Hi new to the form have been reading a lot so far. Have been looking for at RV's for about 2 years now and i think i like the FT's th best for the buid quality. Have found one and was wanting to no your thoughts on a 1991 40ft with cat Diesel it is a 1 owner with all manual's just had put new rubber all around and everything works as it should has 101000 miles on it. Located in Houston TX. Thy are asking $14900.00. I think ther is a unihomebasement doors open up and a non unihome basement doors open down.WE are wanting for full timeing in, dont want slides and problems with them. We like the layout. an thing to look out for would help alot. We live in MI so can't go look at it it just hit the market on CL.
Is this it?
https://houston.craigslist.org/rvs/d/spring-foretravel-grand-villa/7247883594.html
I'm curious what the lever is for, on wall left of driver seat. Not the gear shift lever - the other one. One of our Forum members may know.
Jim,
Looks to be in good shape but still should have it inspected. This is a very slow time of year sales wise. I can see from the faded decals that it has been stored at least part of the time outside. Check roof, etc. Also, since you want to full time, be aware that the compartments are not as tall as the U280/U300. Perhaps not a big deal. CAT 3208 is a good engine. Lots of Foretravel owners in Texas so perhaps one will help you inspect it.
Pierce
Tread lightly with your wallet on this. New generator alone is $5600 doesn't include install and tires 3,000+. This doesn't add up to me.
Is that a 1991 4000 (40') ORED? If so, I would suspect not many 40 footers out there...mostly 36' OREDs on our Forum.
Specs listed below:
1991 Foretravel GV 36-38-40 ORED Specifications (http://web.archive.org/web/20190927063845/http://www.beamalarm.com/foretravel-links/models/1991-gv-36-38-40_ored_specifications.html)
I called the seller and asked about the lever behind the trans shifter. Seller is not sure, but he thinks it is an overdrive.
I am sure a serious looker could get him to go to the coach and read the labels.
My speculation is a hand throttle.
Possible. If it is a mechanical hand throttle, would require a LONG cable from cockpit to engine compartment.
Same as does the gear shift lever, I guess, so entirely do-able. Or is the gear selector actually electronic?
I would like to see a close-up of the mystery lever, and a close-up of the black ID plate next to the lever. Would help with positive model ID.
Great price , esp with new tires and Genset. Looks really OE equipped . Even carpet !! Check the frame/bulkheads etc of course.
I was thinking it looked ok for the year to. I was hoping mabe some one that is close would look at it for me that would be awsome.
Am also wondering same, going to call and ask not sure it will do much good as seeing it in person tho.
Wouldn't it be nice if it were the two speed rear axle control?
P
Maybe just hooked up to floor pedal?? Could have been the owner had a problem with right leg/foot so used this and left foot for brake??
JohnH
I noticed a few things:
1. Awning pull loops are blue but body stripes are maroon - original owner may have ordered it that way. Strange.
2. Tires don't look very new to me. Always look at the dates imprinted on the rubber. Lack of wear on tread does not equal new and at 7 years they need replacing.
3. Generator doesn't look new either. I think I see rusty screw heads on the enclosure and labels down on base look worn off. Why no hours on it? (sticker says new replace 869 hours hour meter says 869 hours). Makes me wonder if it works at all or they never hooked up the hour meter? Who knows.
4. In the video I caught the glimpse of a spare tire inside next to the kitchen counter! (never seen that before) - FT's typically don't carry one.
5. Ad says there is a wine cooler and dishwasher. All I see is the trash compactor.
6. Interior does look pretty good - even the front seats.
Seems like the seller doesn't really know much about it and I'm guessing was told "everything" works - it may have been some time since that statement was verified. Appears to have seen the outdoors for quite a while so a good roof inspection/leak inspection should be done.
I will take a guess at the lever: trailer brakes (possibly for a trailer with air brakes).
A U300/U280 is a little better for full timing as well as boondocking if your planning on it. They have the larger basement storage not only because they are taller but there are no frame rails running down the length. Also the water tanks are larger (102 verses 88 gallons of fresh) - when boondocking you always run out of water first. The ORED is a good coach with no design flaws that I'm aware of - it's all matter of the condition of the unit being considered. I think it has the 300 hp engine which gives it good power for it's weight at 26,500 lbs.
Long ago I drove a coach that had a handle like that and it was for a cable operated exhaust brake.
Mike
John,
Good analysis of the video! Considering the bulkhead issue is only getting worse with age, the frame rails don't really sound bad.
The police should be called by YouTube when someone makes a video like that. If you were prone to vertigo, that would put you over the edge.
Pierce
Just got off the phone with them and was told that the lever next to the drivers set is the levers. Am having them take some pics of both buck heads. Was also told that it had set for 1 1/2 years but was just used last mouth to run about 100 miles. Don't like that it has set that long not sure if it was started or not in any of that time. Did get the model no. G9139240SBIORED300 not sure this is a help I don't no how to read it.
Hope the coach was plugged in for the batteries. Other than that, the CAT and Allison should not suffer from the layoff. Our Case tractor and backup 300SD frequently sit a year or more and start and work fine. The worst is if moisture gets inside. It has a way of making anything electrical hesitant to come back to life. Bugs can get in the water heater, air cleaner or anything with a hole. Check dates on tires.
With the faded decals, don't forget to check the roof for cracks from UV exposure.
John Fitz has an excellent page for decoding the model information and the VIN info:
file:///Users/piercestewart/Downloads/VIN%20PLATE%20DECODING.pdf
Download the PDF and then you can zoom to as large as you want. In case you can't download it, go to this forum page: Decoding the VIN and Model numbers on a Foretravel (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=29916.0)
Pierce
OMG, I thought this post is my post about my 1991 GV. As you may know, I recently bought a 1991 GV also in Houston area. I have spend the last 6 month to restore it. And it is still not close to the condition in the list.
Although I got it in a much lower price, the amount of money I spend already exceeds the asking price here.
Looking at the interior, it is very similar to mine. But it is in much better condition. You have to check the odor, I have to replace all the carpet and sofa cushion to get rid of the odor. The odor might be a deal killer.
I am glad people are bring these 30 year old beauty back to life.
One question, the picture shows there is vent on the side of the coach. Does it has side radiator? Mine is 6V92, it doesn't have any vent on the side.
G9139240SBIORED300
3924 should be the engine model.
SBI Side bathroom Island bed
ORED OSHKOSH chassis Rear engine diesel
300 maybe U300 series. GVWR=30000 lbs.
In regards to the lever: I don't think you got the right answer. There are leveling controls but they are below the level of the drivers seat (just the edge visible in a photo). The big lever (that looks like a boat throttle) is what we are all wondering about. Not a concern, just curious.
Believe you mean build number.
Thank you all for the information so very helpful.
Should have a side radiator and from the numbers shown should be the 300 hp 3208
$15K. I would kick the tires myself, drive it for about 50 mil and if it fell all good to me, buy it and deal with what comes next. Because it is a FT GV :-) Good luck. Make sure you have $10K on the side.
Right.
The Oshkosh/Cat is the best per dollar .
Don't know if anyone noticed it but there was a CAT powered Foreravel with hurricane damage on the other FB forum for $800. Looked like the passenger's windshield was gone so interior damage.
Pierce
It has sold
Did you buy it? If not, PM me. I'll be on United today to go and buy it. If it's not your cup of tea, I know where there is a 40' 93.
Yea thanks johnFitz i see what you are talking about as far as the lever i also see the edge of the controler right next to the diver's seat, have not head back from them as of yet not sure i would want to fly down just to teast drive when they cann't even retrun phone call. Called agine today no respones? So still dont no what that lever is. And no pics of bulk heads.
I don't think you will get any photos of the "bulk heads" because the coaches built on the Oshkosh chassis don't have bulkheads. Bulkheads are found in coaches with the Foretravel built semi-monocoque construction. ORED coaches have full length frame members. Different deal entirely.
Handle to the left of the driver is a Mountain Tamer exhaust brake system. The lever via morse cable controls how far brake closes to not exceed about 28 psi. Two switches on top of black box are on/off and brake light enable. Lever can be used in conjunction with exhaust pressure gauge for additional braking power at lower rpms. I like my system.
Good to hear from you Phred!
"bulk heads" because the coaches built on the Oshkosh chassis don't have bulkheads.
Thanks for that information.
It seems like the coach is still available.
I think it is a good deal. But I guess not many people are interested in or brave enough for a 30 year old coach.
Could it be for manual operation of air actuated brakes on a toad or trailer?
Question has been answered. See Reply #31.
Thanks to Old Phart Phred I now know exactly what that lever is on my new/old MH. (Yes I bought it). It has a label on top "EB something " assumed exhaust brake but good to know and now I know what to research on how to use it.
The unit was pretty close to description - very well kept single owner with tons of documentation.
No noticeable degradation of window seals and only one small area in rear of coach with noticeable leak thru. Graphics cracking a little so it has been kept out of cover for at least some time in its life. Roof appears in good shape.
Engine and generator both cranked and ran well.
Tires had little wear but were 2013.
Note to self - change all belts on 30 yr old MH if it has sat up for awhile. Belts looked pretty good but hydraulic broke about 120 miles into trip home. Also note to self - keep at least one set of belts onboard (no place to get them on weekend nights) Planned on changing all belts and fluids when I got home but came up 100 miles short.
Coach is now sitting at repair shop in Beaumont.
Allowances in price were made for tires and other minimal repairs so while I'm not thrilled with paying a tow fee and shop repairs - I was at least prepared for them.
And a big Thanks to Propman - his suggestion "have $10,000 on standby" was ringing in my ears when negotiating price.
Welcome to the Forum Simbo234!
Congrats on the new-to-you coach. You should start a new thread when you get a chance and tell us more about it. We always like to hear about new additions to The Collective.
And YES, it is mandatory to carry one or two sets of spare belts at all times. Also a couple sets of fuel filters. It seems that belts never break, and filters never plug, at convenient times or places.
Let us know if we can help you with questions or problems. Lots of good info available around here, such as:
start [ForeForums Foretravel Motorcoach Wiki] (http://wiki.foreforums.com/doku.php)
https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?action=media;sa=album;in=165
Foretravel Motorhome technical help and information links (http://web.archive.org/web/20191218073247/http://www.beamalarm.com/foretravel-links/foretravel-technical-help.html)
Welcome to the club! You are in good (and smart) company around here. What part of the country is home?
Thanks for the welcome guys. Wife and I live in Sulphur La. with a home on Choupique bayou.
I've been interested in Foretravel for years and finally have an opportunity to jump in. Appreciate all the help I can get and the information here is very helpful especially to a "newbie".
We will post some pics of our progress as we begin to personalize our coach.
Russ and Jenni.
Welcome to the club.
The best part of owning a Fortravel is the community here. The knowledge in this forum is amazing.
6 months ago, I pickup a 1991 Foretravel Grand Villa in Houston Area and started the rebuild process. The help I get here is unbelievable. It literally saved the coach from dead.
Looking back to the restoring process, I think "have $10,000 on standby" is absolutely right. I also remember somebody said "Not ten $1000 items but hundred of $100 items." which is also very true.
You tire is about 7 years old. For safety reason, you should start the process of changing them. I changed mine with 6 Toyo tire 295 75R22.5, costs $2946.00 including labor. Just FYI.
You interior looks very similar to mine. I used this orange oil to wipe the wood surface. It really bring the life back to the wood.
Amazon.com: Howard Orange Oil Wood Cleaner Plus Touch of Beeswax Wood... (https://www.amazon.com/Touch-Preserver-Conditioner-Furniture-Hardwood/dp/B08FMTRY35)
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61YkoReX7yL._AC_SL1200_.jpg)
Welcome Russ and Jenni, sorry about the belt issue, mine failed on the test drive before I drove 1400 miles home. Note BELTS must be replaced with matched pairs also known as sister belts, ie nearly consecutive serial numbers. Won't find these at most automotive stores, maybe truck supply stores. O'reilly guys and other big chain stores staff will most likely just have a stupid look on their face when you ask for matched belts. Get your front and rear axles weighed, a local co-op grain elevator may allow you to do it free or after hours, once axle weights are known you can download your tire pressure chart for correct tire pressure (my tires chart showed about 75 psi for the correct pressure with my axle loads) which improved the ride greatly. Full fresh water tank gives the best ride quality on my 36 foot coach. Have fun.
Oh yeah Lowe's or ace hardware also probably have Howard's Feed-n-Wax orange polish for the woodwork.
Hey Phred - the explanation of "matching pairs" makes sense now - several of the coaches I've looked at in past only had one belt on those that require 2.
belts. I gave up on the Goodyears matched sets. The Dayco work better for me and have stayed tight. The Dayco wont show as a set. The manufacturer says that they make them the same size..
The tires pressure should call for about 75 - 80 x 6 on the chart . I run about 78 x6 on mine (36ft) Like Phred says ..
Welcome . That bus is sweet . I tried toget my Bud to buy it .
Gates..
We used to use Gates matched beits on the 3208 ORED coaches. The flat rate for changing them was 2.5 hours. And you will get dirty. I could beat flat rate but had changed a lot of them.