Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Renovations => Topic started by: dpacker on August 05, 2020, 03:54:38 pm
Title: Closet Space
Post by: dpacker on August 05, 2020, 03:54:38 pm
I'm looking at a 2002 U295 4020. I plan to get some help remodeling it a little, and I'm wondering about the bedroom closet space. I haven't looked at it in person yet (I'm in SC; it's in TX), but from what I can gather from the photos, it doesn't appear to have drawer storage, just the big closet. That wouldn't be an issue for normal vacationing, but we are planning to full time RV for a couple years while we tour the country and figure out where we would like to live next since my husband retired recently, so I'm going to need a little extra space.
Looking at the attached photos, I'm wondering if it's possible to convert these areas to drawers or closed shelf space. From the photos, it appears that the area is large enough, but without seeing it in person, I can't be sure.
Also, does this model have drawers or other storage under the bed? I tried to find a brochure or specs for that year, but there doesn't seem to be anything like that online that I could locate via Google search.
Thanks for the help! If anyone has done any bedroom remodeling on this model, I would love to see what you've done.
Title: Re: Closet Space
Post by: craneman on August 05, 2020, 04:20:06 pm
I am looking at drawers in the second photo under the television.
Title: Re: Closet Space
Post by: wolfe10 on August 05, 2020, 04:22:59 pm
And many of us have installed pre-made racks (box store) in one of the hanging closets. That gives a huge amount of extra flat storage.
Title: Re: Closet Space
Post by: dpacker on August 05, 2020, 04:42:00 pm
There appears to be a couple, but there's a lot of wasted space that looks like it could be utilized above it. I was just wondering if anyone had done modifications to add more storage.
And many of us have installed pre-made racks (box store) in one of the hanging closets. That gives a huge amount of extra flat storage.
Title: Re: Closet Space
Post by: Alan & Gerri Ortiz on August 05, 2020, 06:13:24 pm
We added a closet unit of drawers (one of those big box stores DIY custom closet pieces) that fit perfectly in the bottom half of the closet. Just another thought for you.
Title: Re: Closet Space
Post by: Chuck & Jeannie on August 05, 2020, 06:19:51 pm
Link below to a page with Foretravel specs and floor plans, in case you have not seen it. Perhaps not a big help to answer your question.
I've never been in that model coach, but it appears to have the standard Foretravel north-south bed base. If so, lifting the mattress platform opens up generous access to the engine bay. There will probably be a small enclosed "electronic" compartment at the foot of the bed base, but not much, if any, empty useable space there.
Besides the drawers shown in your photo, you will also have drawers in the night stands on both sides of the bed, plus the overhead cabinets. To the left of the makeup table is the washer/dryer cabinet with louvered doors. There will be a half-height closet (linen cabinet) above the washer.
If you want to get into serious remodeling, you need to take a trip to Nacogdoches and talk to FOT or MOT. They can build you anything your hearts desire. All it takes is money! 8)
We added a closet unit of drawers (one of those big box stores DIY custom closet pieces) that fit perfectly in the bottom half of the closet. Just another thought for you.
Title: Re: Closet Space
Post by: dpacker on August 06, 2020, 10:28:16 am
Thank you so much for all the info! Some of those things definitely weren't visible in the photos, so it is very helpful. The unit I like is actually in Nacogdoches. I've never been in a Foretravel, so I've been trying to do a lot of research before we plan a trip to go see it since it's almost 900 miles away. We could easily just get one of the other brands close by, but the more I read about Foretravel, the more I like about it. Thanks again for the info! It's very much appreciated!
Link below to a page with Foretravel specs and floor plans, in case you have not seen it. Perhaps not a big help to answer your question.
I've never been in that model coach, but it appears to have the standard Foretravel north-south bed base. If so, lifting the mattress platform opens up generous access to the engine bay. There will probably be a small enclosed "electronic" compartment at the foot of the bed base, but not much, if any, empty useable space there.
Besides the drawers shown in your photo, you will also have drawers in the night stands on both sides of the bed, plus the overhead cabinets. To the left of the makeup table is the washer/dryer cabinet with louvered doors. There will be a half-height closet (linen cabinet) above the washer.
If you want to get into serious remodeling, you need to take a trip to Nacogdoches and talk to FOT or MOT. They can build you anything your hearts desire. All it takes is money! 8)
Foretravel Specifications, Floor Plans, Photos & Brochures by Year (https://wiki.foreforums.com/doku.php?id=through_the_years:specs)
Title: Re: Closet Space
Post by: rbark on August 06, 2020, 11:42:12 am
Can't you have them send you more pictures? After all, it's you wanting to buy their coach. You'd think they would be happy to send you any pictures you ask for.
Title: Re: Closet Space
Post by: Johnstons on August 06, 2020, 12:21:31 pm
We had that floor plan in our 2002. There is a decent amount of flat storage over the headboard. There is no storage on the drivers side bedroom ceiling like some coaches have because the bed is slightly moved that way making a narrow aisle. There are the drawers under the vanity.
You might also look at a 42' with the east west bed and closet across the back if storage is an issue.
Title: Re: Closet Space
Post by: dpacker on August 06, 2020, 02:14:29 pm
I could, but that wouldn't tell me what I really want to know, the first question I asked, which is whether anyone had converted those spaces I showed in the photos to closet, drawer, or shelf storage. The other question I asked was really just an add-on and someone nicely answered that one for me. This one is at a dealership, and I'm waiting to contact them until I know for sure I want to go see it.
Can't you have them send you more pictures? After all, it's you wanting to buy their coach. You'd think they would be happy to send you any pictures you ask for.
Title: Re: Closet Space
Post by: dpacker on August 06, 2020, 02:16:41 pm
Thank you so much for your reply. Looking at the photos and their video, I didn't see the drawers under the vanity. I looked at some photos and videos of the longer ones, but my husband says our range is 36' - 40'. Some of those larger ones are nice though.
We had that floor plan in our 2002. There is a decent amount of flat storage over the headboard. There is no storage on the drivers side bedroom ceiling like some coaches have because the bed is slightly moved that way making a narrow aisle. There are the drawers under the vanity.
You might also look at a 42' with the east west bed and closet across the back if storage is an issue.
Title: Re: Closet Space
Post by: Johnstons on August 06, 2020, 02:47:22 pm
Remind him that a 42' tag has the same turning radius as a 40' non tag. Then you can take more stuff. The tag on a 40 takes up bay space but the 42 gives it back (generally speaking.)
The 36 and the 40 both are great coaches. Remember that the closet is nice and wide but not very deep.
Title: Re: Closet Space
Post by: ohsonew on August 06, 2020, 05:39:09 pm
The floor plan will make a huge difference. Our 36' has an enclosed side bath. Across the hall we have 3 large {relatively speaking) closets. A shirt closet on either side of the bed. Cabinets above the bed and down both sides of the coach. More storage in the bathroom.The DW & I full timed for 15 months and didn't ever fill all the storage space available inside the coach, let alone the storage bays down below. YMMV. You will probably be surprised how much you take with you and rarely, if ever use.
Larry
Title: Re: Closet Space
Post by: Jeff & Sandy on August 06, 2020, 07:18:19 pm
Thank you so much for all the info! Some of those things definitely weren't visible in the photos, so it is very helpful. The unit I like is actually in Nacogdoches. I've never been in a Foretravel, so I've been trying to do a lot of research before we plan a trip to go see it since it's almost 900 miles away. We could easily just get one of the other brands close by, but the more I read about Foretravel, the more I like about it. Thanks again for the info! It's very much appreciated!
We are near you, outside of Boone, NC. I flew to NAC to get my coach. It is a worthwhile trip as you can see a lot of FT's in the same place. Good hunting!
Title: Re: Closet Space
Post by: Journey, Roam, Explore on August 08, 2020, 11:49:34 am
My 1999 U320 has 9 drawers, 6 large overhead bins, a safe, under and over vanity storage, and when taking out the old TV a large bookcase or other storage is made available. That is in the bedroom only. Bath has a large cedar lined mirrowed door 2 side closet with a shelf above on one side. Above the area where the w/d used to be, another very large storage compartment. More than adequate other storage in the bath for bath related stuff. Different floor plans in different models. If you know you will be full timing, get the coach that meets YOUR needs now and in the future. Sure you could modify, but why do that when you could buy what you need? Also recommend looking at member owned coaches here on the website first. Someone selling it here will be more than happy to help you understand their coach, alot better than a salesman will. moving from a sticks and bricks to a 40 foot motor coach is a big transition. With a lot of getting used to. I'm by my self and use a lot of the storage in this. Weeding down slowly. I know this doesn't answer you original question, since I have to experience with that model. But if it doesn't have the storage you need, keep looking. My 2 cents. Bob
Title: Re: Closet Space
Post by: dpacker on August 08, 2020, 02:04:38 pm
I actually figured that probably would be the case (that I would take things that I won't use). That's good to know that you felt like you had enough space. I think by the time we are ready to go that I won't worry about it as much. It has just been a struggle to think about going from 2400 square feet down to motorhome size. I know I will get there; it will just take me a little time. Thankfully, we are in no hurry. Thank you so much for your input!
The floor plan will make a huge difference. Our 36' has an enclosed side bath. Across the hall we have 3 large {relatively speaking) closets. A shirt closet on either side of the bed. Cabinets above the bed and down both sides of the coach. More storage in the bathroom.The DW & I full timed for 15 months and didn't ever fill all the storage space available inside the coach, let alone the storage bays down below. YMMV. You will probably be surprised how much you take with you and rarely, if ever use.
Remind him that a 42' tag has the same turning radius as a 40' non tag. Then you can take more stuff. The tag on a 40 takes up bay space but the 42 gives it back (generally speaking.)
The 36 and the 40 both are great coaches. Remember that the closet is nice and wide but not very deep.
Title: Re: Closet Space
Post by: dpacker on August 08, 2020, 02:06:26 pm
Thank you! I haven't sold my husband on the trip yet, but we haven't been finding much near us, so I definitely think we will have to travel to get what we want.
Boone is so pretty. We haven't been there in a few years.
We are near you, outside of Boone, NC. I flew to NAC to get my coach. It is a worthwhile trip as you can see a lot of FT's in the same place. Good hunting!
Title: Re: Closet Space
Post by: dpacker on August 08, 2020, 02:14:27 pm
Thanks for the info! I have found other coaches that have a layout I like with lots of storage, but I've been really leaning toward the Foretravel for the safety aspect. It's really quite perfect, except for the bedroom that has those two areas that I wouldn't really use, so I figured I could just make better use of them.
I do think I probably won't need as much space as I think, but my head isn't quite there yet as I've been going through all of my stuff. I think that's easier for men. My husband has no attachment to anything. LOL Me, I donated half of my closet to a women's center when I left my full time job, and I still have too much stuff. ::)
I've definitely been looking through the member classifieds. I was happy to find that section after I joined.
My 1999 U320 has 9 drawers, 6 large overhead bins, a safe, under and over vanity storage, and when taking out the old TV a large bookcase or other storage is made available. That is in the bedroom only. Bath has a large cedar lined mirrowed door 2 side closet with a shelf above on one side. Above the area where the w/d used to be, another very large storage compartment. More than adequate other storage in the bath for bath related stuff. Different floor plans in different models. If you know you will be full timing, get the coach that meets YOUR needs now and in the future. Sure you could modify, but why do that when you could buy what you need? Also recommend looking at member owned coaches here on the website first. Someone selling it here will be more than happy to help you understand their coach, alot better than a salesman will. moving from a sticks and bricks to a 40 foot motor coach is a big transition. With a lot of getting used to. I'm by my self and use a lot of the storage in this. Weeding down slowly. I know this doesn't answer you original question, since I have to experience with that model. But if it doesn't have the storage you need, keep looking. My 2 cents. Bob
Title: Re: Closet Space
Post by: TulsaTrent on August 16, 2020, 12:13:06 pm
(one of those big box stores DIY custom closet pieces) that fit perfectly in the bottom half of the closet.
Alan,
Jean (and I) really like your solution. Which big box store? Do you remember the brand name?
Thanks,
Trent
Title: Re: Closet Space
Post by: Alan & Gerri Ortiz on August 16, 2020, 05:04:00 pm
Trent,
Ya gotta love it that they keep records on your purchases.
ClosetMaid Dimensions 3-Drawer Laminate Base Cabinet in White-12139 - The... (https://www.homedepot.com/p/ClosetMaid-Dimensions-3-Drawer-Laminate-Base-Cabinet-in-White-12139/202942571)
This fit perfectly where the W/D was (we extracted it) located on a plywood pedestal. DW loves the storage space. We used a childproof side strap on each drawer to hold while in motion. You could probably come up with something more elegant.
PS they come in a box ready for assembly.
Alan
Title: Re: Closet Space
Post by: Miles and Kim Pepperd on August 17, 2020, 09:58:57 pm
I think you have the same model we have. There are four decent size drawers in the cabinet facing the foot of the bed. There is a small cabinet with shelves in the angled end of the room divider. The cabinet above the washing machine has 6 cubes that is great storage. We love the floor plan but found we need a sun shade in the shower sky light because the bedroom gets to bright very early and we like to try and sleep in a little when on the road. I stapled shoe hangers (the kind you might see on the back of a door) on the base of the bed. They are hidden by the bed skirt and shoes are easily accessible. Kim
Title: Re: Closet Space
Post by: Phranko on August 18, 2020, 09:53:08 am
"I stapled shoe hangers (the kind you might see on the back of a door) on the base of the bed. They are hidden by the bed skirt and shoes are easily accessible." Kim
We made many motorcycle trips before getting our Villa so with us it's kinda like a BB in a boxcar, most spaces are empty. Shoes, that's a different story, they always seem to be under foot. I like the "shoe hanger" idea.
We're not full-timers
Happy hunting dpacker, the thrill of the chase is addictive.
Title: Re: Closet Space
Post by: pugmom on August 18, 2020, 12:52:46 pm
Dpacker, It's funny, but as far as clothes are concerned. Think about what you wear daily now. Do you wear everything you currently have in your closet or like most of us, do you only wear a few favorite things. Though we don't full time, when we go, it's for several months. I have found that one very nice pair of dress pants, two nice tops and jeans/slacks and tees work great. Plus you can hang more with hanging systems. Then I add a good jacket and vest for cool or cold mornings. They can hang together too. Roll underwear, night clothes. Two good towels, hand towels and several wash clothes per person. Two sets of sheets. Kitchen stuff, think how you will be cooking. Take the things you use now, what can you replace that collapses. Books,can you use an e reader? Only books I carry are my traveling books and that's because I have to see my routes. Think about where you will spend your winters. Will you need bulky winter clothes? I'm sure you will find your perfect floor plan, but the fun is in the packing and pareing down.
Title: Re: Closet Space
Post by: dpacker on August 26, 2020, 04:04:34 pm
I've been trying REALLY hard to do that. I managed to get rid of half my closet pretty easily, and I've been working on the rest. I'm finding that I have more trouble with the shoes than the clothes, but I'm doing much better than when I started. I do already roll most of my clothes that are in drawers (thanks to Marie Kondo), so at least I've learned that trick for when we start RV'ing.
I do love my Kindle for books. I've been reading my hardcover ones and donating them to the local book box, but I don't think I'll finish my stack. LOL
Sadly, the Foretravel I really liked sold before we could get there to look at it, but I'm continuing my search.
Thank you for the reply. Transitioning to a small space is hard, but I know it will be worth it in the end to get to travel for the next couple years. Plus, I can always store my favorite things that I won't take and don't want to part with.
Dpacker, It's funny, but as far as clothes are concerned. Think about what you wear daily now. Do you wear everything you currently have in your closet or like most of us, do you only wear a few favorite things. Though we don't full time, when we go, it's for several months. I have found that one very nice pair of dress pants, two nice tops and jeans/slacks and tees work great. Plus you can hang more with hanging systems. Then I add a good jacket and vest for cool or cold mornings. They can hang together too. Roll underwear, night clothes. Two good towels, hand towels and several wash clothes per person. Two sets of sheets. Kitchen stuff, think how you will be cooking. Take the things you use now, what can you replace that collapses. Books,can you use an e reader? Only books I carry are my traveling books and that's because I have to see my routes. Think about where you will spend your winters. Will you need bulky winter clothes? I'm sure you will find your perfect floor plan, but the fun is in the packing and pareing down.
Title: Re: Closet Space
Post by: Kiwitex on November 09, 2020, 08:01:08 pm
DPacker Storing your things is a good idea, also remember that you can always stop at a thrift store for something you need. Then donate it back when your need has passed, or you need the space for something else. I have done this many times on my travels, for a sudden weather change, or I forgot something that I now need. It's cheap, it's easy and I don't get attached to the item (usually). Thrift stores always have something that is suitable for the local weather and styles so you can almost always find something.