Re: Jackson's CC vs. FT
Reply #2 –
First off, without a doubt, the cabinetry in the FT, at least in our '99 U320, was superior. The cabinets, fit and finish in the interior, seemed more "solid". That's not to say that the cabinetry, etc. are poorly built in the CC... there's "good" then there's "better than good".
Slide mechanisms... not sure how I feel about that since we have 4 on the Intrigue and didn't have any on the FT. The slide mechanisms on the CC are alot easier to deal with if you have a failure, no bladder to inflate/deflate and if a slide fails, it's relatively easy to manually retract it. It's also alot cheaper to repair from what I understand. The 4 slides add ALOT of room and make the salon & bedroom area very comfortable. Heck, I could of even brought ALL my drums and set 'em up but for some reason, Kim didn't sign on with that idea.
Basement storage. Actually had significantly more storage in our '99 FT than on our Intrigue, both inside and out. And that (Dave), was even with Kim compromising on her shoe collection. I understand that a tag takes up basement storage space & BTW, that tag axle is great, despite adding $12-1800 to the cost of tire replacement. Really stabilizes the ride.
Engine. We have a Cat C13, 525HP and Allison 6 tranny. Engine seems to run hotter which I understand is not unusual but neverthe less, while in the White mountains of NH, it definitely got my attention & worry (took it in to a Cat shop to have the cooling system checked out). Off the line, I don't have the pickup the FT had but I also have 4 slides & a tag. It does maintain speed going up a 7% grade slowing to 45-50 on a 12%. I wish I had my trans retarder vs. the 3 stage exhaust brake. Not to say the exhust brake isn't good, I just think the retarder is right up there with sliced bread.
We have a HydroHot (little brother of the AquaHot) and don't notice any real difference. The Intrigue, perhaps because of the number of slides, doesn't have the venting the FT had and thus, in 20 degree night time temps, the space is cooler. Thank god for Roger Berke.
Fuel, water - fresh, grey and black capacities aren't as much in the Intrigue which means I have to keep a closer eye on dumping. I have both grey and black water flushing capability which I didn't have on our 99 FT. Sure like it, too.
Driving. In this area, the Intrigue, IMHO, far exceeds that of our U320. That's not to say the FT didn't drive well, it did - was just as solid and smooth on the highway. Where the CC excells is in it's turn radius and maneuvering. It seemed that with our FT, we had to work more in backing, making sharp turns, etc. than with the Intrigue - it's effortless. Matter of fact, when we were looking and test driving various coaches, when I got behind the wheel of the CC, it was a noticably better and really what got me looking closer at the CC's.
Weight was a problem in the past but I believe the issue was with the tires - Toyo's, which weren't rated to handle the weight. Once that was addressed with other tires, I don't believe that was so much the issue anymore.
Country Coach is back in bid'ness - at least in their service and consignment sales. Their plan is to start making coaches again next year. So, parts and specifics about a particular coach build is still available - there's alot of knowledgable and experienced folks in Oregon still working with CC. Besides that, both MoT and FT can and do perform work on CC. MoT has done maintenance on ours.
However, there is no Barry Beam in the CC forums (not to say there's not knowledgable CC owners, there are).
Which brings me to another, equally as important, as coach quality and that is the coach community. Country Coach has had alot of turmoil both company wise and within the forum/club community, so much so, there's a split between various factions. Kind of an "Easties vs. Westies" thing. Actual arguments break out! Also, the CC forums utilize the OLD, ARCHAIC, Yahoo format - like what Foretrave used prior to Steve and Michelle stepping up and creating this format. As with the old FT Yahoo, it doesn't seem to foster the community (even though their moderator allows non-technical topics 
). The technical support one gets from the CC forums isn't anywhere near as thorough as in the ForeForums... lot's of opinions then some... heated opinions being expressed. That being said, I have met some really fine people on the CC forums.
I believe and this is just my humble, opinionated self talking... that this format used for Foretravelers, has done more in creating a sense of community between owners (and lookers), than anything else.... well, beside their love of the product. It makes a huge difference (which is why I still "lurk" about, besides having made friends with several folks before going to the other side...), in helping folks tame their beasts' idiosyncrasies with the support given by other owners.
Would I get another Foretravel? Absolutely. When we decide to settle down some, not needing as much space & storage and travel only half the year or so, we'll look at a 36' and that will most likely be a Foretravel. Whenever I see a GrandVilla for sale, I kind of pine away - love the retro look.
Hope I didn't go on too much. This is just my experience and I'm learning everyday.
Topic: Jackson's CC vs. FT