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Concerns about a Phenix

I've been looking at used class A's in the $175 to $250k range—Phenix coaches. I'm retiring this year, selling my house wanting to travel. I don't know if I want to buy another house. Before last week I had never even heard of a Foretravel coach. On other websites the owners consistently give them great reviews.

I've looked at all sorts of different options and the class a's are really the only ones that I like. If after 1 year I decide that I don't want to live in an RV any longer, what would be a realistic amount to lose when reselling the coach?

I've never been a guy that stays in campgrounds. How easy is it to boondock with a 40 foot coach? If you've been to Alaska in a class A would you do it again? Is there really much difference between a 36 and a 40 foot coach? I drove trucks for 4 years. My concerns are really more of getting high centered or just not finding a place to park or rv parks that cannot accommodate a 40 foot rig. 

How cold of weather can you travel in?
Jim

Re: Concerns about a Phenix

Reply #1 –
I have been full timing for 18 months and have stayed in about 40 parks. I chose a 36' because some National and State parks have a 36' limit. I am glad I chose a Foretravel and very glad that my coach has the 450M engine. Never have been without enough power. The PO had made a number of wonderful improvements and I have added my own.
2000, U320 36' with Cummins 450, Toad - 2016 Ford CMax Energi
Previous MHs; 1970 Winnebago, 1973 FMC 2900R, much later a heavily modified 1975 FMC 2900R.

Re: Concerns about a Phenix

Reply #2 –
Different things for different people, I have driven to Alaska 15 times,in a 40 foot motorhome, would go again given chance.
George Ray 1992 U280 40'

Re: Concerns about a Phenix

Reply #4 –
As far as being able to "Boondock" in the Puckerbrush comfortably.... Just "Let 'ER RIP"!
Foretravel's have very large fresh water tanks, the black & gray tanks far exceed what you may find in some other brands. (SOB's)
Our tanks are 110 gal fresh, 112 gal gray & 55ish black, altho this varies depending on model and coach configurations.
And the slides are truely "finished and enclosed" on the bottom", not as most coaches that have slide edges which are "raw" & have very sharp edges and the underside(bottom) are left open to the elements when extended.
With the Aquahot, dual pane windows, substantial insulation in roof,sides and floor and true heated bays, severe winter conditions are normally not an issue, just prepare for them.
Good luck in your search and hopefully you will enjoy a Foretravel in your future..
'02 40' U320t  4010WTFS Build 6036 1 slide
Motorcade # 17841
SKP 151920
Retired truck driver
 5 million miler
Still have itchy feet for travel

Re: Concerns about a Phenix

Reply #5 –
Jim, they have this thing now called "solar" and it works off the sun, so if you move to sunny climes you can stay out of RV parks all you like, we do!!
Twice a month join the maddening crowd and go to an RV park to dump and fill then get to h--l out of there.
No slides needed  to exist and cold weather should not be a problem if you plan right and follow simple rules for freezing.
Actually there are parks now that cater to 45 ft but not the norm. It can be as easy as you want or as hard as you want it to be, up to you.
JohnH
Coachless, now use aircraft. 2003 Ford Travelair TC280 class C. Super shape. Just for 1 yr .
1994 Ford E350 ClassC,total renovation inside and out. Now sold.
2000 U295  36' Cummins 350 c/w Banks Stinger, Resonator upgrade,Solar, LED lites.Residential fridge with slide out pantry. Build 5674. Sold
ex 92 GV 022C ored Cummins. Sold
ex 95 GV240 cat 3116. Sold
2017 Mini cooper s & 2016 land Rover LR2 HSE  LUX.
jhaygarth@aol.com    SKP #130098
treat everyone as you would like to be.

Re: Concerns about a Phenix

Reply #6 –
Quote from: John Haygarth –
Jim, they have this thing now called "solar" and it works off the sun, so if you move to sunny climes you can stay out of RV parks all you like, we do!!
Twice a month join the maddening crowd and go to an RV park to dump and fill then get to h--l out of there.
No slides needed  to exist and cold weather should not be a problem if you plan right and follow simple rules for freezing.
Actually there are parks now that cater to 45 ft but not the norm. It can be as easy as you want or as hard as you want it to be, up to you.
JohnH
I've studied solar quite a bit and was budgeting for it. I guess my concerns are more with clearance issues in non paved areas. Would you take a 40 footer into areas that a 35 foot class c would go?
Jim

Re: Concerns about a Phenix

Reply #7 –
2X what John said. I don't like RV parks.

Roland
1993 U280 4341
2010 Jeep Liberty
The Pied Pipers

Re: Concerns about a Phenix

Reply #8 –
My idea of a place to park our coach.

Roland
1993 U280 4341
2010 Jeep Liberty
The Pied Pipers

Re: Concerns about a Phenix

Reply #9 –
Can't go to these places any more with the U320 I do miss them but the new coaches are so much more comfortable.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Concerns about a Phenix

Reply #10 –
I don't think you could go the same places you can go in a super c designed for off road like Global vehicle expeditions or tiger motorhomes but then again they are not as comfy for extended living.  It is always a compromise.
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: Concerns about a Phenix

Reply #11 –
Quote from: craneman –
Can't go to these places any more with the U320 I do miss them but the new coaches are so much more comfortable.
Is this because of clearance issues?

This is a great forum. Thanks for all of the input.
Jim

Re: Concerns about a Phenix

Reply #13 –
Quote from: OverTheHill –
Is this because of clearance issues?

This is a great forum. Thanks for all of the input.
Clearance and leveling system. You can "walk" hydraulic levelers to any height that you have cribbing for and feel comfortable with.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Concerns about a Phenix

Reply #14 –
Jim,
There are nice Foretravel's in the $100,000+or- price range.
If you do something like that, in a year if you decide to get out I think the hit would be less than if you went in at $200,000.
If you like the lifestyle then start looking from a better level of experience and trade up.
John Duld
1995 U320C SE 40'

Re: Concerns about a Phenix

Reply #15 –
We full time and only use CGs to fill water and dump one or 2 night stay the rest of the time boondocking. If you choose an all electric coach you will need a lot of solar or a lot of generator time. Solar is the only way to go to truly enjoy the outback exp IMHO. You didn't say where your travels will take you, if you get much east of the Mississippi River much less open range BLM= less boondocking sites.
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country

Re: Concerns about a Phenix

Reply #16 –
Where do I want to go? I live in Montana and have friends in Texas and Arizona. Last year I was at Kearney Nebraska to see the cranes. I would like to take some time and follow the bird migrations in the US and Canada. A trip across the south in the spring when it is in full bloom. Alaska in the summer of 2018.  I am an amateur photographer and an avid hiker. I also have a strong interest in glacial geology. Visit volcanoes across the west....That should get me started.
Jim
 

Re: Concerns about a Phenix

Reply #17 –
I think with your agenda I would also explore a "super-C". Chuck at IWS in Idaho has some good rigs in the 35-37 ft range that might work better for boondocking,winter, and Alaska.Nothing against Foretravel, but something like a super-C might be a better fit for you.