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Late model Nimbus coaches

Anyone have experience with 2007-2008 Nimbus?
Royce & Denise, MC #17410
'01 U320 4220 ISM450 Build #5895 SOLD
Toad: '10 Honda CR-V

Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world. - Gustave Flaubert

Re: Late model Nimbus coaches

Reply #1
I had a 2008 Nimbus and now have a 2009.  Really liked the 08. Love the 09 slightly different layout. 


Roy
Roy Dameron
Ex 2009 42ft Nimbus
Jeep Unlimited

Re: Late model Nimbus coaches

Reply #2
I have talked to a number of owners who love them. 
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: Late model Nimbus coaches

Reply #3
Roy, how does it handle going over a raised driveway at an angle. My current SOB does not do it very well. If I don't go over it at a crawl, I get that violent rocking motion, throwing stuff around the basement and the coach.

The specs that I have seen show the Nimbus as not having IFS, a feature that I swore I would have on my next coach.
Royce & Denise, MC #17410
'01 U320 4220 ISM450 Build #5895 SOLD
Toad: '10 Honda CR-V

Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world. - Gustave Flaubert

Re: Late model Nimbus coaches

Reply #4
THe outboard airbags make a huge difference. 
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: Late model Nimbus coaches

Reply #5
Royce,

I recommend that you arrange a test drive in a Foretravel. Our first drive in a FT was a remarkably different experience than driving the SOB that we owned.

Our experience regarding the rocking induced by a diagonal pass over a small dip is based on old coaches.

We had a 1997 37' DP on a Freightliner chassis. It had four "inboard" air springs. We added new Koni FSD shocks and motion control valves from Henderson's line up. We still had to use caution on the dreaded diagonal pass over the "drainage dips" that one might encounter turning at an intersection. Some traverses opened cabinet doors and emptied shelves.

We now have a 1997 36' U295. I has eight "outboard" air springs on the Foretravel chassis. The front axle is solid. We replaced Bilstein shock absorbers with Koni FSDs. It handles the "drainage dips" with much more dignity than did the SOB. One still needs to use caution, but the handling and ride of the FT is remarkably better than was the handling and ride of a similar coach on the Freightliner platform.

Roy demonstrated to me that he preferred the 2009 Nimbus with three slides over the 2008 with four slides. With the elimination of the slide near the kitchen area, he would no longer hit his head on the frame around the slide when going for something in the kitchen. Those of us who are live our lives with our heads closer to the ground, even when we stand tall, don't have that problem. :D
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX

Re: Late model Nimbus coaches

Reply #6
Bamafan

I have a driveway that inclines significantly from street and the approach to the driveway creates an angle.  I could not make the turn and incline without the ability to raise the coach.

I have found by raising and where I place the rear wheels that I can make the turn with little leaning......just going slowly and raised so front clears curb out front and the street after get coach straightened out....

I watched Dave M. one time leave the drive with no hesitation.  I am more cautious, have a 40 ft coach.  Hope this helps, if need to talk, then send a PM and, or I could send you photos.

But again, the raise function and careful starting up the incline, thru the dip, makes it fine.  Nothing falls around or gives any indication of concern if I do this well.   

Mike
Mike
2001 U320 4010 Build 5878 (Gus)
Wrangle Unlimited Toad
Nacogdoches

Re: Late model Nimbus coaches

Reply #7
My previous coach was a Phaeton on the Freightliner chassis and I had forgotten how much it leaned on turns and rocked on the "Walmart entry dips" until I rode in a Buddy's 2011 Phaeton recently. My 2001 U320 corners much flatter and has much less drama on the diagonal dips. It is one of the rare early IFS models, but I've driven other Foretravels with the solid front axle and they handle just as well; other than the wheel cut when parking, you will not know which one you are driving until you get out and look.
Jeff & Patricia
Rescue dog Molly
Previous Foretravel owner

Re: Late model Nimbus coaches

Reply #8
My previous coach was a Phaeton on the Freightliner chassis and I had forgotten how much it leaned on turns and rocked on the "Walmart entry dips" until I rode in a Buddy's 2011 Phaeton recently. My 2001 U320 corners much flatter and has much less drama on the diagonal dips. It is one of the rare early IFS models, but I've driven other Foretravels with the solid front axle and they handle just as well; other than the wheel cut when parking, you will not know which one you are driving until you get out and look.
Me to Jeff. Same SOB and have the same comments about the Foretravel. Handles great!

Re: Late model Nimbus coaches

Reply #9
Roy,

Are these both IFS coaches?  Any comments on the IFS if so?  What year did Nimbus start IFS?



I have talked to a number of owners who love them.
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: Late model Nimbus coaches

Reply #10
My 08 was 40ft and had the solid from axle and 4 slides.  I never noticed any problem with speed bumps or dips.  Just a very solid easy drive.  My 09 is a 42ft three sides and has IFS with active air suspension.  There is not much difference in the handling, both are very good.  The IFS has a tighter wheel cut, which makes it easier to turn in tight quarters.  It may have a slightly smoother ride {or just softer}.  Air ride suspension, I think is slightly more stable in wind.  Both coaches are superb! If I had not kept banging my head on the kitchen slide header, I would still own the 08.  That and the fact that I liked the two recliners in the 09 better than the two sofas in the 08.  And at the time the deal was too good to past up. 

Roy
Roy Dameron
Ex 2009 42ft Nimbus
Jeep Unlimited

 

Re: Late model Nimbus coaches

Reply #11
Thanks Roy.

My 08 was 40ft and had the solid from axle and 4 slides.  I never noticed any problem with speed bumps or dips.  Just a very solid easy drive.  My 09 is a 42ft three sides and has IFS with active air suspension.  There is not much difference in the handling, both are very good.  The IFS has a tighter wheel cut, which makes it easier to turn in tight quarters.  It may have a slightly smoother ride {or just softer}.  Air ride suspension, I think is slightly more stable in wind.  Both coaches are superb! If I had not kept banging my head on the kitchen slide header, I would still own the 08.  That and the fact that I liked the two recliners in the 09 better than the two sofas in the 08.  And at the time the deal was too good to past up. 

Roy
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide