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Shorter FT models

In going through some of the historical materials about Foretravel, I noticed that for several years they made a 34-foot model of the U270 (at least that's the only model I've found pictures of). Judging from the types of coaches FT produces now, I'm guessing that these 34-foot models are a little rare, but roughly how many 34-foot models were produced? Do they come up for sale very often? How do they compare with the 36-foot models in livability and basement storage (or lack thereof)? Thanks.

Walt
Walt Huntsman
Boise, Idaho
no Foretravel (yet)
2007 Alpenlite Voyager 31RE
2006 Ford F-350 DRW

Re: Shorter FT models

Reply #1 –
Walt,
I don't know the statistics, but I can tell you about our use of our 34 foot Fortravel.  We are campers at heart, and camp mostly in local, state & National Parks. Our reason for choosing a 34' coach. Foretravel is the only make that rides & drives as well in a 34' length. Our trips are usually no more than six weeks at a time n the summer and long weekends during Spring & Fall.

Space is more than adequate for us. And, we usually have company stay with us when we camp. (Nieces, nephews, sisters, brothers, etc.)
Peter & Beth Martin
No Forrest? What have you done?
MC# 15890 until Dec 2016; FMCA #F329677
Cincinnati, OH

Re: Shorter FT models

Reply #2 –
They seem to more rare than any other size.  Did someone mention, one getting listed soon at MOT?

Walt, you might not realize that Foretravel is listing coach # 6590 new, for sale.  The total number of Foretravels ever built, are less than Ferrari has built each of the last 3 years.
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: Shorter FT models

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Dave and Dolly Cobb –
They seem to more rare than any other size.  Did someone mention, one getting listed soon at MOT?

Walt, you might not realize that Foretravel is listing coach # 6590 new, for sale.  The total number of Foretravels ever built, are less than Ferrari has built each of the last 3 years.
No, I didn't see one for sale but did see that several have come up for sale in the past at MOT. Plus I had seen several years of floorplans for the U270 in the 34-foot length, both slide and non-slide models, and I was curious.

I do realize that Foretravels are a bit more rare than other brands. That may be part of what attracts me to them. That plus the stylish lines and readily apparent quality.
Walt Huntsman
Boise, Idaho
no Foretravel (yet)
2007 Alpenlite Voyager 31RE
2006 Ford F-350 DRW

Re: Shorter FT models

Reply #4 –
A friend of mine recently bought SOB in a 35ft.  In his search he learned there are tons of 40+ft RVs for sale but hard to find good 34-37ft rigs.  One of the dealers nearby is asking a premium for the shorter upper end units.  They sell quick. 
Bob Thomas
Sacramento, CA
Present:  1997 U320 '40
Previous: 1997 U295 '36
Bluegrass fan, and festival emcee

Re: Shorter FT models

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Bob Thomas –
A friend of mine recently bought SOB in a 35ft.  In his search he learned there are tons of 40+ft RVs for sale but hard to find good 34-37ft rigs.  One of the dealers nearby is asking a premium for the shorter upper end units.  They sell quick.
Somehow, that doesn't surprise me. I think a lot of people want shorter coaches for a variety of reasons - good and bad - and for a number of benefits, real or imagined. At the moment, I'm mostly curious.
Walt Huntsman
Boise, Idaho
no Foretravel (yet)
2007 Alpenlite Voyager 31RE
2006 Ford F-350 DRW

Re: Shorter FT models

Reply #6 –
Walt,
We have had a 34ft for 2 years now, and we are very comfortable with it.  I think how you use it will help dictate your needs.  I have to say there are time I would like more storage,but it has never really been an issue.
One thing I know about empty storage, is that if it is there I will find something to go into it.
You are correct they don't show up often for sale.
Jerry
Jerry & Nanci
1999 U270 34'WTFI
2011 Malibu
A smart man knows what to say, a wise man knows when to say it.

Re: Shorter FT models

Reply #7 –
Walt.

Very rate.

James Triana at FT factory can tell you how many built

You really need to just go find some Foretravels near you and look at any and all of them!! :/)
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: Shorter FT models

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Tim Fiedler –
Walt.

Very rate.

James Triana at FT factory can tell you how many built

You really need to just go find some Foretravels near you and look at any and all of them!! :/)
Near may be a relative term with regard to FT. :)  I've seen the one FT belonging to a forum member living within an hour or two of me. Right now, it's kind of a Catch-22 in a way. I'd love to see more FT coaches, but I also want to get out and enjoy the outdoors while the weather's nice. Decisions, decisions . . .
Walt Huntsman
Boise, Idaho
no Foretravel (yet)
2007 Alpenlite Voyager 31RE
2006 Ford F-350 DRW

Re: Shorter FT models

Reply #9 –
I was on a nationwide search for a 34 footer, yet found exactly what I wanted less than 100 miles away from home in southern California. Rare yes, but you just never know where and when they will pop up.

Interior storage is better than my 40' Bluebird Wanderlodge. We never thought we could fit everything from the 'bird into the FT, but we had room leftover. Storage cabinets everywhere.

Outside storage is another issue. Out of the 9 bay compartments, 6 are filled with the coach systems and are mostly unusable. No pass-thru bay. You better learn to pack light with a 34 footer. I just use it for long weekends and I tow a trailer, so storage isn't an issue. Smaller is better for the places I go, so the 34' is perfect.
Scott Peatross
2003 34' U270
Stevenson Ranch, CA

Fearless ex-owner of one of the most complex motorhomes ever built, the 1987 Bluebird Wanderlodge PT40 :)

Re: Shorter FT models

Reply #10 –
Quote from: frozenh2o –
Interior storage is better than my 40' Bluebird Wanderlodge. We never thought we could fit everything from the 'bird into the FT, but we had room leftover. Storage cabinets everywhere.

Outside storage is another issue. Out of the 9 bay compartments, 6 are filled with the coach systems and are mostly unusable. No pass-thru bay. You better learn to pack light with a 34 footer. I just use it for long weekends and I tow a trailer, so storage isn't an issue. Smaller is better for the places I go, so the 34' is perfect.
The interior storage likely won't be an issue, as every FT interior I've seen pictures of has at least as much interior storage as our current Alpenlite fifth-wheel.

Smaller would like be better or at least easier for some of the places I would like to go, but the exterior storage will need to be a consideration.
Walt Huntsman
Boise, Idaho
no Foretravel (yet)
2007 Alpenlite Voyager 31RE
2006 Ford F-350 DRW
 

Re: Shorter FT models

Reply #11 –
34 foot Foretravel coaches without slide rooms have a pass-through storage compartment. Forrest has a sliding tray the width of the compartment.
Peter & Beth Martin
No Forrest? What have you done?
MC# 15890 until Dec 2016; FMCA #F329677
Cincinnati, OH