Hi everyone thinking hard about going full-time in a Foretravel . If I do this I'm set on a Foretravel for sure. Just a little background to help with the discussion. I was diagnosed with LEUKEMIA ALL January 2023. I'm doing pretty good considering. But lost job had to go on disability. Wife basically works for insurance she has her own health problems. Her job may be coming to an end soon. I'm planning on selling our little farm ,paying off most of our debt. Cancer has wiped out savings and medical bills continues...
I'm looking at
2003 U320 4020 PBBS For Sale
166,803 Miles Stock # C3147
$119,500 I like the layout
1999 Foretravel Class A RV
U295 3600 WTFE For Sale
111,387 Miles Just Arrived Stock # C3071
$54,500 good price no slides?
Used 2002 Foretravel Class A RV
U270 36 For Sale
173,500 Miles OBO
$59,000 ( this one has best po. up keep a big plus and price but what about milage?)
I'm probably leaning towards this one the most because of the maintenance and up keep.
2000 U320 3600 WTFE For Sale
64,384 Miles Just Arrived Stock # C3168
$74,500 this one like the above but u320 upgrades and milage.
Used 2000 Foretravel Class A RV
U320 4210 DGFE For Sale
Just Arrived Stock # C3073
$69,500 really like the floor plan only one I've seen with this kitchen I like the closet and washer and dryer in the rear. But it is a 42' .
What's your thoughts on this??? I have to make a big decision. I have owned a fith wheel. And have drove Class A tractor and trailer. What about getting in and out of parks in the 42' have read comments but in comparison at what I'm looking at . Your help is much appreciated and need. Thank you.
Hi Keith, very sorry to hear about your medical woes. My wife was diagnosed with cancer when we were full-timing in a U320. The only good thing about it was the couple nights before operations that we were able to park at the cancer center. Otherwise it just ended up being another [big] stressor while we had enough to worry about. These things are not even CLOSE to worry free, and especially so if you pick up an unknown quantity from a place like MOT. You will easily spend your first year just sorting out bugs and when it's your home, and you don't own the land you're living on, those bugs often can't be ignored. My wife continues to have medical issues and having a house/base of operations we can fall back on when things get hard is incredibly valuable. Even if it were just an apartment, it'd be 10x better than just having a Foretravel.
That said, if you choose to move forward I'd try to find one owned by a member of this forum, or that Keith Risch has personally inspected at his shop in Nacadoches.
Barring that suggestion, I'd skip the 2003 and 2002 simply due to the price point and added points of failure that come with a tag/multiple slides/aqua hot/etc.. The only one in your list where mileage is a concern is the 2000. Low miles = not getting used.
Hi Keith. I am also sorry to hear about your current situation. Elliot gave you some tremendous advice.
Many of us on this forum are facing age, health and income changes.
Aside from the operation and maintenance, moving into a motorhome from a small farm -- or any dwelling will mean you have to either store, sell or discard many of your belongings. Then there is residency? What will you use for a mailing address? Where are your doctors located?
RV parks are getting to be very expensive and many have 9 or 10 year old rules and will not rent spaces for older RV's.
There is a lot to think about in making the decision to live in a motorhome.
Hope this helps.
We have been fulltime for 10 years. It has been a great experience. However things a not like they where when we started. Camp ground prices, fuel costs, boondocking spots over crowded, the high cost of repairs, and finding a shop that will work on them (250 an hour) have us thinking of purchasing a stick and bricks for a home base. Throw in on going medical issues it could be quite a challenge. As Elliot said these old coaches are great but they can be a challenge. If you proceed I would seriously look the much simpler non slide no aqua hot coaches. Good luck on what ever you decide to do
Thank you all. This really helps in knowing what is out there before getting out there and not being able to get back. Real life experience is the best teacher.
Thoughts...
Forty-two feet is very long. We had a 40-foot coach for a short time, and I found it a little scary.
My opinion is that a good floor plan beats a slide. I have not been in FTs with slides, so maybe you get both.
Our last two coaches I bought more for the vibe I got from the seller than specific features. I know that sounds dumb, but I seem to get a feeling when we find the right one.
See a coach in person before you put much energy into considering it. We drove from Tucson to Nacogdoches to leave with one at a used dealer, and the condition was appalling.
If I may...
We are having some health issues at our house too. Our thoughts are more about having personal space, and dividing our existence for reasons of rest, different schedules, and combating infection. Adding a new coach and traveling would be totally overwhelming. Our recent thoughts are all about grocery delivery, the responsibilities of getting the bills paid, and encouraging friends to check on us regularly.
I am agreeing more and more,Oldmattb.
I live on the border of TN and Va. In the smoky mountains. Me and my wife both are from East TN , grew up here. We are both 54. I was given 3 months to live. I'm now over 1 and 1/2 years in. And 8 months in on 3 year maintenance chemo plan.
They are giving me 3 to 5 years now. Know one really knows but (one). I go to Duke NC once a month for chemo and check up, blood work. The thing is I want to travel and see some things with my wife. Red Woods,Yosemite, Yellowstone, the Rockies
Northern Idaho, Organ, British Columbia Niagara Falls, Canada,the Northern Lights..
I don't have the money if I don't Sale my home . I can't afford my home and up keep with my current debt. I may refinance and consolidate. I will lose my great presentage rate. But that is what is.
I feel good now, there my be a time when I can't do it. If I wait I my never do it. Or I can Sale and down size, and just keep doing what I'm doing barley making it check to check... decisions are the worst. What it would be to be young again!!! No worries!
Keith, very sorry to her about your situation. Perhaps consider selling everything, paying off debt and renting a small apartment. That way you may be able to achieve your travel goals.
An older motorhome can be a money pit.
We are kinda thinking that way Jeff and Sandy. I've never lived in an apartment but for 4 months while I remold an older hose to move into. I know that even the best motor home can be an expense. Just thinking if I could get the right u295 no slides, that someone has really taken care of. I could do this for 3 to 5 years and then settle down maybe rent a small place somewhere. Am I'm just dreaming??? That is kind why I'm here asking y'all with experience. And I am hearing that I my not be able to make it happen just to much of a risk money wise, for where I am now in life. When you finely have the time ,you don't have the health. When you had your health you worked your life away trying to get to the point to enjoy a little bit of life... thank you all for your honest and helpful direction.
Keith
What you are wanting to do is not out of the question or unreasonable. Your best bet is to find a coach from a member here on the forum that has been well maintained and cared for. A mid to late 90's U295 or even a Grandvilla would suit your needs in my opinion.
Never give up, you only live once, keep looking and planning. Wish you the best. Keep us updated.
I don't think you're dreaming.... or not too much anyway.
When you have a short runway, some things become more important than before.
In my opinion it just comes down to finding the right coach for your needs, at the right price for you.
Check out the classified section on a regular basis and keep on dreaming, you've earned it.
Just a bit of our story and some thoughts. I made a leap of faith and said "Yes" when my husband wanted to see it all and live on the road. I loved my home (3000 sq ft stone farmhouse built in 1841) and never wanted to leave it ... but I knew I would spend the rest of my days in that home looking out of the windows instead of living life. So ... I kept what was dearest to me in a climate controlled storage and girded my loins for an adventure. We spent 5 years on the road and I would still be happily do just that if back issues That made it difficult for my husband to drive and the beginnings of other health issues had not made it necessary for us to alter our lifestyle. We had a 40' rig that I could drive, but not be the ONLY driver! Once a year we visited my treasures in the storage unit and got rid of more things I "needed to keep".
My first thought when reading your story was "Does his wife intend to drive the rig?" She MUST be able to drive it. If you are suddenly taken ill, she needs to be able to get from A to B. Most hospitals (except, perhaps, inner city) have space available for you to park on the short term while receiving some treatment. Not hookups, but space. I know folks who have had hip replacements and recovered in their rig, treatments of heart ailments, etc. The next issue is Plan B. There always has to be an inkling of what you would do in urgent circumstances. Escapees is an organization that really caters to needs of their members who may need respite stays. Look into their philosophy and what they are able to do for their members. We used a fine mail forwarding service in South Dakota. Easy licensing, low taxes and registration, visit in person every couple of years to renew. What happens if you very suddenly have to go off the road? Will your cash reserve be sufficient to rent an apartment and regroup? Is there family who will "take you in" short term? Is there a network of doctors who can continue your treatment as you travel?
I am sure you have thought of these things. For me, seeing as many National Parks as possible, crisscrossing the country and taking it all in, meeting SO many wonderful people ... made leaving my little bubble all worthwhile. We both grew up in SE Pennsylvania. Once we crossed the Mississippi and got into the wide open spaces ... something just exploded in my head. I never thought I would live in the East again. We settled in Tucson when we stopped full timing. I LOVED the desert! Never would have left, but issues with Mr Wonderful made it necessary to be near family. I am happy here North Carolina and will be fine alone here in our little house if that day comes ... we had our Plan B AND Plan C.
You can't plan for every contingency. However, some of the best advice I was ever given was, "Do things before you HAVE to, so you are not at the mercy of urgent circumstances.". . You will work it out.
All the best. C
Another option is to travel "full-time" without the motorhome all together. My brother has been doing it for the last two years. He hunts for good deals on AirBnB's, often stays for a month or so, and sees the country that way. Just him and his Ford Mustang. His nightly cost is about the same as if you were to RV... if you factor in maintenance and fuel, it's cheaper.
Now don't get me wrong, by brother prioritizes the cost of his AirBnBs over location/prime season/etc.. and that often dictates his travel, but he's still seen about as much as the country as I have without the hassle of a motorhome.
Kieth please understand you are talking to the most biased group because we all have coached for what ever reason. I completely understand your idea, but personally I wouldnt want to add a lot more stress to your already stress filled life. I'd reccomend either leasing or renting, but staying free from the commitment a coach ownership would bring. Sorry for your circumstances. Today the coach may work but with changes coming it would be an anchor for your wife. IMO
I loved my 42 foot coach. I lived in it during radiation and it lived just like a house. I had a 34 and 36 as well and they all lived well. If I had to choose right now I would go with a non slide cheaper unit like you mentioned. Simpler and less issues but a foretravel is still expensive to operate. I downsized to a 29 foot class c and total costs of repairs since 2017 is less than a set of tires and I had a couple big ticket items on the f550. Seeing the country is why you would buy one and not to sit still and that increases the cost. Hard to say without seeing them but if you pick your floor plan you will be happy with and let the size follow I had no issues with any of my coaches getting around the parks I wanted to stay in. If you plan on noondocking in national forests you are going to need a much different style of motorhome for full access.
Wow. Thank you all very much. Elliot, DSD, Carol. My wife can drive, her dad was a trucker, and I can help her. We have a great support team and family here at home. Some strown across the country. I do worry about leaving my wife with a burden. But I really want to spend some good times with her before I go. I really like the ideal of the Airbnb. Thanks Elliot. We will look at that avenue more closely. My wife and I have only been married 4yrs. Known each other from the age of 6, grew up on the same mountain in east tn. After years of life and the changes that brings we came together and have started a new chapter. Thanks again, it is very much appreciated.
Keith, we are on the other side of the teeter totter. Lynda was given 6 months in June 2020 after chemo failed to address her lung cancer. Her primary doctor had me put a DNR notice on the refrigerator. We immediately dropped plans for the extended future and started living for the day. She is now no worse off than she was then and her Oncologist can give no explanation other than if she is happy with her condition just keep doing what we are doing. So don't give up on yourself and do things that make you and your wife happy.
Thanks Chuck and Lynda. They will see claw marks when we go .we are hanging on our best wishes to you both. It's just as hard on the caretaker as the one with the ailments,maybe even more .
Keith, we are luckier than you as I am still healthy enough to help Lynda. If the conditions were reversed we would not be able to use the coach and do what we are doing. If you have relatives that will help you don't be too proud to use the help. I am already looking for who would take over for me if Lynda out survives me.
I can't give advice on what you should do. But I can give you my experience full timing in a Motorhome. I retired October 23. I had always wanted a MH and to travel the country. So my wife and I are doing just that. This is my first MH and the learning curve has been steep. I was also surprised at how much work it is moving these things down the road. And there is always something to fix. Don't get me wrong, we both love the lifestyle. But it's not easy and definitely not cheap. I do all the driving, route planning, setup and tear down. If your wife is going to be doing that she will have to be committed to this adventure or will quickly tire of it. When I first started I was killing my self trying to do long distances. Drive all day and pull in for the night, get up the next morning rinse and repeat. I had to remind myself. You are retired and have no schedule. SLOW down. So now I pick somewhere 200 miles down the road and my minimum stay is two days. Much more low stress. These things are fiberglass holes you throw money into. You just have to decide if the lifestyle is worth it to you and your wife. For us the answer was yes. One last thing on MHs. The sales price is just the beginning of the money hemorrhage. They said plan on spending 10% of the sales price on maintenance and getting all the bugs worked out. For me it was more like 15%. I hope you find the right path for you and your wife.
My U320 dislikes your statement, all though, I agree with your statement.
Everybody has a story. I started full timing in 2004 in a 1981 Foretravel Travco which was a well built diesel pusher at the time but it had hydraulic brakes whereas the later Foretravels had air brakes. I became a snow bird and migrated from AZ into NV and then OR & WA while doing some work on the internet, prospecting for gold in AZ, CA, & NV. Then I got into bounty fishing in WA during the summer and prospecting in the winter months. In 2016 I retired, sold the 1981 Foretravel for more than I paid for it and bought my current coach. I continued to snowbird until the virus hit. At that point, I rented some space at a friend's house in AZ and since then the longest trips I've made are regular trips to the local KOA to dump my waste tanks and take on fresh water.
I'm in pretty good shape for a 74 year old and still able to do the routine maintenance on the coach and my car but I wonder how much longer I'll be able to do it. Getting the coach ready to roll is more of a chore than it used to be.
I'm scheduled for cataract surgery later this month and again in August. That shouldn't be a big deal but I guess my point is none of us are getting younger. I like my doctors and I like my plan. I don't like the cold and I'm a long way from summer weather that's cool enough for me to even think about the trip.
I know there will come a time when I can't do this. I have to try while I can,or I will continue doing what I'm doing until I can't.
I'm going to do it, I'm just waiting on the relator to give me some feedback on my place to see where I'm at. It's gonna take some time, maybe I will come to my senses before then...lol
Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results...
We are crazy but not insane!
Dakota Slim
That's great, you give me even more of reason to do this. Thank you.
Keith, if you and you wife go for it, I wish you the best, Keep us posted here and if you have any questions about any aspect of your coach, be it mechanical, what to have along with you or travel tips, I'm sure you can find the answers her on this forum.
The answer to just about any question you will ever want to ask is probably already here on this forum. Use that search box up there in the RH corner of this page.
Does anyone know this 1999 u320 40'.
It's for sale in the Classifieds. I think he my have it at MOT. Journey, Roam, Explore is the name on the fourm.
Has a lot of updates.
Took propane out , run on electric from solar panels. 180,000 miles ISM450 ???
Any options?
Long time actively participating Forum member (since 2011). You can use the "Show Posts" link on their profile page to read back through their history with the coach and the Forum.
https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?action=profile;u=1909
If it is Journey, Roam, Explores coach you are looking at, the coach was well taken care of. It has many upgrades as the previous owner was full timer. He has since moved, or is in the process of moving out of country. He was a regular at the "Quartzite gathering" every year. Not sure what the asking price is, but I believe the coach was well maintained maintenance wise, and repairs were made when required. The above suggestion to review the previous history on the forum is a good one, as I believe he was a regular poster when active....
Here is the owner prior to JRE that did a lot of work on that coach.
https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?action=profile;u=819
You can look back through his post also for some of the upgrades.
Mike
Keith,
It took a couple of us to come up with the owner of this coach that was after Paul Smith and before JRE. Here is a link to a thread of some more work that was done to this coach. '99 U320 Various Renovations (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=29084.msg245145#msg245145) Verry good documentation.
Mike
This is the coach we rebuilt the rear calipers on plus 1 new rotor,it also has had the basement area redone and a high dollar solar
system.
Thank you Pamela and Mike, bigoil76, Chuck and Jennie and all who help find information on the coach. Si helpful
My wife and I have been full time since 2020 in a 36' Foretravel. We have had some great times, but maintenance and repairs can be very expensive. I am wondering if you have considered a less expensive rig, perhaps a class C. We have met a number of people on the road who full time in class C RVs and are quite happy. Obviously you would give up some of the space you would have in a Foretravel, but you could potentially pay less up front and have lower maintenance/operation/repair costs. I'm not knocking Foretravels, but just giving you something different to think about given your situation. If you do go with a Foretravel and want to travel to National Parks and other out of the way places, I recommend not going over 36'. There are a lot of places where a bigger rig either can't get in or it is really difficult.
Hi Dave and Kathy thank you.
I have found a 2002 U270 36'. The PO. have
Done exceptional maintenance and up keep.
Been inspectied, the only thing is the ac units on top are the original units, but are operating just fine no problem but age. The owner said they blow colder than his new coach. He is even offering me a warranty if I want it. In looking I have found class c that are somewhat cheaper not by much. But less space, many with gas engines. The quality was lacking. I've pulled a fith wheel, with my 2007 doge 5.7 gas engine. It would have to be replaced with a newer truck big$$$ right now. And you're going to still have problems that will need to be addressed. If I can find something, or anyone have suggestions to look at I will do it. That is why I'm here before I do this. I really only have one chance at this monetarily speaking and given my situation.
I could never afford a Foretravel or a high dollar rig. Without selling everything and just going for it. But with my life line being cut short, and losing my ability to make a sufficient living. I have to sell my home because I can't afford it any longer. So if I don't do this now ,which is not the best timing... I will never be able to do it. IDK???
THANK YOU.
Don't sweat the AC units, my 87 has the original units and they work fine. Mine are so old the shrouds are metal not plastic or fiberglass.
As far as a class C goes
Gas engine
No airbags
Reduced capacities
Been there done that
My wife and I bought a well maintained 2005 U270 36 ft with 2 slides last May (2023) at MOT. It seemed like we would avoid a lot of deferred maintenance as MOT had service records going back to when the coach was almost new. We had it inspected. I believed we had done everything we could to have a good experience. These things are a rolling house with lots of complex interconnected systems. The first year our maintenance costs have exceeded $6000 (we used Keith) That doesn't include the things I've fixed myself. I am now a semi-expert on the HWH slide pump, hydraulic solenoids, complex circuit board system - not a bad thing that I'm able to learn these tasks, but not what I was hoping for or expecting. The people on this forum and those that we met at the rally in Scottsboro AL have been nothing short of amazing. Just realize when things break they are expensive to fix.
Good luck,
Don
Thank you Don. That's good advice, and something always to consider. I saw that old red is coming up for sale. 34' no slides no aquahot to worry about. This really appeals to me and my situation if the price is right. Floridarandy has it. I know a lot on here know Randy . And this coach, what do you think?
A no-slide U-270 is as basic as a FT can get. I wouldn't be worried about the miles on the engine and transmission. These machines take a bit of maintenance - but once done, they are quite reliable, especially if used regularly as you plan to do.
Good luck, but if you find the right coach within your budget, I encourage you to pursue it. You more than most realize the gift of each day.
I will keep you in my prayers.
Memories or Heartaches
I hear your hopes and dreams for you and your wife in your posts here. I feel the uncertainty of how to best manage your finances while trying to find ways to create memories. My fear is that a motorhome, in my opinion, is not a good solution for housing and has the chance of complicating your dreams for memories and, at the same time potentially worsening your financial situation.
We've enjoyed every memory we've made in the 7+ years we've owned our FT. We entered prepared and fully expecting that what we paid for our coach was only a fraction of the cost to maintain the coach over the time we owned it. I've cautioned anyone who asked that the buyer of an older high-end motor coach needs to have sufficient resources to spend a similar amount over and above what they paid for their coach simply to deal with the surprises that occur during ownership. And, you'll never recover what you spend when you sell your coach. These costs don't include the cost of fuel, campgrounds, restaurants and other fun things to do while you're on the road.
So far the best advice I've seen is post #7 by Jeff and Sandy. Simplify your life financially and downsize your living costs to free up as much money and income as possible so you can find other simpler ways to create memories. Talk to a travel agent about group tours that can include hotels, meals, tours. See this for example:
10 Best Western USA Tours & Trips 2024/2025 - TourRadar (https://www.tourradar.com/v/region-west-usa)
Even the ultimate luxury tour of the west like this can be done for what it cost us for one engine repair during one of our trips out west.
Grand Canyon Tours & Escorted Tours | Tauck (https://www.tauck.com/tours/american-canyonlands-grand-canyon-escorted-tour?tcd=cy2024)
Would I trade our experiences if we had to do over again? Absolutely not, but then we knew what we were getting into, had the financial resources to deal with any contingencies and knew that we still had ample financial resources to continue living our lives into our old age even after we gave up the motorcoach.
My intention is not to turn this post into a downer. It's simply to recognize that dreams and memories are only worth creating if you can be reasonably certain they won't turn into heartache.
Floridarandy
Floridarandy has provided the most thorough answer. These coaches are like owning a private plane. The purchase price is just the price of admission.
Great post
Don
Thank you Randy , and well taken. Cancer has taken so much from us, I think of my wife even more. I hate to let it take this . It all comes down to money... that's a shame!
But that's how the system works. I hate it...
Well, after talking with, searching, and praying. We have come to the conclusion this is probably not for the best. Too much risk for the reward. I hate it!!! Thanks to everyone for your help . I'm glad I was able to get your opinions and life stories to help with my own. I hope the best for you all. Especially those who have there own battles with cancer. But if not cancer there are plenty of other battles others are too. Stay strong. Never give up. Never surrender. I fight the fine fight to the end. For the power that is in me is not mine. All glory goes to my heavenly father Jehovah!
Next year when the beast is put into complete remission we all will look forward to you getting back in the market and finding the perfect Foretravel for you and your family. All the best Keith.
Keith, although it saddens my hope for your happiness I think you have given this a lot of thought and I agree with your decision. I hope you find solace in your decisions. I don't recall who said this but I find it to be very true. A motor home is a house that lives in a continuous earthquake. Hope you reach out in the future, we will keep you in our prayers for you and your family. I look forward to your coach purchase in the future once you have the issues resolved
Scott and Kim
Keith, you and your wife made a wise move by posting on this forum and considering the replies before making a decision.
I'm sure we all wish you the best.