Re: Looking for a FT Reply #50 – February 26, 2012, 11:33:38 pm "If there's anything left-we miscalculated." Quote Selected
Re: Looking for a FT Reply #51 – February 26, 2012, 11:43:50 pm Quote from: Carol Savournin – February 26, 2012, 04:00:44 pmOur bumper sticker should say,"When we die, the last 3 checks will bounce."LOL Craig Quote Selected
Re: Looking for a FT Reply #52 – March 03, 2012, 01:51:20 pm What have I done? What have I done!!!!?I listened to someone who said, "Show the wife the interior and let her decide on that and you decide on the systems, etc.".Well, now she has seen several 42' DGFE's and guess what? She 'kinda likes the interior'. (Of course she says, "but look, you can have a desk!")So OK, now we are looking for a 36, 40, or.....42'; 1998-2001 /Non-slide /U320 hopefully kept inside, good up to date equipment and fair price.Flew to Fl. to look at a 42 Wednesday, from Az. but will head back tomorrow. So even though we are on the road, heading to Phoenix next, were online most days. thanks, ron and dorothy...........and lady (our toy rat terrier) gosh, she'd get lost in a 42, right? Quote Selected
Re: Looking for a FT Reply #53 – March 03, 2012, 02:09:11 pm Quote from: MemoryRoads – March 03, 2012, 01:51:20 pmWhat have I done? What have I done!!!!?I listened to someone who said, "Show the wife the interior and let her decide on that and you decide on the systems, etc.".Well, now she has seen several 42' DGFE's and guess what? She 'kinda likes the interior'. (Of course she says, "but look, you can have a desk!")So OK, now we are looking for a 36, 40, or.....42'; 1998-2001 /Non-slide /U320 hopefully kept inside, good up to date equipment and fair price.FOT just listed one ('99 42' DGFE non-slide) that I believe (if I read the "code" correctly) is a trade-in. If it is, that means you'd be dealing directly with the seller, not the consignment agent.Foretravel TexasLook - not only a desk but a big TOOLBOX for you Michelle Quote Selected
Re: Looking for a FT Reply #54 – March 03, 2012, 02:20:48 pm Ron,Lots of us "retired" sailors made the same decision-- after experiencing the quality and systems of a well built boat, we ended up in Foretravels.BTW, most of your cruising was in a Pacific Seacraft Crealock 37'. We sailed it out of both Texas and St Pete (Municipal Marina). If you were in St Pete in the mid 1990's, you might remember "Bear Boat".We are in Tucson at the moment-- will be here another week. Stop by and say hi on your way to Phoenix if you like.Brett Quote Selected
Re: Looking for a FT Reply #55 – March 03, 2012, 03:12:39 pm Brett, Yes, were thinking alike, quality counts.We lived aboard at the St. pete municipal marina in 95-96 to see if my gal could handle the boating 'thing'. In a week she said, she really did not need to go back to the house-for anything!Life was GOOD!Will contact you upon return, probably Monday.thanks, ron Quote Selected
Re: Looking for a FT Reply #56 – March 03, 2012, 04:26:05 pm I still think the DGFE is the roomiest non slide design, especially with the desk. Quote Selected
Re: Looking for a FT Reply #57 – March 03, 2012, 05:13:29 pm The 42 you looked at in FL didn't happen to be this one was it? 1998 Foretravel 42 Foot 320 UniCoachI'm curious on how it looks.Quote from: MemoryRoads – March 03, 2012, 01:51:20 pmFlew to Fl. to look at a 42 Wednesday, from Az. but will head back tomorrow. So even though we are on the road, heading to Phoenix next, were online most days. Quote Selected
Re: Looking for a FT Reply #58 – March 03, 2012, 09:01:51 pm yes sir, it was that one. I do not want to ruffle any feathers or lead anyone wrong. To be fair, I traveled far and hard to look at it and after hours of inspection and reflection, I decided yes maybe, but at only a certain price that reflected the negatives I felt, but........... I walked from the transaction. Too much work to do on it for me to be interested without reasonable $ considerations. First impression from photos and inaccurate writeup as well as the 50' view were great and drove me to get a plane ticket,but then I looked close at systems and details and careful conversation.Owner and I were not seeing things thru the same looking glass. Contact me privately if my view is worthy of your ears but it's like any other MH out there that photos only show layout and details must be seen in person. Details matter and in a short view you will only see half of what needs attention.In the morning, driving hours to airport, then again after departing plane tomorrow driving till midnight, so I can reply on Monday. Goodnight. Quote Selected
Re: Looking for a FT Reply #59 – March 03, 2012, 10:18:38 pm In the digital age with high resolution cameras and broadband, it's mandatory to let a seller know that you need close-up, detailed shots of everything and if they can't do that, either they are not that interested in selling it or have something to hide. This even goes for the title. Skype with a video camera can be useful, especially at a great distance. Before we bought ours, we received photos of rigs in "great condition" but after more checking, found that their dog had chewed a hole in the sofa, etc. If much needs fixing and not disclosed upfront, it generally may mean that the seller can be in a precarious financial situation and not only can't afford to fix it but also have not done the oil changes, lube jobs, brake pad replacement, etc. Takes a while to get up to speed on any new hobby/vehicle plus a while to learn to read between the lines, verbal or written, for the deceptions a seller may use. Was in the aircraft, boat, auto business first as part time fun and later to keep the pantry stocked. Quickly found that I had to count fingers (sometimes twice) after shaking hands to survive. Write it up to a learning experience and on to the next one.Pierce Quote Selected
Re: Looking for a FT Reply #60 – March 05, 2012, 12:23:01 pm Very good advice and comments Pierce!I will next time-follow your idea-of the 'requirement' for high quality digital photos or movie in one or several ongoing sets. It should not be difficult or questioned as unreasonable for anyone wishing to 'show' their coach, and you are correct, if they don't, then what does that mean. I could have saved time and $.Yes, I saw clear evidence of deception on this and some other coaches I have looked at, once able to see them up close. Sad, because that makes me question all else said by the owner or salesmen. Honesty can go far if utilized but .... can as in this case be a deal killer.I had anticipated the possibility of a non-event on this trip, but had hopes. What I did learn was that I like the layout of the 42 and should consider it if and when the right coach/circumstances appear. I can be just as right or wrong on my guestimate of satisfaction whether I choose a 34,40 or 42. When the right one catches our attention and we can get thru the handshake with all fingers attached, we will be proud owners.I have learned from viewing all these coaches and I'm not out there as a tire kicker, but as best I can, as an educated(in a basic way only-but getting up to speed)buyer. I continue to read much within your forum and others going back in time till late in the evening.but.....As said by someone, "If you think Education is expensive, thy Ignorance!"So we continue smiling and with more confidence.Stay well, keep smiling, ron and dorothy Quote Selected
Re: Looking for a FT Reply #61 – March 05, 2012, 01:32:43 pm It's out there somewhere though an educated shopper is going to have to do some lookin as you are. I was lucky enough to find just what I sought, a coach with body damage but pristine interior and robust systems. This enabled me to get into it for short money, taking a measure of guilt away regarding the number of toys I find myself owning. The repairs, which I've done myself as I enjoy this stuff, enabled me to update and personalize my coach. I'll keep an eye peeled around Houston for you. Others report the 42, or other coach with tag, will be the most effort free to drive though at some cost for fuel and maintenance. Are you wanting a coach already updated or a solid one to have updated? It seems like most are either doing, or planning, various upgrades. Running a mental tally on cost, I noted one for sale in the classifieds that the asking price appears to be about what is invested in improvements. Enjoy the hunt.Chuck Quote Selected
Re: Looking for a FT Reply #62 – March 05, 2012, 09:45:00 pm Ron,The search function on this forum is one of your best tools for research. Pick your topic and you are likely to find experiences, recommendations, and sometimes some estimates of cost.The best "hit list" of which I am aware are the compilations of items to check as part of the PDI (Pre-Delivery Inspection). Barry and Darlene Brideau's Personal Website has the best compilation of specific items, part numbers, specifications, etc. Costs are not included because they vary by vendor, location, and time.You asked under a different subject about the cost and timing of some repairs and replacements. I can say that a set of eight Koni FSD dampers installed a year ago at FOT was about $1,600. Each damper was about $160 and installation was around $40 each. I put them on at about 75,000 miles. They replaced OEM Bilsteins that were about 14 years old. I didn't notice much difference in ride or handling. Other people have noticed significant improvement in handling.We recently replaced the cooling unit in what I think was the original refrigerator. Cost to repair was about $700. I did the work. Refrigerators seem to last from three to 15 years. Some folk have been pleased with residential style refrigerators that are significantly cheaper than absorption units.I replaced the carpet in a previous coach with good quality Armstrong snap together flooring for about $1,000. I did the work. In the Foretravel, wife and I agree that we would rather have a professional remove all the furniture, toilet, moldings, etc., and replace the flooring. Cost estimate from a professional was $7,000+- We had a 1997 37' DP of another brand from August, 2009, until April, 2010. We have had the 1997 U295 36' from April, 2010 until now. We spend $500-1000/month for repairs, maintenance, and updates. We travel about 9,000 to 12,000 miles per year.Those are some numbers based on our experience. Some people save a lot of money by doing work themselves, or working with local vendors. We have hired most of the work and it was done in NAC by FOT, MOT, and Xtreme P&G.We have propane furnaces. They require little maintenance and few repairs unless the daubers or other critters get into them. They are noisier and don't regulate as well as Aqua-Hot, but they are cheaper to maintain and repair.Keep searching for information here. Create a search definition at Oodle that will feed leads to you. We found our coach because of a notification on this forum. We inspected it the next day after it showed up on Craig's List, and bought it within the week. Quote Selected
Re: Looking for a FT Reply #63 – March 06, 2012, 06:01:37 am Well with respect to buying "older coaches 10 or more years old" you just got to go look. I have used rv appraisel services in the past to look at used coaches, they are very reasonabley priced, provide detailed photos and condition reports and save a lot of time and money going to look. Asking people for piles of detailed photos, movies, and on and on gets to be a bit much (I had one person ask me to drive the coach 300 miles so a friend could look at it for him). There is no older coach that is going to be in perfect condition not even if it just came out of Xtream graphics, or F/T's remodel shop you just can't wipe off time. Then from a sellers standpoint after you provide all this information the buyers eather never return your emails or show up and pick your coach to little pieces, then offer you behind auction wholesale, then want you to put on 6 new tires all new batterys, a full service before they leave hum! Quote Selected
Re: Looking for a FT Reply #64 – March 08, 2012, 12:50:27 am chuck, JD and Barry..........wonderful responses!thank you from 'me' and I'd bet many, many more silent readers.Your answers were well thought out/not alike/and carefully analyzing my original questions.Top notch! ronwas offline due to road travel and a few fixes we had to do along the way that kept me driving/searching. Moving on from now Quartzite to LA to visit friends, then TX, Wy???following leads as best I can.Any other DGFE's 98-01's out there for sale, 40' or 42'? Wife likes the galley and desk thing................. Quote Selected
Re: Looking for a FT Reply #65 – March 08, 2012, 11:34:44 am We have a 40 ft AGDS. This is an open floor plan but private potty room. We saw this plan and looked for it when we traded up. Good Luck Tks DAN Quote Selected
Re: Looking for a FT Reply #66 – March 08, 2012, 12:26:18 pm This 42' U320 popped up on Oodle the other day and it is at FOT. seems like a good value for a 42'...1999 Foretravel 4200 U320, Nacogdoches TX - 102516649 - RVTraderonline.com;Quote from: MemoryRoads – March 08, 2012, 12:50:27 amchuck, JD and Barry..........wonderful responses!thank you from 'me' and I'd bet many, many more silent readers.Your answers were well thought out/not alike/and carefully analyzing my original questions.Top notch! ronwas offline due to road travel and a few fixes we had to do along the way that kept me driving/searching. Moving on from now Quartzite to LA to visit friends, then TX, Wy???following leads as best I can.Any other DGFE's 98-01's out there for sale, 40' or 42'? Wife likes the galley and desk thing................. Quote Selected
Re: Looking for a FT Reply #67 – March 08, 2012, 12:43:51 pm Quote from: acousticart – March 08, 2012, 12:26:18 pmThis 42' U320 popped up on Oodle the other day and it is at FOT. seems like a good value for a 42'Don,That's the one I'd posted about a few days ago - only took a day or so for "sale pending" to appear on the listing.Michelle Quote Selected
Re: Looking for a FT Reply #68 – June 30, 2012, 06:42:05 pm I wish to Thank..........Seriously Thank! all members of this forum for all the imput they have offered.We have, because of the incredible knowledge base available on this forum, been able to analyse and then choose our next home/ our future base.Memory Roads is part of it, but certainly, we would not have been able to get to where we are now without the 'gift' of honesty from so many of you. Forgive me please if I had asked strong questions or ?? I am human.In the future, I will do what I have done in the past, to search out truth and to pass it on.thanks to all of you that have tried to be a part of an honest base of information! ron Quote Selected
Re: Looking for a FT Reply #69 – June 30, 2012, 08:08:30 pm So, MemoryRoads, what have you decided on, or are you negotiating?We've looked at various floorplans on paper, and have eliminated one or two from consideration, but we're not going to decide on our future home based only on a drawing. We've been known to "wash the dishes" in one coach after another on a lot as we try to get an idea about what will and will not work for us. We're also working on a list of things, mainly kitchen items, that will need to go with us. As we look at coaches we look for where those items will live. Quote Selected
Re: Looking for a FT Reply #70 – June 30, 2012, 08:17:36 pm He bought and took possession of a coach. Click under his name on his Memory Roads coach link. He tells the story there. Quote Selected
Re: Looking for a FT Reply #71 – June 30, 2012, 08:59:37 pm Congratulation, Ron. Your new adventure begins with a fine looking coach!Peter Quote Selected
Re: Looking for a FT Reply #72 – July 02, 2012, 12:35:45 am Well Ron, sorry late responding, been on road with only an iPhone. So a belated congratulations on finding what you wanted. You have worked hard to find it. You could help out if you would access in the ForeForums Files the document on the 1999-2001 FT Information Exchange. http://www.foreforums.com/MGalleryItem.php?id=2085 In that I hope you find some things that will help you with your new coach. And I hope as you discover things you will add to those to the file list. The idea is that we help each other. I did not intend it be restricted to those year coaches, but from James Stallings I gather these are very similar coaches. I suspect the 1997-1998 fit into this category as well?I learned I think from Tim, but maybe another, that the change from 2000 to 2001 moved the ceiling AC vents forward. Little things like that are interesting to me, maybe not others. I doubt it would change anyone's mind which to purchase, but it might help in considering various models. Again, wishes for good times and travel mercies, Mike Quote Selected
Re: Looking for a FT Reply #73 – July 02, 2012, 07:34:17 am Welcome to the 2001 slide club. I bought an 01 and completely gutted and remodeled. There are interesting factoids on an 01 that are different from later years. A great coach all in all. Quote Selected
Topic: Looking for a FT