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Topic: Foretravel data (Read 1643 times) previous topic - next topic

Foretravel data

I've searched all over the forum with no luck and have seen others ask for a consolidated resource for models/chassis produced per year, units count per year, known issues per model year, etc., so I decided to put one together.

This should be a big help for people researching the Foretravel brand, especially the older coaches. I know it would have saved me *many* hours.

This compiled data set on Foretravel events, models, changes, known issues, depreciation curve, etc. is sourced from around the forum, the beamalarm site, Google searches, etc.

As you will see, there is a lot of opportunity to add to this data set, especially in the areas of model year changes and known issues.

Please post missing information on this thread or point me to threads/posts with relevant info and I will update the data set.


The Foretravel data set is here: http://www.hackneys.com/foretravel/foretravel-data.htm

Use the tabs at the lower left of the pages to select the topic.




Thanks,
Doug
Doug & Steph Hackney
Researching Foretravel
44 countries - most by motorcycle
2007 Fuso 4x4 / Bigfoot expedition vehicle (sold)

Re: Foretravel data

Reply #1 –
I added:

    • A chart and an example table for the depreciation curve
    • A chart for the number of units produced per year
    • Data, ratios and a chart for the maximum MSRP to U.S. household income ratio
    [/list]

    It's interesting to note that Foretravel has gone from a maximum base MSRP (no options) of 1.7 times the 95th percentile household income in 1978 to 6.3x in 2014.

    The 95th percentile matches their stated target market (their ideal customer).

    Relative to U.S. median household income they've gone from 4.8x to 24.2x in the same period.







    Doug & Steph Hackney
    Researching Foretravel
    44 countries - most by motorcycle
    2007 Fuso 4x4 / Bigfoot expedition vehicle (sold)

    Re: Foretravel data

    Reply #2 –
    this is very interesting.
    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: Foretravel data

    Reply #3 –
    Based on your data I need to start looking for a 2010 FT to buy since the depreciation starts leveling out after 6 years of age.
    2014 ih45  (4th Foretravel owned)
     1997 36' U295 Sold in 2020, owned for 19 years
      U240 36' Sold to insurance company after melting in garage fire
        33' Foretravel on Dodge Chassis  Sold very long time ago

    Re: Foretravel data

    Reply #4 –
    Quote from: turbojack –
    Based on your data I need to start looking for a 2010 FT to buy since the depreciation starts leveling out after 6 years of age.

    turbojack,

    That data came from this forum post:
    Coach financing chatter (split from 1996 Foretravel U270 For Sale)

    YMMV

    Doug
    Doug & Steph Hackney
    Researching Foretravel
    44 countries - most by motorcycle
    2007 Fuso 4x4 / Bigfoot expedition vehicle (sold)

    Re: Foretravel data

    Reply #5 –
    Quote from: turbojack –
    I need to start looking for a 2010 FT to buy

    I've seen multiple posts that assert that the new owners got things straightened out by 2010.

    Meaning that the major quality issues that plagued the current regime's early coaches was sorted out by 2009/2010.

    I am not qualified to comment on those assertions but there are knowledgeable people here who can do so.

    Doug & Steph Hackney
    Researching Foretravel
    44 countries - most by motorcycle
    2007 Fuso 4x4 / Bigfoot expedition vehicle (sold)

    Re: Foretravel data

    Reply #6 –
    I added coach numbers and calculated units produced per year.

    A big thanks to Jim McNeese for sharing his original data set with me for this.

    I supplemented that data with coach numbers and build dates I found on the forum and collected during our coach research.

    If you have any build date, coach number and model year information or photos of the data plates for coaches, especially 2005 to 2016, please post or PM me.

    Would also welcome model year changes and known issues.

    Thanks!

    The data and charts are here: http://www.hackneys.com/foretravel/foretravel-data.htm





    Doug & Steph Hackney
    Researching Foretravel
    44 countries - most by motorcycle
    2007 Fuso 4x4 / Bigfoot expedition vehicle (sold)

    Re: Foretravel data

    Reply #7 –
    The bottom graph shows it best, the problems of low production and amortizing all the overhead across so few units. The thing left out I think are the command coaches and the Realm.
    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: Foretravel data

    Reply #8 –
    Data plate for 2005 U320
    Gary Mauck
    Deerfield Beach, Fl.
    2005 U320 40' PBGB

    "Elks Care, Elks Share!"

    Re: Foretravel data

    Reply #9 –
    Quote from: John S –
    The bottom graph shows it best, the problems of low production and amortizing all the overhead across so few units.

    Very much agreed.

    It is a different business model.

    Quote from: John S –
    The thing left out I think are the command coaches and the Realm.

    That is probably true.

    I have never seen a data plate for either so I don't know if they have their own, dedicated sequence.

    I am hoping to stop by the Realm dealer and if I do I will shoot some data plates.

    Doug & Steph Hackney
    Researching Foretravel
    44 countries - most by motorcycle
    2007 Fuso 4x4 / Bigfoot expedition vehicle (sold)

    Re: Foretravel data

    Reply #10 –
    I think they said at the GV a couple years ago they had orders for 15 coaches. That would be a sizable change in the numbers
    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: Foretravel data

    Reply #12 –
    Here is my plate.  Elliot

    Re: Foretravel data

    Reply #13 –
    Of course It surely just a coincidence but I left Foretravel's employment in August 1989.  As did several other managers that worked together with me.

    Went back for a while in 93

    I did warn them.  Haha. 
    "Riding and rejoicing"
    Bob
    1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
    2007 Solara convertible
    2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

    1095 watts solar
    08 Ls 460 and a sc430
    2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

    Re: Foretravel data

    Reply #14 –
    Quote from: Caflashbob –
    Of course It surely just a coincidence but I left Foretravel's employment in August 1989.  As did several other managers that worked together with me.

    Went back for a while in 93

    I did warn them.  Haha. 
    What area were you the manager over?  Why didn't they lay sheet vinyl down before they installed the interior walls and cabinets like the do with mobile homes?
    1988  40' Grand Villa Cat 3208t

    Re: Foretravel data

    Reply #16 –
    I added:
      • Additional coach number, build date and model data
      • US median home price per year
      • Foretravel unit MSRP by year and model
      • MSRP in 2014 dollars
      • MSRP to US median home value ratio

    Note: You may need to flush your browser cache to see the new version.

    On Chrome that is:
    1. Select the menu icon in the upper right corner of the browser window
    2. Settings
    3. History
    4. select "Clear Browsing Data" button
    5. select the "Cached images and files" box


    Doug & Steph Hackney
    Researching Foretravel
    44 countries - most by motorcycle
    2007 Fuso 4x4 / Bigfoot expedition vehicle (sold)

    Re: Foretravel data

    Reply #17 –
    Quote from: NancyS –
    What area were you the manager over?  Why didn't they lay sheet vinyl down before they installed the interior walls and cabinets like the do with mobile homes?

    California store.

    Our painting was our sales office itself. 

    The deck paint and glued down AstroTurf was on the outdoor asphalt lot. $1,500 worth of materials alone

    I waited until it rained a bit and many times I went out in a shirt and tie and brushed the paint clean and pressure washed it personally.

    How bad did I want results?  Was fun
    "Riding and rejoicing"
    Bob
    1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
    2007 Solara convertible
    2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

    1095 watts solar
    08 Ls 460 and a sc430
    2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

    Re: Foretravel data

    Reply #18 –
    Nancy,

    Please add your year/make/model to your profile so we know what Foretravel you own - it helps us when we answer coach related questions
    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: Foretravel data

    Reply #19 –
    Quote from: Tim Fiedler –
    Nancy,

    Please add your year/make/model to your profile so we know what Foretravel you own - it helps us when we answer coach related questions


    And if you add your build date and full model info, we can build out the data set of coaches in a semi-automatic way.  :)
    Doug & Steph Hackney
    Researching Foretravel
    44 countries - most by motorcycle
    2007 Fuso 4x4 / Bigfoot expedition vehicle (sold)

    Re: Foretravel data

    Reply #20 –
    Quote from: dhackney –
    .......... I supplemented that data with coach numbers and build dates I found on the forum and collected during our coach research.

    If you have any build date, coach number and model year information or photos of the data plates for coaches,............

    Thanks!


    I added information to my signature.

    Tony Pasquale
    SOLD....
    '99 U295 36'
    WTFE, 04/99, #5572
    Toad: 2020 Equinox

    Re: Foretravel data

    Reply #21 –
    Quote from: John S –
    The thing left out I think are the command coaches and the Realm.

    Data I have seen (current through approximately the first 2 months of this year) indicates 1 Realm sold/registered in 2014, 8 in 2015. 

    Quote from: John S –
    I think they said at the GV a couple years ago they had orders for 15 coaches.

    Did they say if those orders included command shells and Realm (MHSRV) orders?
    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: Foretravel data

    Reply #22 –
    No they indicated that MHSRV placed orders for the 15 but he did not say how many years but I think that number was enough to pay for the R&D to build a new coach.  I heard a couple years ago that they had orders for 30 command coaches on the short Freightliner frame. I have no idea how many they have done but if it is thirty then that is great but it is just walls and floors and the insides are done by the converter who ordered the shells made. It helps reduce overhead though.
    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