Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: New Foretravels for sale at Motor Home Specialist (Read 1143 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: New Foretravels for sale at Motor Home Specialist

Reply #1 –
Boy howdy, am I ever not in that tax bracket :o
Was really hoping for some interior shots. I bet it's just *fabulous*. Love the feature list as well. One really stands out though, low battery genset autostart. I wonder how hard that would be to retrofit, although with 200+W of solar on the roof I can't say I'm all that concerned. But it would be nice insurance.
Jay
1989 U280 SE, 36', 3208T Cat, build 3292

Re: New Foretravels for sale at Motor Home Specialist

Reply #2 –
Sure is a heck of a markdown.  I see similar markdowns today on coaches on the FT website.  But with $5k payments....not gonna happen here.  One of the new 2014s is "Consigned Coach Viewable @ Tiger Run in Breckenridge CO, Lot 343".  I wonder what that means for the future, if anything. 
The selected media item is not currently available.Brad & Christine Slaughter
Was:  1990 U280 36'
Was:  2002 U270 36' (With a bathroom door) Build #5981
Is:  2021 Leisure Travel Van Wonder 24RL
2015 Jeep JKU, 2003 S10 QC 4x4 or 2017 C-Max
Lake Havasu City, AZ (or Gillette, WY)

Re: New Foretravels for sale at Motor Home Specialist

Reply #3 –
Probably means they have too many on the lot.  I also believe that the price point they are producing is too high. A little less glitz and a bit fewer man hours but the same build quality will bring them back down by a third to a much easier price point. They do this every so often and have too much inventory and slash prices.  Lyle indicated that at last years GV that they had a burst of sales and had no inventory so I assume they cranked it up a bit and now they have too many IH models.  I know an IH is too tall for me here on the east coast. I hope they get their production numbers smoothed out soon.
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: New Foretravels for sale at Motor Home Specialist

Reply #4 –
I saw at motorhomes specialists that they had new Outlaw Conversion Prevost at 1.499.  That might also indicate that the high end is getting over saturated.
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: New Foretravels for sale at Motor Home Specialist

Reply #5 –
Quote from: MAZ –
I just noticed that Motor Home Specialist's are selling new Foretravels ?????

The announcement just showed up on Foretravel's website

Foretravel Conversions : View News Article


Our limited dealings with MHSRV years ago was that they were very professional.  They will provide great exposure for Foretravel for folks initially looking at higher end SOBs.

Michelle
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: New Foretravels for sale at Motor Home Specialist

Reply #6 –
It appears that FT really does not want MOT to sell coaches.  Wonder how Platinum Coach feels about the new relationship as you now have two "dealers" in the Dallas metroplex. 

But then Platinum heads to Tiger Run for the summer with a coach and CA in the winter so I guess there isn't any competition in Dallas.
Tom & Bill

2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Re: New Foretravels for sale at Motor Home Specialist

Reply #7 –
Quote from: txforetravel –
But then Platinum heads to Tiger Run for the summer with a coach and CA in the winter so I guess there isn't any competition in Dallas.

Platinum isn't exactly a "known" dealer in Dallas.  Do they even have a facility?  I had never heard of them outside of the FT relationship announcement.  Last time I looked at it, their website was a Wordpress blog and there was no mention of Foretravel on it ::)  Still scratching my head at that "sales relationship".

MHSRV is very well-known and regarded.  I know we first visited them in 2003 and they were well-established at the time.  I think it's a better choice for FT and for potential buyers, but that's just my opinion - worth what you just paid me for it :D

-M
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: New Foretravels for sale at Motor Home Specialist

Reply #8 –
I drive past MHSRV to get to the warehouse where I park with Bill Chaplin.  Noticed last month they are expanding their parking to the north towards the other dealer.  They have a huge inventory, parking areas, and have the high end coaches under cover along the service road.  Their flashing billboard says "save over 25% off MSRP".  Hopefully it will help Foretravel to have them showing and selling coaches closer to the DFW area.
Dave Cobb
Buckhorn Lake Resort The Club, #6202, Kerrville TX
check the map.  I do rent it out when I am traveling!
2001, U320, 36' #5887, in Kerrville, FT Club #17006, (7/23 to present)
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Summit, white
EX: 98 U295, 36' #5219, (mid door), (4/13-10/23)
EX: 93 U225, 36' (4/11 to 4/13)

Re: New Foretravels for sale at Motor Home Specialist

Reply #9 –
I agree 100% with you!  I hope MH specialists can sell the heck out the FTs. Plus it would be another great place to trade up to!  As is MOT. 

And yes, it's still a Wordpress blog website at Platinum but they do show Foretravels and are promoting them.  I guess that's progress.   

Tom & Bill

2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Re: New Foretravels for sale at Motor Home Specialist

Reply #10 –
When FOT was downsizing after the change of ownership, it appears they went to a factory direct model to lower cost of sales and lower their break even given the smaller unit volume. In addition FOT elected to compete head on with MOT and Xtreme for repair, remodel, and paint/body work.

It would appear that all three are doing well, I know that MOT's service department is booked well out into the future as is Xtreme. MOT seems to turn over their inventory at a crisp rate. And dealers may make some sense away from the factory depending on your business model, but if you have a factory sales team and trade used or consignment coaches, you can't compete with a dealer two miles or less down the same highway.

Actually, despite the "friction of the transition", I think MOT, Xtreme and FOT all won from this business transformation, Xtreme and MOT less dependent on FOT, and FOT stronger financially. We the end users are the beneficiary of the availability and longevity of all three.

So, no, FOT does not want MOT selling new Foretravels. After MOT's Country Coach experience, not sure MOT wants to do more than service and trade/consign used coaches. Floor planning coaches is expensive and can be deadly if you have a lot of expensive coaches on the lot (as a dealer) and the market goes in the tank (just ask Lazy Days RV and a host of others.....)
Tim Fiedler    2025 LTV Unity MBL on Order
2000 Chevy Tracker 2 Door Convertible 4WD Now lifted 4.5"
1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston
Murphy Rebel on wheels with 175HP Titan
Cessna P337
1980 48' Westport MY (!/4 Share)

Re: New Foretravels for sale at Motor Home Specialist

Reply #11 –
As an owner of a newer Foretravel, I believe that FOT has made the right decision to invest in the higher price point RV market. While I was shopping around for my first RV after selling my fleet of charter buses, I decided on Foretravel vs Prevost. I also owned a lot in Palm Springs next door to the owner of Newell. He tried to convince me of his product which I really did consider at one point. I had many Prevost buses over the past twenty years as charter buses and they were good. However, to invest that much money into an RV while Foretravel built the same quality at a lower price point made better sense. Since I made my investment, many clients that we shuffled around in buses now own Foretravels - especially IH models. There is definitely a good and healthy market for high end RVs today. The more exposure Foretravel makes the more they will sell.

I have never used MOT or Extreme since my coach is new. I do not feel that FOT decided to compete against them. Rather, FOT exercised their option to offer more services to increase profit. I do see MOT and Extreme fortunate to have a company like FOT and their large client base to share with in terms of repair and remodel. FOT surely could handle all the work if they chose to, so maybe they (FOT) knows a good thing by having competition to help with the work load.

One thing does remain. We are very fortunate to have a company like FOT remain in business. While we have an economy that seems to want to destroy the existence of RVs, we surely must be appreciative that the owners of FOT, MOT, and Extreme stick it out through rough times. Many good companies have thrown in the towel and walked away, never to return in this market.   
Steven & Anna Lindemann
2012 Prevost  H3-45 VIP
2007 Foretravel 40' Nimbus
2014 Cadillac Escalade

Private/Charter Bus Driver-Owner
30 Years of Driving the Stars of Nashville

Re: New Foretravels for sale at Motor Home Specialist

Reply #12 –
Agree with your post, but FOT had supported MOT and Xtreme by not competing, and then did make a difficult decision to compete to get to profitability on the base business. - in MOT's case they went from dealer model to Factory sales model, including consignment and used sales, and in Xtreme's case FOT started to do paint and headlights etc. on older coaches.

As you said, it was their option, but had significant short term impact on Xtreme and especially MOT. Peace in NAC is a good thing, and indeed we are fortunate to have a supportive profitable Factory and great financially sound service centers such as MOT and XTREME. Plus members of the forum continue to review other highly competent RV service centers around the country.

These increase the value of the Brand and our coaches, as well as the ownership experience.

All Good.
Tim Fiedler    2025 LTV Unity MBL on Order
2000 Chevy Tracker 2 Door Convertible 4WD Now lifted 4.5"
1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston
Murphy Rebel on wheels with 175HP Titan
Cessna P337
1980 48' Westport MY (!/4 Share)

Re: New Foretravels for sale at Motor Home Specialist

Reply #13 –
I have a little different slant on this, having just gone thru the process of pricing a 38" Phenix with the 600 ISX, 3 roof heat pumps, and all the normal & standard features of the Phenix, with my coach in trade, &650,000.00 .
Hold the fort folks, $800,000 for the 45" IH, 1, 1/2 bath, 7' longer, no trade in, makes me think ordering thru Motor Homes Spec. Would be better pricing.
Most interesting how the price structure works that allows Motor Homes to make a good profit too.
Was not interested when I realized the 38' w/ISX 600 could never run with my present toy.
Educational stuff due to the additional weight. :o

Re: New Foretravels for sale at Motor Home Specialist

Reply #14 –
I think that a relationship with Motorhome Specialist and if they could get Lazy days too, they would increase exposure and sales.  I think this will be a win for FOT. 
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: New Foretravels for sale at Motor Home Specialist

Reply #15 –
The air gets pretty thin near the top of the market and that's why the Lazy Days product line stops with the American Heritage at $850k - very few buyers above that price point. Foretravel needs to look seriously at a model priced below the Nimbus to open up a market segment with better volume for dealers - targeting the Tiffin Zephyr, American Eagle, Newmar Mountain Aire and Entegra Cornerstone in the $500-600k price level. That's a lot of competition but there may be a niche for something a little different.

I'm also doing a little mental math and at today's production rate of 20-25 coaches a year, it is going to be pretty lonely when those coaches depreciate down to our price level. Compare that to the pool of 10-14 year old coaches created when Foretravel was cranking out almost 10 times as many rigs in the 1997-2002 years.


Jeff & Patricia
Rescue dog Molly
Previous Foretravel owner

Re: New Foretravels for sale at Motor Home Specialist

Reply #16 –
On my drive by Sat. I noticed the two Foretravel coaches are front and center out the main office door.  They flank the fleet of golf carts under the covered display roofs along the service road.  Anyone getting a golf cart ride to see coaches will have to notice them as they travel the many acres of display coaches.
Dave Cobb
Buckhorn Lake Resort The Club, #6202, Kerrville TX
check the map.  I do rent it out when I am traveling!
2001, U320, 36' #5887, in Kerrville, FT Club #17006, (7/23 to present)
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Summit, white
EX: 98 U295, 36' #5219, (mid door), (4/13-10/23)
EX: 93 U225, 36' (4/11 to 4/13)
 

Re: New Foretravels for sale at Motor Home Specialist

Reply #17 –
Quote from: Dave and Dolly Cobb –
On my drive by Sat. I noticed the two Foretravel coaches are front and center out the main office door.  They flank the fleet of golf carts under the covered display roofs along the service road.  Anyone getting a golf cart ride to see coaches will have to notice them as they travel the many acres of display coaches.

Good show, MHSRV ^.^d
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320