So it look like I'm going to be moving to a bigger and newer coach :o When I bought my 36ft U320 a few years ago, I was traveling alone (widow) and the expectation was a 36ft coach was plenty big enough for one guy...
Well.. things change :-) I'm not traveling alone anymore and my girlfriend and I are looking to purchase a lot in a Motorcoach resort in Florida. Most all the premium resorts have a 12yr rule for coaches at the time of lot purchase and if I'm going togo newer, I'm going to go bigger. For us, 36ft is bit small to live in for 3 or 4 months out of the year..
I'm looking at several 2014 IH45s - MoT has one, TheMotorcoachStore in FL has a couple and there are a few more floating around out there..
2014 or 2015 seems to fall in that $350k - $400k range, which is where I want to be at least at this point.
Any thoughts or feedback on the 2014 / 2015 year models of the IH45? Obviously proper inspection prior to purchase is mandatory.. Just checking for any "lookouts" from other owners..
It's tough - my U320 is in perfect condition, runs like a top and I've updated everything - seems like I'm starting over but .... I think it will be worth it :-)
On one hand, I don't like the idea of the 12 yr rule but if I'm a lot owner, I guess I understand why... All the "resorts" we have looked at or visited that do not have 12 yr rule are really just campgrounds and not true Motorcoach Resorts (which are really 55 and older communities with houses on wheels and Casitas) which is really what we are after.
Actually, what we found is many RV parks had a 10/12 year rule, but we were never turned down with a 15 year old Foretravel. Some we sent pictures to, some just looked out the window when we checked in.
A couple of thoughts:
Of course, do what works for you both. But my only experience with a Motorcoach Resort was in Indio, CA and our friends there had a space that had great living areas outside (outdoor kitchen, covered, etc.). They said they mostly slept inside the coach, and did almost everything else outside. I don't know what kind of site you will have, but you may consider this possibility.
As for the 12 year rule: I'm wondering if you can't let them see your coach and possibly they will waive the requirement for such a fine unit.
But if you just want something bigger, then that's good too. I just know how good your current coach must be and had these thoughts.
Chris
Do research in advance on the ISX 650 engines. They had some serious issues in some years. Michelle knows more and may weigh in - or PM her and ask.
You might PM Turbojack here on the forum. He has a 2014 and has owned multiple FT coaches. He is active in the Motorcade and seems to know the ins and outs of the coaches you are considering.
If the 12 yr rule is on the list of considerations, why buy a 10 yr old coach? I get budgets and all, but that only buys you 2 years.
The rule is for the time of lot purchase, after that you are grandfathered.
This is what they are all telling us so far.. once you purchase, your coach is grandfathered as long as you own.. I have called and sent pictures when renting a lot in resorts that have the 10/12 yr rule but it appears they are holding fast on the rule when you are buying a lot...
Exactly the feedback I am looking for!!
14 & 15 don't have the 650 hp motors so no problem there.
Not sure what 14 you are looking at MOT. When I was there 2 months ago i looked at a 14 and the inside looked like it had been lived in by a bunch of squirrels.
When I went from 1997 U295 I was not prepared for all of the differents. Way more bell & whistles along with way more things to break.
The ih is a better coach than what they are building now, except missing the addition of more b&w.
I was told they would not build a new ih, they just saved me a lot of $
It's the ISX600 as well - dropped valves. These are the 2007-2010 EPA engines (pre-DEF). I believe Foretravel used them through the 2012 IH. Doubtful a 2014-era Cummins would be an issue.
TurboJack would be better able to answer questions on any proprietary or limited-availability systems - not sure what coach integrated control system was used or how well it's currently supported.
Pretty sure Blue Compass is calling the shots these days as far as what gets built and what it looks like.
We have a Foretravel 45'ih for sale it has been well cared for and it is in top shape. My wife has decided she no longer wants to travel. We live in Florida
So I have been around RV since my parents got there first one in 1977. In addition to be being a VW Van nut I have owned four. After basically junking the 2004 Tropi-Cal that I purchased new due to it actually beginning to fall apart, I got the bug to get another one. My wife wanted something smaller, I wanted at least what I had (T396), Diesel and all. Looking at new or fairly new I found I would still be in an entry level diesel and most just looked poorly made. I then started to look at older stuff, better built rigs. I became attracted to Foretravel, Country Coach, the American Dream, and Eagle, and few others. Part of my needs included seating for guests, concerts, Nascar, and the Grandkids. Foretravel tends to disappoint in not having dinettes be sleepers, no seat belts in back, Limited pull out beds, etc. Still I got hooked on the build including the electricals. So last march I picked up this one.
2008 Foretravel Nimbus 42′ | Premier RV (https://www.premierrvservices.com/2008-foretravel-nimbus-42/)
Yes it older. It is amazing how the Foretravel's hold their value. Premier RV helped me finance this beast and we arranged for them to deliver it fully serviced. Synthetic fluids for everything including the rear axle. I picked it up from Oregon and drove to NY with no issues. I had also spent 3 days at Motorhomes of Texas looking at their offerings. Some of the features I like is the tag, disk brakes, the transmission retarder, and the Cummins ISM 500. It has the 12.5K Onan Oasis heat, and 3 AC's with heat pumps. It does have a pull out sofa bed with air mattress. I will be adding seatbelts in back. I have already upgraded the inverter/charger and all the ceiling lights. I see that somethings are more complicated than needed, especially the slide out rooms. It's build is really stout. Someday I will look to go newer and maybe larger.
One thing I forgot to mention, the ih has 200 gallon fuel tank, vs older ones with 150 gallon. Reason for bigger tank? Unless you only putt-putt, you'll need the largest tank. Get around 5+ mpg
5mpg? That's unexpected.. I get 8-9 on my current rig albeit much lighter.. still I like have 175 gal of fuel onboard 😀
If you're getting an IH45 or any coach with 600HP fuel economy is probably not the highest priority. When I started my search, I was originally looking at older Fortravels and was surprised how many had 200-gallon fuel tanks, even smaller ones. Maybe weight capacity is a major consideration for them to choose the 150- or 200-gallon tank.
Since Diesel is used for both the generator and space/water heating I now see the larger tank being beneficial for extended dry camping stays. a gallon per hour for a loaded generator and 1/2 gallon per hour for heat on cold nights eats fuel fast for 2 week stays. For driving I need to stop every few hours for potty and not fall asleep behind the wheel. Truck stops make that easy, so I just get fuel then even if not needed. My newly acquired Nimbus Oregon to NY trip it barley did 7 mpg over the 3,000 miles. For short local camping trips, it looks to be about 5.5 mpg.
So today I spent the (hot) afternoon washing my coach. I REALLY love my U320!! I've spent alot of time upgrading and replacing worn equipment, proactive repairs, etc.. I think I'm going to try REAL hard to find a resort that will accept my coach and have a casita for the extra space..
The bulletproof ISM, no DEF, no particulate filter, new resonator - it runs like a sports car..
Damn I love the older FTs!!
Now that sounds like a plan. If that coach fits you and your style of travel you don't have to pleas anyone else. There are resorts that will be plenty happy to have that coach in their facility just hunt around. Or have a head light upgrade and taillight upgrade done and tell them you have a '20. (the light upgrade is Mike's thought)
Pamela & Mike
I recall my riding buddy Brad Metzger who could, and did, buy any coach he wanted including numerous new Foretravels, saying "the best of em all was a 320." He then owned a really sharp Phenix but plagued by systems breakdowns on his trips between Va and Rexburg Id.
A lease in Escapees co-ops, if you are willing to volunteer time in the park when in it. Volunteer lease holders make the parks possible.
SKP Co-Op Parks · Escapees RV Club (https://escapees.com/rv-parking/skp-co-op-parks/)
Riverbend Motorcoach Resort in LaBelle FL. would be glad to have you,
Rental or Purchase
If we ever meet up, I'm buying dinner!!!!
I love that resort - and while perusing thru available sites for sale, I found one that had a U320 in the picture!!! And it's even the same color scheme as mine LOL!
We are flying down to look at available lots as soon as possible...
Hey Michael - I have rented a lot at RiverBend for all of Feb & Mar 2025 :-). Thanks for the info!!!
EXACTLY. We started with a '93 and upgraded to James Stallings' '95 when we began full timing. The paint and upgrades were (of course) incredible. We stopped at a few resorts that had the "10 year" rule and just gave them a number. Never had an issue. After a bit, we moved to an '02 U320 40'. Had a step conversion and headlight upgrade. Were asked for the year once or twice and gave them the year of the upgrade! Never an issue. If you pulled in with a classic coach of 20+ years that had been restored and spit shined, I am willing to bet you would never be turned away.
My wife and I were shown the resort by Neil Pillsbury in 2018 and loved it also!
2021 we rented 4 different lots for 2 months and in 2022 rent for the season and we were hooked!
Are owners now
If anyone would like a tour Dec.-Mar. email and would gladly show you the resort
Mike & Shar
2000 U270
What I have found in Florida is the many of "High End 55 and over" motorcoach resorts will approve an older coach to rent a spot but not for purchase.... Well I guess they ain't getting my business!!!
To us, an "over 55" community is mandatory. I love children but do not want to stay in a park full of them LOL.. Riverbend offers exactly what we are looking for without the 12 yr bullshit!
I have gone back and forth thinking about buying a newer coach but keep coming back to "no way" LOL! I have decided that I am going to keep watching for a '03/'04 42ft U320 that excites me as I still would like more room that my 36ft U320 has...