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Topic: Care to share your thoughts on the Nimbus series? (Read 1239 times) previous topic - next topic

Care to share your thoughts on the Nimbus series?

I guess I'm still in the asking-questions mode as I want to be more informed if and when I upgrade.  We've occasionally made the short detour through Nacogdoches to look at a coach that seemed interesting from the websites. One such recent detour was to look at a 2007 36' 3-slide Nimbus at MOT.  This coach was a trade-in on a 40' Nimbus, and it looks very nice after just a cursory inspection. 

This was my first time to look at a Nimbus, or actually at any Foretravel from the later model years so I know little about them.  These later models are now depreciating enough that someday one may be in my budget.  I've read that the Nimbus was originally a rebadged U-320, although this particular Nimbus has a 400 hp engine and an 8kw generator unlike the larger engine and generators of the U-320's.  The price on this particular coach seemed very reasonable in comparison with several U-320's I see offered currently, although I realize that this 36' Nimbus is shorter than many other coaches.  Also I see that the Phoenix series seems to be considerably more expensive than the Nimbus.  They are both probably out of my league, but that's another story.

I guess my real question is where does the Nimbus fit into the Foretravel hierarchy?  What are the important differences in the "U"-series versus the Nimbus versus the Phoenix?  As I said in the beginning I'm not yet ready to buy, but I'm just compiling information for the day I can no longer resist the call.  I'm presently living in my U-240 for 5 days a week while I'm working away from home so I definitely see the advantages of more space and modern amenities.  I'm resisting the call, but I can still hear it.

Thanks for any information or discussions you may offer.

Glen
Glen Kenney
Colmesneil, Tx
Former owner of
1997 40' U320
Build # 5099

Re: Care to share your thoughts on the Nimbus series?

Reply #1 –
I'd appreciate any insights also.  It seems like a logical upgrade path though I'd prefer a 36 single slide if such a thing exists.  I wish I wasn't really booked up with projects for the next year, would strongly consider buying the single slide 40 tag with office interior at FT.  That would be a fun job!
"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS

Re: Care to share your thoughts on the Nimbus series?

Reply #2 –
It depends on the nimbus.  Some have a bigger engine some smaller to prevent the need for a tag.  Other than power plant the insides are all the same.  The Aquahot might be a bit smaller in some years too. If the floorplan suits you, I would not hesitate to get one.
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: Care to share your thoughts on the Nimbus series?

Reply #3 –
Last Feb. I had a chance to tour brand new Nimbus (?), in Port Aransas.  It still had the paper tags, and was a custom build for the owner.  He had tried to get all he wanted onto his 38' floorplan, and in the end added 2'.  He had speced a beautiful interior, without any of the "Vegas" that I had seen in the new factory builds.  The ceilings were done not in mirrors and lights, but in wood patterns, like an inlaid table top.  The only mirror and lights were in one wine glass cabinet, that the owner had allowed.  On the first trip, one of the high dollar goblets was broken in transit.  On the punch list was the removal of the wine goblet system.  The coach was comfortable, not over the top, earth tones, and befitting a spot on some 30,000 acre ranch mesa.  On the cool day, with some windows open, he loved the heated tile floors, in his bare feet.  It will be a coach that will be snapped up as soon as it would come on the market.
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: Care to share your thoughts on the Nimbus series?

Reply #4 –
If my budget allowed I'd buy one for the heated floors alone! Maybe some more horsepower too. :)

see ya
ken
The selected media item is not currently available.ken & dori hathaway & Big Agnes
🍺1992 U300 GrandVilla WTBI #4150 FOT FBP 2011
✨6V-92TA DDEC Parlor Coach 350HP Series 92
🏁2011 Nissan XTerra Pro-4X

Re: Care to share your thoughts on the Nimbus series?

Reply #5 –
Ken,

Just so you know, you can put heat under almost any tile floor, before laying the tile of course.  And that is way less than the tax on a new coach!

We are looking at removing the carpet and doing floors, and if possible we will have zoned electric heater tapes.
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: Care to share your thoughts on the Nimbus series?

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Dave and Dolly Cobb –
Ken,

Just so you know, you can put heat under almost any tile floor, before laying the tile of course.  And that is way less than the tax on a new coach!

We are looking at removing the carpet and doing floors, and if possible we will have zoned electric heater tapes.
Anyone know the amp draw for this type system?
Peter & Beth Martin
No Forrest? What have you done?
MC# 15890 until Dec 2016; FMCA #F329677
Cincinnati, OH

Re: Care to share your thoughts on the Nimbus series?

Reply #7 –
Peter,
We looked on Google and found a number of ways and kits to do RV floors.  We were looking mainly at the walk thru bath area of the U295.  After installing tile in the U225, we had to always use a throw rug, as the tile was cold.  Same issues here at home, with tile everywhere.  It is slippers or throw rugs where we sit.

Here is one source that offers low voltage solutions for RV's run off the batteries for those with solar set ups or shore power.  They do temps of less than 80 degrees for wood floors that would work for us.  They have dog house, stairs steps, roof edges and gutter solutions.
Radiant Heat | HeatMyFloors
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: Care to share your thoughts on the Nimbus series?

Reply #8 –
Very interesting topic, but link doesn't work for me.
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: Care to share your thoughts on the Nimbus series?

Reply #9 –
Link does not come up today.  But just Google RV heated floors, lots of solutions.  We hope to do one when we upgrade ours.
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: Care to share your thoughts on the Nimbus series?

Reply #10 –
Rugbuddy seems kind of interesting for just under $200. I'm not sure what sort of solution it would be but the installation is pretty simple. :D

RV Rug Heater (RugBuddy) | Speedheat Floor Heating

Or this... for a more permanent installation: RV Rug Heater (RugBuddy) | Speedheat Floor Heating

Craig

Michelle: Could you make a new topic for these? :)
1993 U225 36' Unihome GV with PACBRAKE exhaust retarder, Banks Stinger and Solar Panels.
Toad: 1999 Jeep Wrangler 2-door soft-top.

"No one has ever had to evacuate a city because the solar panels broke."

Re: Care to share your thoughts on the Nimbus series?

Reply #11 –
I have the Nu Heat brand heated floor in the galley and bathroom of my 42 foot CC Magna.  The 120VAC current draw is 8 Amps.  I think the total draw depends on the heated surface area.  We love it and would never own another coach without it.

There are three temperature settings.  There is a vacation setting which we have set to 72 degrees.  Daytime temp is set to 83 degrees.  Nighttime is set at 93 degrees.  On a cold night it is a delight to walk on that 93 degree floor.  Especially for that 3AM bathroom trip.
George and Jan Sanders
2003 Country Coach 42 Ft Magna

Re: Care to share your thoughts on the Nimbus series?

Reply #12 –
I'm new here and just looking into Foretravel Motorhomes...  The Nimbus appears to be the entry level, with Phenix now the Middle, and the IH being the top dog.  That is the only part of your question I can answer!  :)

John

Re: Care to share your thoughts on the Nimbus series?

Reply #13 –
I do not think there is much difference between the Phenix and the IH except height.  The IH is too tall for me on the east coast so I am limited to looking only at the Phenix.
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: Care to share your thoughts on the Nimbus series?

Reply #14 –
 We've owned a Nimbus, with several options, for 15 months. Same chassis as Phenix. Otherwise , except for options, the same coach. Can't go wrong with either.
We've owned several other 'high line' brands over 15 years. Nothing comes even close to Foretravel. You get what you pay for.
Doug, Mary & Abby the Terrier, boss of us.
2012 Nimbus 40',  #6557
2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
Salem, SC