Randy and Karen's Foretravel Wish List

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Randy and Karen's Foretravel Wish List

March 24, 2017, 01:42:36 pm

After studying the Forum since June 2016, meeting as many FT owners and seeing as many FT coaches as possible, and making the pilgrimage to Nacogdoches we have a pretty good idea of what we are looking for. I've attached a PDF with that list but, as you'll see most are no-slide 36 foot U320's from the late 90's to early 2000's. And, as you'll see we're open to some 36' U295's, a couple of U270's, later 2000 slide models and a few 34 footers. The tough part of the 34' group is that we've still never seen a no-slide 34' so that's why its a "maybe".

We're posting here because we know how much love and time all of you put into your Foretravel homes. We'd ideally love to become "foster parents" to your coach, or that of a friend you know, who may be ready to "hang up the keys" or move up to a different model. We can promise to love and care for your coach as well as providing unlimited visitation rights.

Although we understand and have the resources to fix the "stuff" that happens after purchase we aren't really capable of taking on a significant renovation project...especially a mechanically "needy" one. We'll learn along the way for sure but are interested in traveling as much as possible for the next several years while leaving lots of coach bucks for the nice but not necessary upgrades (we've been paying attention to all of you!).

We've met and contacted the folks at FT, MOT and Old Town so they have the list too.

We're also keeping an eye on RVT, RVTrader and, to a lesser degree, Craiglist postings. While we're open to considering these sources we have neither the time, currently, or capability to adequately assess potential problems like significant bulkhead issues, leaks or simply the issues that could come with lack of use. The closer these type finds are to NAC the better since we now have the contacts in Texas to not only do the inspections but handle the repairs that might be necessary. Although we're sure many of you would be happy to inspect coaches elsewhere in the country we're hampered for the next year or so (last year before retirement) so unless the coach comes from a "known" source we're uneasy entering into long-distance negotiations, inspections and transportation to a location where greater inspection and/or repair can be made.

We're excited about the next adventure in our lives and look forward to joining you "on the road" soon.

Randy and Karen Crete
Sarasota, Florida

Re: Randy and Karen's Foretravel Wish List

Reply #1 – March 24, 2017, 02:33:41 pm

Welcome to The Forum, you've come to the right place. There are some owners here, now that I know them, I would buy their coach without any inspection. You've picked a large variety of options in coaches, so keep plugging away. It took us a year of searching to find this dear, you've got a leg up in that you know of this forum and CBC, we did not, found ours on RV Trader. We'd done enough research to know what '93 through '96 Unihomes were selling for, so when this one came up, it was 10/15 CBs more than normal pricing. The paperwork convinced us we were looking at a pretty fresh coach for her age. No regrets, at all. O.K., one: being that we are full timers and have traveled the backwoods in previous coaches, and don't anymore, we should have bought a 40 footer. The good ones are rare, keep asking questions, we're here!

Re: Randy and Karen's Foretravel Wish List

Reply #2 – March 24, 2017, 03:31:59 pm

Old Town has a no slide 34' footer in stock. We full-time in one as well!

Update: Looks like it was just recently sold. But at least you can see some pictures.
2000 Foretravel U270 34' For Sale
It was listed for either $45k or $49k, I believe.

Good luck in your search! You've taken time to do some careful homework, it will pay off.

Re: Randy and Karen's Foretravel Wish List

Reply #3 – March 24, 2017, 03:59:38 pm

Quote from: Blinded04 – March 24, 2017, 03:31:59 pm

Old Town has a no slide 34' footer in stock. We full-time in one as well!

Update: Looks like it was just recently sold. But at least you can see some pictures.
2000 Foretravel U270 34' For Sale
It was listed for either $45k or $49k, I believe.

Good luck in your search! You've taken time to do some careful homework, it will pay off.

Ha...thanks but SOLD to Forum member jcus. He pulled it out the Friday before we got there on Monday.

We're patient and looking.....

Re: Randy and Karen's Foretravel Wish List

Reply #4 – March 24, 2017, 05:51:50 pm

I am biased but my first choice, slide or not would be a 2001 U320. Electronic engine and transmission, ducted air, newer dash style, better slide mechanism than in the 2002 (maybe just bladder issues). They are cherry unless a special order. Other opinions exist.

Re: Randy and Karen's Foretravel Wish List

Reply #5 – March 24, 2017, 10:27:02 pm

Enjoy the journey Randy & Karen, as you someday will find yourself saying Sarasota is our 'other' home.

Re: Randy and Karen's Foretravel Wish List

Reply #6 – March 25, 2017, 06:17:53 pm

I agree with Roger.

I have to say that after a cold December trip to HWH three years ago (Aquahot just hits its stride at zero Fahrenheit with a north wind) we haven't had a moments trouble with our 2002 slide.

Re: Randy and Karen's Foretravel Wish List

Reply #7 – April 07, 2017, 05:34:52 pm

Just an update...we're starting to see a series of "for sale" offerings here and online that encourage us. Our initial "wish list' remains... 36', 1998-2002 No Slide U320, 1999-2003 No Slide U295 but we're open to other 36 or 38' alternatives.

We're "serious" buyers and have the cash to buy.

Keep us in mind as you hear of folks who want to sell. We're watching rvtrader.com and rvt.com as well as Craigslist. We're not desperate... as time goes along we'll either buy our last coach first or something we can buy and use but trade later.

Most importantly...we'll love what we buy and enhance it for the next owners. FT must survive for future generations!

Randy and Karen

Re: Randy and Karen's Foretravel Wish List

Reply #8 – April 07, 2017, 06:52:15 pm

Don't discount gett a 40-ft U320 of 1995-97 vintage. We really like ours and haven't yet found a place a 36-ft unit would fit but we couldn't. We really like the larger engine & Aqua-Hot offered in the U320.

Re: Randy and Karen's Foretravel Wish List

Reply #9 – April 07, 2017, 07:12:58 pm

Check oodle too. That is were we found ours.
1996 or later Foretravel RVs & Motorhomes for Sale | Used Motorhomes & RVs...

I hope you find exactly what you want, we did. Patience works. Later years with no slides are going to be scarce but they are out there.

Re: Randy and Karen's Foretravel Wish List

Reply #10 – April 27, 2017, 06:29:16 pm

Can't tell you'all how much fun it is to read this forum daily while we wait for our U320 98-2000 well-loved no slide to show itself for us to love and care for. Hardest part isn't the waiting, it's the working for 1 year and counting to be able to take off on our adventure.

Thanks to all for keeping your eyes out.

Randy and Karen
Sarasota, FL

Re: Randy and Karen's Foretravel Wish List

Reply #11 – May 10, 2017, 09:28:58 am

Still on the hunt for the elusive 36' 98-2002 no-slide U320. Mel, Tyle and Lance keeping their eyes open and I try an almost daily check of the usual sources but I know all of you also have eyes in your local areas and may run across friends who are looking "go longer" or are unable to continue on the road. Appreciate any leads you may find an until then still enjoying my daily reading here....much better than today's "regular media".

Randy and Karen

ps - also willing to consider 36' 295's especially if they have aquahot as well as single slides in the 2000's as long as the toilet/shower/vanity is on the curbside (don't necessarily mean private commode). Not sure exactly why they moved the bathroom complex to driver's side and left the commode as tightly squeezed as it is between the shower and sink.

Re: Randy and Karen's Foretravel Wish List

Reply #12 – May 30, 2017, 08:05:24 pm

Just a quick reminder that we're still on the hunt for a no-slide 36' U320 from 1998+. For those who are ready to move to a smaller....or a bigger coach we're ready to love your pre-loved FT.

Randy and Karen
Sarasota, FL

Re: Randy and Karen's Foretravel Wish List

Reply #13 – May 31, 2017, 11:20:04 am

Are you thinking about a contingency plan,this coach may never come up?

Re: Randy and Karen's Foretravel Wish List

Reply #14 – May 31, 2017, 11:51:53 am

John - we've started early since I won't retire until this time next year. Funds are in place so we're ready to move when the right one comes along. Since we started looking at this time last year there have been numerous "contingency" coaches pass by so we're confident there will be something to buy and start with if needed. Our greater frustration would be to jump early on a "contingency" coach and then have to scramble to trade or come up with funds for a second coach while a first one sells!

We "bump" our wishlist from time to time so folks on the Forum will remember us if they or someone they know decides to sell or if they see what we're looking for "in the wild".

In the meantime we're having a blast keeping up with antics and adventures of FoFo members! And we're learning a ton on the technical side as well.

Randy and Karen

Re: Randy and Karen's Foretravel Wish List

Reply #15 – May 31, 2017, 12:01:26 pm

Well said!

Re: Randy and Karen's Foretravel Wish List

Reply #16 – May 31, 2017, 01:02:26 pm

Quote from: floridarandy – May 31, 2017, 11:51:53 am

In the meantime we're having a blast keeping up with antics and adventures of FoFo members! And we're learning a ton on the technical side as well.

Yup, a bunch of nutcases here, would not have it any other way.They've "been there" and know their stuff, as well! BTW, keep looking and learning, we found this dear on R.V. Forums, before we knew about "FoFo". If you are like us, you'll have done the homework and "know" when you find THE COACH.

Re: Randy and Karen's Foretravel Wish List

Reply #17 – May 31, 2017, 01:03:09 pm

Interestingly I had more storage space in the coach in my 1999 34 foot 270 then in my 2000 36 foot 320. If I were to chose between them I would have stayed with my 34 foot. Just saying is all.

Re: Randy and Karen's Foretravel Wish List

Reply #18 – May 31, 2017, 01:33:16 pm

Quote from: John S – May 31, 2017, 01:03:09 pm

Interestingly I had more storage space in the coach in my 1999 34 foot 270 then in my 2000 36 foot 320. If I were to chose between them I would have stayed with my 34 foot. Just saying is all.

John, you make a good point. We came from a 31' to this 36', I figured it would be "palatial" for storage, not. The other lag, with ours, is I have a DW who is 5'2" and cannot reach (or see) high enough in the upper sliders. I guess that's why tall husbands were invented!

Re: Randy and Karen's Foretravel Wish List

Reply #19 – May 31, 2017, 02:24:43 pm

We'd consider a 34' as a contingency coach later but the 36' has all the storage we'd need and we're convinced we'll appreciate the bigger engine and AH. Not trying to start a "bigger/better"....just where we've landed in looking at a bunch of coaches. Stay tuned, tho, we have nothing yet

Re: Randy and Karen's Foretravel Wish List

Reply #20 – May 31, 2017, 03:12:47 pm

Go 40ft and one slide, and you could have my fully equipped 2001 U320. Just back from NAC after inspection and 100% ready to go.
Montana is nice this time of year!!
Speedbird 1.

Re: Randy and Karen's Foretravel Wish List

Reply #21 – May 31, 2017, 03:18:44 pm

Speedbird1 - don't think your posting went un-noticed! I have simply replaced my "electromagnetic shrinking machine" (from Honey, I Shrunk the Kids movie). There have been a number of 38 & 40 footers that could have been ideally shrunk to meet our wish list.

I'm sure your coach will find a good home as only a Forum Coach can. And Roger & Susan have given us an earful on the benefits of a 2001 single slide coach!

Still, for now...and hopefully not regrettably, we'll stay on the hunt for a 36'.

Best,

Randy and Karen

ps - and i'm sure Montana is a far bit cooler than Sarasota, Florida is these days. But, then we can check back in January and see who's warmer.

Re: Randy and Karen's Foretravel Wish List

Reply #22 – May 31, 2017, 08:56:17 pm

Hi Guys,
Thanks for the response and good luck with the search.
This week we have been in the 80's, BUT, with only 30% humidity!!
We had a no slide GV prior to this one and even then I went kicking and yelling into it, but now would not be without it.
Enjoy the search and see you in January!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I will be the one in shorts!!
Speedbird 1.

Re: Randy and Karen's Foretravel Wish List

Reply #23 – May 31, 2017, 09:21:24 pm

Speedbird ...let us know if your Sarasota plans. With or without coach we'd enjoy meeting you and sharing our 30+ years living here. If you bring the coach we have full hookups next to the hoUse.

Randy and Karen

Re: Randy and Karen's Foretravel Wish List

Reply #24 – May 31, 2017, 10:27:08 pm

Thank you for the kind invitation, but I think I will stay and paly in the snow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hopefully I may have sold the coach before the winter arrives once more??
Speedbird 1.

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