welcome to the community... i have posted several questions over the last 2 years and have always been pleasantly surprised at the wealth of information
Pictured in our 1986 GV.....
I got that impression years ago when I first signed up. In fact, it might even be another compelling reason to choose a foretravel.
I had a community like this for my Land Cruiser, ih8mud.com. Super helpful guys that would just go out of their way to help you, like one guy even inspected a truck for me, a stranger, because he was near by.
Title: Re: Been looking for a foretravel for a long time! Years -- Found a 1986 I'm 99% on
Post by: Caflashbob on July 24, 2020, 01:59:07 pm
Oshkosh has the front axle alignment settings on the underside of the dash on the right side.
The have a different spec for the two sides to compensate for the crown of the road.
After you get home I will post the suspension tests I did when I sold them used.
Be feeling for the darting towards the shoulder occasionally. That's the spool in the steering box needing a bench resetting.
Title: Re: Been looking for a foretravel for a long time! Years -- Found a 1986 I'm 99% on
Post by: portlandft on July 24, 2020, 02:55:30 pm
Oshkosh has the front axle alignment settings on the underside of the dash on the right side.
The have a different spec for the two sides to compensate for the crown of the road.
After you get home I will post the suspension tests I did when I sold them used.
Be feeling for the darting towards the shoulder occasionally. That's the spool in the steering box needing a bench resetting.
I will see how she drives!
PS Bob, I have a LX470 and 99 F250 - similar vehicle choice! and would LOVE both an SC430 and LS460. Have been passively looking for an LS460 for fun for years.
Title: Re: Been looking for a foretravel for a long time! Years -- Found a 1986 I'm 99% on
Post by: Twig on July 24, 2020, 03:12:51 pm
Just remember.......only ONE person is driving that bus. GOAL. Get Out And Look. I drove 18 wheelers over the road and had a lot of "helpers". I only trusted one person. Me. You'll get it.
Title: Re: Been looking for a foretravel for a long time! Years -- Found a 1986 I'm 99% on
Post by: Caflashbob on July 24, 2020, 03:22:26 pm
Both Lexus were local neighbors cars that jumped out in front of us as it were.
The Sc was a nice barge as to how it drove. Fixed it.
The ls460 is an amazingly nice car. It "goes" and stops.
The f250 is a v10 superduty 4x4 I bought when it was 1 month old 20 years Ago. Fixed it also
Like thinking of great minds!
Title: Re: Been looking for a foretravel for a long time! Years -- Found a 1986 I'm 99% on
Post by: portlandft on July 25, 2020, 09:35:47 pm
I'm flying there tomorrow, even though the inspection isn't back. The inspector verbally says everything is good, but I will see what they checked/didn't check on Monday. I will inspect heavily and use the checklist on this site!
I have a good feeling about this. Will be sleeping in the couch tomorrow night.
Title: Re: Been looking for a foretravel for a long time! Years -- Found a 1986 I'm 99% on
Post by: master2301 on July 25, 2020, 09:39:23 pm
Going to send you a PM for a checklist I developed. Haven't got a chance to verify it. It was initially developed for a 2014 to 2019 IH45, so you will have to look beyond that and use what you can. Let me know your opinion on it. Larry
Title: Re: Been looking for a foretravel for a long time! Years -- Found a 1986 I'm 99% on
Post by: master2301 on July 25, 2020, 09:44:46 pm
Please PM me at master2301@cox.net. Couldn't upload doc on PM.
Title: Re: Been looking for a foretravel for a long time! Years -- Found a 1986 I'm 99% on
Post by: Caflashbob on July 25, 2020, 11:19:55 pm
Look for sidewall bubbles. Soft floor down the hallway. Walk the roof. Make every button and switch work.
I sold and sales managed a Foretravel store when this was new.
Everything but the fuel gauge not working is fixable
Title: Re: Been looking for a foretravel for a long time! Years -- Found a 1986 I'm 99% on
Post by: dsd on July 26, 2020, 12:41:37 am
Take the time to learn all you can from PO about the brakes. Operation, adjustment. Spring brakes and operation in both directions. He knows what you need too. Sound like a good deal. Hands on as much as possible. How to drain and winterize. Enjoy and congratulations. Scott
Title: Re: Been looking for a foretravel for a long time! Years -- Found a 1986 I'm 99% on
Post by: portlandft on July 26, 2020, 07:11:45 am
Wow, that's hilarious. The fuel gauge is the one thing!? Hahaha.
It's speedo/rpm gauge issues that I know of, so far. I'll have to hunt for parts immediately.
Thanks again for all your support.
Our 1986 FT Grand Villa has the original dash. FT installed the electronic bar graph dash from the 1985 Dodge Daytona We lost use of the dash some time ago. We installed a engine temp and oil pressure gauges and we use a GPS speed and odometer app. We refuel every 400 miles on our gas 454 Chevy motor.
Title: Re: Been looking for a foretravel for a long time! Years -- Found a 1986 I'm 99% on
Post by: Protech Racing on July 26, 2020, 07:37:44 pm
When you get time, take a peek under the water tank to verify that it hasnt broken out of the glass floor.
Title: Re: Been looking for a foretravel for a long time! Years -- Found a 1986 I'm 99% on
Post by: John hobbs on July 29, 2020, 02:41:23 pm
I wasn't going to post but, I keep on seeing all these signs about this coach, then you make comments how you like the one in Texas, it is cool, just my opinion and I've looked at many Foretravel's and I hate to say it everyone else has been positive. Me personally I would not buy it, it's not the year you wanted, has many issues. I just have seen way to many nicer coaches for the money being spent. You are already having regrets when you haven't bought it yet, making comments about the 4 cabinets. I think you need to walk away, it's a learning experience. I don't think your satisfied. I see it all the time people get excited and buy and it wasn't the right decision. In the end it's your decision. It is OK to walk away. I've said my peace, now it's off my chest, Lol.
Title: Re: Been looking for a foretravel for a long time! Years -- Found a 1986 I'm 99% on
Post by: craneman on July 29, 2020, 04:12:20 pm
If you consider all the money and upgrades the seller put in it and the seller is taking care of the costs to fix the engine problem. I don't think some issues make it a bad coach. If it were here I would buy it and sell my '81
Title: Re: Been looking for a foretravel for a long time! Years -- Found a 1986 I'm 99% on
Post by: Jeff & Sandy on July 29, 2020, 04:44:10 pm
Anyone reading this thread can feel your excitement! We've all been there and there is nothing like buying your first Foretravel. I hope it all works out, looks like a great coach. I like the countertops!
Title: Re: Been looking for a foretravel for a long time! Years -- Found a 1986 I'm 99% on
Post by: portlandft on July 29, 2020, 06:49:04 pm
I wasn't going to post but, I keep on seeing all these signs about this coach, then you make comments how you like the one in Texas, it is cool, just my opinion and I've looked at many Foretravel's and I hate to say it everyone else has been positive. Me personally I would not buy it, it's not the year you wanted, has many issues. I just have seen way to many nicer coaches for the money being spent. You are already having regrets when you haven't bought it yet, making comments about the 4 cabinets. I think you need to walk away, it's a learning experience. I don't think your satisfied. I see it all the time people get excited and buy and it wasn't the right decision. In the end it's your decision. It is OK to walk away. I've said my peace, now it's off my chest, Lol.
Ohhh no the Texas one is definitely not cool that crazy color! I do like the layouts that have space in front of the kitchen. Perfect is the enemy of done though.
I'm super happy with my experience here it has been amazing. The owner is awesome, I've inspected it for so long due to the prime problem, driven around to peterbilt, cat, rv shop inspection hearing all their feedback. I've been in it like 50 hours already. Sure they could all know the owner and could be some long con, but hey I gotta draw the line on the suspicion. This forum has been great and is a huge part of the reason as well.
Oddly the *experience* of buying this RV has already been a great adventure. How fun to not know your next day!
I appreciate the feedback because an echo chamber is not good, and a healthy "are you friggin sure" is very healthy. I can easily see myself feeling too committed when in reality all bets are off until you sign.
I'll never be sure... I think it will always be a dice roll, but the cards are lining up really well with my gut, my life situation/timing, my risk tolerance (what if A breaks, what can I sell it for, what if engine is a dud, what does that cost, etc.)
The main reason I'm wavering is basically, I've never had a class A. It has limited places it can go. This thing has a huge wheelbase and barely turns. I'm worried about parking it, a lot. I did drive it and park it well, in a truck stop. But I have to back it into my destination lot in Portland. Whooo.
I think another member said it amazingly: "you'll wonder what the heck you've just done", and I think I'll feel exactly that, and I don't see a way around it. Now, it's the roll of the dice!
Title: Re: Been looking for a foretravel for a long time! Years -- Found a 1986 I'm 99% on
Post by: John Haygarth on July 29, 2020, 06:56:56 pm
Most present owners have had similar feelings but a while after sitting in the seat driving it you all of a sudden feel like you have been driving it for ages. It will grow on you fast. Johnh
Title: Re: Been looking for a foretravel for a long time! Years -- Found a 1986 I'm 99% on
Post by: Subsilked on July 29, 2020, 07:09:13 pm
Ohhh no the Texas one is definitely not cool that crazy color! I do like the layouts that have space in front of the kitchen. Perfect is the enemy of done though.
I'm super happy with my experience here it has been amazing. The owner is awesome, I've inspected it for so long due to the prime problem, driven around to peterbilt, cat, rv shop inspection hearing all their feedback. I've been in it like 50 hours already. Sure they could all know the owner and could be some long con, but hey I gotta draw the line on the suspicion. This forum has been great and is a huge part of the reason as well.
Oddly the *experience* of buying this RV has already been a great adventure. How fun to not know your next day!
I appreciate the feedback because an echo chamber is not good, and a healthy "are you friggin sure" is very healthy. I can easily see myself feeling too committed when in reality all bets are off until you sign.
I'll never be sure... I think it will always be a dice roll, but the cards are lining up really well with my gut, my life situation/timing, my risk tolerance (what if A breaks, what can I sell it for, what if engine is a dud, what does that cost, etc.)
The main reason I'm wavering is basically, I've never had a class A. It has limited places it can go. This thing has a huge wheelbase and barely turns. I'm worried about parking it, a lot. I did drive it and park it well, in a truck stop. But I have to back it into my destination lot in Portland. Whooo.
I think another member said it amazingly: "you'll wonder what the heck you've just done", and I think I'll feel exactly that, and I don't see a way around it. Now, it's the roll of the dice!
If you have spent 50 hours in the coach ... you have spent about 45 more hours than we did when we bought our 86 Grand Villa. We found it on line. Spoke to the dealer to confirm the Paul Newman Racing Team ownership and we made flight reservations to San Diego. Never owning an RV ever. We took Uber to the dealership. Met the selling owner and spent some time with the dealership service staff to learn about the coach. We left after lunch .. filled up at first gas station and drove 1300 miles back to Boulder CO without any mechanical issues.... we have owned now for 2 1/2 years and would not trade our coach for another one yet. We lost an alternator on one holiday trip. Had two blowouts on another trip but its part of the road trip experiences.... now we have had all coach and engine mechanicals checked ad maintained and we LOVE our vintage Foretravel Grand Villa....
Title: Re: Been looking for a foretravel for a long time! Years -- Found a 1986 I'm 99% on
Post by: portlandft on July 30, 2020, 10:20:59 am
If you have spent 50 hours in the coach ... you have spent about 45 more hours than we did when we bought our 86 Grand Villa. We found it on line. Spoke to the dealer to confirm the Paul Newman Racing Team ownership and we made flight reservations to San Diego. Never owning an RV ever. We took Uber to the dealership. Met the selling owner and spent some time with the dealership service staff to learn about the coach. We left after lunch .. filled up at first gas station and drove 1300 miles back to Boulder CO without any mechanical issues.... we have owned now for 2 1/2 years and would not trade our coach for another one yet. We lost an alternator on one holiday trip. Had two blowouts on another trip but its part of the road trip experiences.... now we have had all coach and engine mechanicals checked ad maintained and we LOVE our vintage Foretravel Grand Villa....
You have a same aged coach! Cool! I hope we can meet up one day! I'm always worried about chassis in general -- when buying used cars. Latest concern was buying one of the post 7.3L PowerStrokes.. will it blow up? So I went with the 7.3..
I would like more time on the chassis. Hmm.
Title: Re: Been looking for a foretravel for a long time! Years -- Found a 1986 I'm 99% on
Post by: Chuck & Jeannie on July 30, 2020, 11:15:40 am
The main reason I'm wavering is basically, I've never had a class A. It has limited places it can go. This thing has a huge wheelbase and barely turns. I'm worried about parking it, a lot. I did drive it and park it well, in a truck stop. But I have to back it into my destination lot in Portland. Whooo.
The size can be intimidating at first - there's no question about that. But as John says, it doesn't tale long to acclimate.
Early in the learning curve, it is best if you are not feeling pressured or pushed for time, especially when driving in heavy traffic or backing into tight spots. You need to take your time...try to plan ahead as much as possible. Try to avoid getting yourself into embarrassing situations where you feel a sense of panic. If you do - stay calm - think about the easiest way out. If necessary, stop, get out of the coach, and look at the situation from ground level. I've been halfway through tight turns where I was SURE I wasn't gonna make it. Once I got out and looked, it became obvious I had more than enough room to complete the turn.
I have found the satellite view on Google Earth to be a great help in navigating strange locations. If I am planning on pulling into a truck stop, or a RV park, or any place where it might get "tight" I will find a quiet spot to pull off the road before I get there. Then I take a "bird's eye" look at the destination, trying to decide how best to get in and out. I look for places where I might have a problem, like really tight turns or dead-end roads with no outlet. If you have a metal picture in your head of how you are going to proceed, then you'll have a lot more confidence when you arrive.
I would make getting a back-up camera system installed a high priority. The rear view camera is VERY helpful when backing up.
Title: Re: Been looking for a foretravel for a long time! Years -- Found a 1986 I'm 99% on
Post by: portlandft on July 30, 2020, 11:27:10 am
The size can be intimidating at first - there's no question about that. But as John says, it doesn't tale long to acclimate.
Early in the learning curve, it is best if you are not feeling pressured or pushed for time, especially when driving in heavy traffic or backing into tight spots. You need to take your time...try to plan ahead as much as possible. Try to avoid getting yourself into embarrassing situations where you feel a sense of panic. If you do - stay calm - think about the easiest way out. If necessary, stop, get out of the coach, and look at the situation from ground level. I've been halfway through tight turns where I was SURE I wasn't gonna make it. Once I got out and looked, it became obvious I had more than enough room to complete the turn.
I have found the satellite view on Google Earth to be a great help in navigating strange locations. If I am planning on pulling into a truck stop, or a RV park, or any place where it might get "tight" I will find a quiet spot to pull off the road before I get there. Then I take a "bird's eye" look at the destination, trying to decide how best to get in and out. I look for places where I might have a problem, like really tight turns or dead-end roads with no outlet. If you have a metal picture in your head of how you are going to proceed, then you'll have a lot more confidence when you arrive.
I would make getting a back-up camera system installed a high priority. The rear view camera is VERY helpful when backing up.
Fighting the panic if people are honking etc., sounds critical. That's when mistakes are made! I've been mentally preparing for that. The PO mentioned something like: don't even look at the other cars if you're in that situation and focus on what you need to do.
Oh I've been staring at my destination on google maps :) It would be SO nice to have a birds eye camera system. I have the parts for one in the garage.. Maybe I'll finally get to using it? They seem impossible to install, but imagine being able to see! I remember seeing one, and you could tell if there's a log or a turd next to your rear right wheel.
Title: Re: Been looking for a foretravel for a long time! Years -- Found a 1986 I'm 99% on
Post by: Chuck & Jeannie on July 30, 2020, 11:36:25 am
The PO mentioned something like: don't even look at the other cars if you're in that situation and focus on what you need to do.
I received very similar advice.
The gentleman I bought our coach from took me for a test drive. I asked him what if I did something stupid and looked like a idiot in front of all the other (car) drivers. He said "Who cares! You'll never ever meet any of those people again so don't worry about what they think of you".
Title: Re: Been looking for a foretravel for a long time! Years -- Found a 1986 I'm 99% on
Post by: portlandft on July 30, 2020, 01:03:25 pm
The gentleman I bought our coach from took me for a test drive. I asked him what if I did something stupid and looked like a idiot in front of all the other (car) drivers. He said "Who cares! You'll never ever meet any of those people again so don't worry about what they think of you".
It's funny we're even worried about looking stupid. That's stupid!