Actual Coach Lengths Request

Topic: Actual Coach Lengths Request (Read 1021 times) previous topic - next topic

Actual Coach Lengths Request

July 12, 2014, 10:37:31 pm

Hello All,

We are considering changing to a Foretravel for, among other reasons, the larger engine, retarder, and increased tank capacities. We would also like a Tag and have been lusting after the 2003-2005 38' and 40' 320s. However, our garage is only 41' 8" long and not sure how well the 38' and 40' models would fit.
Would it be possible to ask, when someone has time, to please measure their 38' and 40' coaches? I would need from the back of the rear ladder to the front of the furthest forward mirror. Unfortunately I have nothing in the local area to measure.

Thank you for your time,

Kurt

Re: Actual Coach Lengths Request

Reply #1 – July 13, 2014, 10:50:19 am

My barn is 40'-0" long framing to framing (not including sheathing, siding, trim). I have 39'-1" inside the 2x6 framing. My 36' U320 fits in with about 16" to spare at each end. A snug but adequate fit.

A 38' in your garage will be a much tighter fit. A 40' probably will not fit. It all depends on the doors on the barn.

Roger

Re: Actual Coach Lengths Request

Reply #2 – July 13, 2014, 02:53:46 pm

From mirror to ladder on my 40' is 42'. I don't think it will fit.

Re: Actual Coach Lengths Request

Reply #3 – July 13, 2014, 03:37:48 pm

My right mirror which is forward of the windshield has two tape pieces on it for alignment.

A 7/8 socket on a large bar allows loosening of the mouthing bolt to be able to swing the mirror back.

Re: Actual Coach Lengths Request

Reply #4 – July 13, 2014, 03:50:38 pm

Like Roger I had a 99 36 ft U270 and stored in a 40 ft building. Had about 12 inches front and back left. Close but works. Currently have 40 ft in a 50 ft building and works much better. Dan

Re: Actual Coach Lengths Request

Reply #5 – July 13, 2014, 07:01:08 pm

Thank you all! That is what I was expecting. If anyone can give me a measurement on a 38 I would appreciate it.

Kurt

Re: Actual Coach Lengths Request

Reply #6 – July 13, 2014, 09:51:18 pm

I will in the am Kurt. David

Re: Actual Coach Lengths Request

Reply #7 – July 13, 2014, 11:15:05 pm

Thanks Chief!

Re: Actual Coach Lengths Request

Reply #8 – July 14, 2014, 11:07:21 am

I will measure and send results this afternoon.

Re: Actual Coach Lengths Request

Reply #9 – July 14, 2014, 12:55:22 pm

Kurt, The length of our 38' w/tag, measured from back of ladder to front of passenger side mirror is 38' 4 3/4". I have my mirrors tucked in close but still have good visibility. Sounds like a 38 might fit. Good Luck

Re: Actual Coach Lengths Request

Reply #10 – July 14, 2014, 07:05:43 pm

Thank you Bill. 38 will fit fine, only 4/3/4" over the stated length. Seems posted lengths are only approximations from all manufacturers and there is variation within as well. Dennis' 40 was measured at 42'.

I really appreciate all your help.

Kurt

Re: Actual Coach Lengths Request

Reply #11 – July 14, 2014, 07:31:59 pm

One more reason to be impressed by Foretravel. The standard is to measure length exclusive of bumpers, door handles, mirrors, ladders, etc. Most motorhomes run a foot or three over. It appears the 38' FT is a couple of inches under.

In California, I would need a license upgrade to operate a coach over 40'. Most if no all sob 40' coaches here are being operated illegally.

Re: Actual Coach Lengths Request

Reply #12 – July 15, 2014, 07:17:18 am

Kurt, mine is 38' 10" from ladder to passenger mirror that is out front. My pole barn is 44' to the outside and 42 to the inside and I have about 18" on each end. David

Re: Actual Coach Lengths Request

Reply #13 – July 15, 2014, 08:27:54 am

Most helpful!!

When I get back to a new house in Texas I will be thinking very seriously about building some structure to house our coach.
(Actually, I have been seriously thinking about it even away from Texas). I'll be able to park the coach next to the house

.

If I invest the money to build it (maybe with a solar panel roof - separate issue) I would like it to have as much utility for potential future buyers as possible. This would suggest to me that I should build for more than just for my 36' length.

Hum! I am beginning to answer my own question(s)....

It makes no sense for me to build for the IH45. It certainly does to house a 40' and conceivably a 42'.
This suggests to me that 44' in length should suffice but I would be happier with 48'.
I'm also thinking 24' wide.

Of course, when I add all this up I may just get a tarp!!!

suggestions?

Re: Actual Coach Lengths Request

Reply #14 – July 15, 2014, 10:05:37 am

My only comment from a 44 to a 48 might be, there is little difference in material cost, you might want to walk around the coach - that 40' walk might get frustrating.

Re: Actual Coach Lengths Request

Reply #15 – July 15, 2014, 11:13:48 am

Elliott, remember that stuff expands to fill the available space. <grin>

On the other hand, if you are thinking about resale, bigger is generally better. If I was considering such a project, I'd probably figure out what the largest measurements are for motorhomes (what's the tallest, what's the widest, what's the longest) and build to accept all three dimensions. If you are on a farm/ranch, you might consider a building that could take a semi. Without knowing what your situation actually is, I don't know what might help you sell your place when that day comes, but you might give some thought to such things. Of course, if the building you put up happens to nicely house your Foretravel, well, that's a bonus.

Re: Actual Coach Lengths Request

Reply #16 – July 15, 2014, 06:02:24 pm

Sort of on topic, as to garages. There is a home up the street here in Pantego, surrounded by Arlington TX, that has a 45' RV garage. The RV garage is accessed from the rear off another street, not on the court the front faces with the 2 car garage.

The house is going on the market this week, according to my friend listing the property. A super retirement home, and layout. Best is there is no indication of an RV garage when you see the house from the front.

Re: Actual Coach Lengths Request

Reply #17 – July 15, 2014, 07:48:39 pm

Quote from: Dave and Dolly Cobb – July 15, 2014, 06:02:24 pm

Sort of on topic, as to garages. There is a home up the street here in Pantego, surrounded by Arlington TX, that has a 45' RV garage.

So what size RV fits in that garage?

Re: Actual Coach Lengths Request

Reply #18 – July 15, 2014, 09:20:52 pm

Builder kept his Prevost, and my friend said today the garage is 45' long. I found the house on Zillow, with photos. I sent Michelle a PM with more info.

Re: Actual Coach Lengths Request

Reply #19 – July 16, 2014, 03:13:20 am

Don't forget the room needed to open up the engine compartment...and as far as height, the antennas on my 11'6" tall coach are around 13'. 12' wide door and 14' high works without a struggle. I think I have about 4 inches on each side with the bay doors open. Wished it was a foot or so wider.

Re: Actual Coach Lengths Request

Reply #20 – July 16, 2014, 07:24:45 am

Quote from: Brad & Christine Slaughter – July 16, 2014, 03:13:20 am

Don't forget the room needed to open up the engine compartment...and as far as height, the antennas on my 11'6" tall coach are around 13'. 12' wide door and 14' high works without a struggle. I think I have about 4 inches on each side with the bay doors open.

Very good points Brad. I cannot open my engine door without the garage door open and coach pulled up some. I have a 14 X 14 garage door and my CB antenna hits slightly. The extra width does make a difference. David

Re: Actual Coach Lengths Request

Reply #21 – July 16, 2014, 12:12:58 pm

I had a garage built in 2012 and made it 45' deep and 16' wide. That was as much depth as the property allowed, and as much width as my pocketbook wanted to spend. I thought I was being smart, having it wide enough to get the bay doors (and slide) open on each side at once. But I forgot that I'd want to walk by without having to duck. Derp.

I had already experienced a 12' tall and 10' wide door, so I knew to make this one 14' tall and 12' wide so I did not have to mess with either mirrors or antennas.

The 45' (seemingly 9' extra) got used up by about 7" up front for the wall and door rails, and about 3-1/2' for the steps down at the rear (garage is sunk in about 4' below ground level). That got me down to about 41', and to open the rear door or walk around the back takes another 2' off. So my 45' garage would barely hold a 38' motorhome.

This is the 3rd time I have had a garage built, and you'd think I would have learned all the dimensional needs by now. Guess 4th time might be a charm if I ever move.

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