older coaches prevalent here,?

Topic: older coaches prevalent here,? (Read 1222 times) previous topic - next topic

older coaches prevalent here,?

July 04, 2020, 06:05:57 pm

Been looking at signatures here on foreforums.
seems most have 20 plus year coaches.
Wife and i are working toward full time.
Our house is on the mkt. preferably would
like to trade our 32 ft tt and truck on an older
foretravel. our budget will be about 100k
with some coach bucks set aside.
Buying a 20 yr old mh scares the daylights out
of me. I could get a nice new 5th wheel and
diesel dually. But i know i wouldnt be happy.
plus dually daily driver doesnt really appeal
to me. So how many here are fulltiming
in their older coaches. ? Is the maintenance
overwhelming. im 65 pretty diy savvy.
But dont particularly like spending all
my time fixing a coach.. Would love a tour
if there are any owners in vt or ne ny.area.
this will happen soon as house mkt is good.
Also ive looked on rvtrader. MOT, FOT,
and of course the classifieds here.
Any other places i should be searching.
I really like the 38ft tag axel models.
but they dont come up for sale too often.

Re: older coaches prevalent here,?

Reply #1 – July 04, 2020, 07:17:20 pm

Quote from: varmonter – July 04, 2020, 06:05:57 pm

Buying a 20 yr old mh scares the daylights out of me.

We felt the same trepidation back in late 2013, just before we took the plunge. Now, 7 years later, we couldn't be happier with our decision to buy a Foretravel. We could not have made our journey from know-nothing newbies to seasoned owners without this Forum. If you do decide to take the risk (and it IS a risk) then rest assured you will not be alone. You have the best group of RV owners in the world available 24/7/360 to help you out anytime you need it. You could not buy the technical expertise available here for any amount of money.

If you can be happy with a 2000 or older model, then you should be able to find a VERY clean and road-ready coach for $100K or less. It may take a while to find the right one, but the search will be worth it.

Do as much reading as you can on this Forum. Use the "search" function (top right corner of every page) to search for topics of interest to you. Search for key words, like "full timing" or "maintenance" or "floor plan" to find many helpful threads.

You can also find a lot of good info here: http://web.archive.org/web/20191218121353/http://beamalarm.com/
(Look at the "Motorhome Links" and "RV Technical Help" tabs)

Re: older coaches prevalent here,?

Reply #2 – July 04, 2020, 07:35:13 pm

A trip to Nacogdoches is not a bad idea if you would like to see an assortment of coaches...... Also a lot of opportunities.

Re: older coaches prevalent here,?

Reply #3 – July 04, 2020, 07:47:10 pm

We felt the same way and just couldn't pull the trigger on an old coach. Bought a new smaller rig and lived it until we got weighed. Drastically overweight... sold it after a year of ownership and at a great loss of $$. We ended up buying a 1997 Foretravel and absolutely love it. Yes, we've made repairs. Yes, we've paid for repairs and nope... no regrets.
We opted for a non-slide rig and remodeled to fit our needs and wants.
We post lots on social media and YouTube 😀

Re: older coaches prevalent here,?

Reply #4 – July 04, 2020, 08:10:40 pm

If you compare the depreciation costs of a new coach to a 20 year old Foretravel with the maintenance costs it will probably be cheaper to own the FT. And the quality will definitely be better. Nacogdoches has some of the best repair facilities in the industry and they specialize in FT since the factory is there. Also look at the ownership history of all the brands. Not many brands have put quality first. Foretravel and Newell are 2 of the best. I've had 2 Newells and now a Foretravel. Unfortunately Newell's are mostly 45'.

Re: older coaches prevalent here,?

Reply #5 – July 04, 2020, 08:16:59 pm

Bought a 1999 in 2006 no regrets, been full time for 6 years. New coaches scare me, Yes we have spent some money and time on our coach, but in the end have no desire a new fanged coach

Re: older coaches prevalent here,?

Reply #6 – July 04, 2020, 09:24:33 pm

We bought our 1993 in 2013. We hit the road full-time in the fall of 2014. Yes, you will spend some money on repairs and renovations, but you will do that anyway. With the possible exception of Brett Wolfe's coach, NO coach will be perfect.

There are two main reasons why you see so many of us with coaches that are 15-25 years old. One is that Foretravel was building a lot of coaches in those years, so there are lots of them out there. Over the past 10 years Foretravel hasn't been building as many coaches, so there aren't as many out there. Also, for some reason, the owners of the newer coaches choose not to participate on this forum.

Are there some older coaches that are junk? YES. Are there many of those? Probably not. Our coach had a list price of $350,000 in 1993. People who could afford that kind of expense aren't going to neglect their purchase. Also, Foretravels are some of the best-built coaches on the road, so they are built to last.

Some years ago we met a couple who bought a "popular brand" MH brand new for their full-time journey. Less than a year later they traded it even-up for a 10-year-old Foretravel. Why? They could tell at that point that their brand-new MH didn't have the quality to stand up to full-time use. Some years ago I saw a blurb that said the average RV is used less than 30 days per year, so full-timers put 12 years worth of wear and tear on their coaches every year. I don't know if that is accurate or not, but that may explain why so many lesser coaches are worn out after a few years, while Foretravels just keep going.

Re: older coaches prevalent here,?

Reply #7 – July 04, 2020, 09:55:07 pm

As others have stated here, an Ft would be a good choice. Just go in knowing there will need to be work done. Do your homework and look at many coaches. Make sure you are able to check maintenance records. Be prepared to spend some money to insure it is mechanically sound. The FT is built to last. Ours is almost 20 years old, and we don't hesitate to get on the road with it. We had some gas rigs in the past, and there is no comparison to the build quality and detail to the FT. Take your time, look at as many as you can. When you do find one you are considering, have it checked out by someone who is qualified. It is money well spent.
You won't regret it if you fine the right coach. Good luck with your search and safe travels.

Re: older coaches prevalent here,?

Reply #8 – July 04, 2020, 10:00:17 pm

This is our 7th year of full time travel. One thing to keep in mind, if you opt for a tag axle, you will lose space and full timers need all they can get. Just one reason we did not go with a tag! We have had a '98 and after 6 years, sold it for $5k less then we bought it for. We now have a 2000 and 1 slide and really love our coach. You can't go wrong with a Foretravel and the members on here that are worth their weight in gold!

Re: older coaches prevalent here,?

Reply #9 – July 04, 2020, 10:03:56 pm

Considering the fact that my coach is only 8 y/,o vs one that is 15 to 20 years old, makes it a bit hard to utilize the vast wealth of knowledge found on this forum for the older coaches. I imagine it is the same thing for others with younger coaches. We have different problems, though some maybe the same. I have also seen on IRV2 Foretravel thread very little participation of newer owners. Things are so complex on these newer coaches, that even certified RV techs have to reach out for assistance. I enjoy reading about the things that you are able to do and fix.

Re: older coaches prevalent here,?

Reply #10 – July 04, 2020, 10:14:10 pm

We bought in 2010 and moved in in 2011. Our coach is 28 years old. We are planning at least 10 more years if we can stay healthy. We've had lots of ups and downs and don't regret a single minute. All of the downs are now what we call great stories. Attitude is everything.

Since you already know about this forum you don't have anything to worry about. We got your back.

Edited to add a pic of Big Agnes.

see ya
ken

Re: older coaches prevalent here,?

Reply #11 – July 04, 2020, 10:52:56 pm

I've had 3 motorhomes, a 1973 Winnebago Brave when it was new, a 1986 Rockwood 2011-2019 and now a 1992 Foretravel.

The SIP construction of the Winnie just didn't hold up.

The Rockwood was at gross weight empty and built on a Chevy 1-ton van chassis.

The Foretravel has room in its weight and balance for stuff.

I wouldn't have a problem buying an FTX built on the Oshkosh chassis,

But the 1986-2005 offerings are built on a unique to Foretravel bridge-like frame that is stiffer than anything I've owned except for a Corvair. Yes, they can have rust problems, but repairs can be done in a wide range of places from the factory to your back yard because it's all square steel tubing is straight sections welded together.
Everything else is truck.

Re: older coaches prevalent here,?

Reply #12 – July 05, 2020, 12:14:05 am

We hope to start our full time adventure in our 22 year old coach in November. Bought our coach four years ago yesterday. Most of us do about half or more of our own work. Forum is a key reason most of us stick with it. That and the amazing quality in comparison to other brands that focus mainly on "features" rather than function and highway performance. Check the "realistic occupied carrying capacity" of a Foretravel and then drive it on a windy day. It will start to make sense.

Re: older coaches prevalent here,?

Reply #13 – July 05, 2020, 06:54:02 am

Thank you all. I have some interest in a few
early 2000 at mot.. Slide bladders are a concern for me. so many slide issues i read
about here.. cant get the slide retracted.
means stuck where you are. Is there no manuel way to retract these slides.?? there is
on my white box tt?? these (bladders)need replacing like tires every 7 yrs?? at the tune
of 6k??
So seems most here have mid to late 90s
models . Foretravel sold in 2005 correct,?
Were coaches built between 03 and 07
not desirable ..
Meaning was the company in trouble in
the later years and/or was there issues with
the new owner models after takeover say 05
06 07?? Or am i overthinking all this
.

Re: older coaches prevalent here,?

Reply #14 – July 05, 2020, 08:39:47 am

Varmonter, I have sent you a PM. Please call 7 one 3 8 one 8 3234

Re: older coaches prevalent here,?

Reply #15 – July 05, 2020, 09:30:31 am

We love our 2003. Our kids love their 2000. Remember that a 40' with a lifting tag will turn pretty short so don't rule those out. We had several non-tag Foretravels but after driving one with a tag I never wanted to be without it. Of course the non-tag FT drive better than most everything else I've driven. Being full time you can probably pick your travel days and times better than those of us who still have a schedule. Our preferred day is a few hours of 65 MPH and let everyone who is in a hurry go on past us. There have been some other times when it was wonderful to set the cruise on 75 and let that M11 take us down the Interstate without putting the slightest strain on it. Find one that has been well cared for and be ready to jump on the one that calls your name.

Re: older coaches prevalent here,?

Reply #16 – July 05, 2020, 09:48:22 am

Quote from: varmonter – July 05, 2020, 06:54:02 am

Meaning was the company in trouble in
the later years and/or was there issues with
the new owner models after takeover say 05
06 07?? Or am i overthinking all this
.

Ewwww. My information comes from reading between the lines. What brought the Fore family to sell their business doesn't reflect on the quality of their construction. The new owners have a different design philosophy than the Fore family.

From what I have gathered, the Fore family began building motor-homes in 1967 and built any number of well built, motor-homes. In my not so humble opinion, the Fore family reached their stride with the introduction of the Unihomes. The house part doesn't need to add stiffness to the frame. That means much to me. I prioritized purchasing the dryest example that I could find. I also had an idea for what is involved in "bulkhead" repairs and knew of a source for the rubber torsion bars upon which my Unihome is sprung. The drivelines are all suitable to a commercial truck as are the axles and wheels.

Being a family company there are some things that add a bit of fun to ownership, such as "How do I fill the water tank?" or "What does this switch operate?" The interior layouts are all well thought out and functional.

Re: older coaches prevalent here,?

Reply #17 – July 05, 2020, 12:22:25 pm

You can also purchase a relatively new Foretravel at a dealer and have problems:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/922563977854351/permalink/2843372552440141/

Re: older coaches prevalent here,?

Reply #18 – July 05, 2020, 12:54:05 pm

Bladders go bad occasionally. My last one (old style) lasted 11 years .@ $4,000 to replace with new style which we are told is more durable Yes, there is a trap/winch device that comes with the coach to manually retract slide. Seldom needed with the wisdom on this forum

Re: older coaches prevalent here,?

Reply #19 – July 05, 2020, 02:52:00 pm

I've had 2 older Foretravel coaches. The 1st was really old (1981) and Foretravel had a lot of experience building coaches since then. By the 90's, they were putting out outstanding coaches. I have full timed for 15 years and have a fair amount of hands on experience repairing and maintaining a coach simply because I have more time than money.
That being said, these are complex machines and knowledge of the systems is important in choosing a coach. I was -- and have been -- extremely lucky with my current 1993 U220. In 5 years I have only had to perform routine maintenance, replace the tires, microwave, Onan voltage regulator and air dryer. I also had a rock hit and crack the driver's side windshield and replaced that.
Older coaches have been considerably depreciated yet have many years of life left.
I'd say, do your research, decide which models would suit your needs and then find one but be sure to thoroughly check it out before you buy it. Craigslist can be a good source. The people on this forum are a great source for advice!

Re: older coaches prevalent here,?

Reply #20 – July 05, 2020, 02:55:12 pm

Quote from: kb0zke – July 04, 2020, 09:24:33 pm

There are two main reasons why you see so many of us with coaches that are 15-25 years old. One is that Foretravel was building a lot of coaches in those years, so there are lots of them out there. Over the past 10 years Foretravel hasn't been building as many coaches, so there aren't as many out there.

Very true. At peak, in 2000-2003, Foretravel was building around 200-300 coaches per year. Starting in 2005, that number was well less than half that, and with the advent of the IH models, production volume has typically been down to 2-3 dozen per year.

The target market for the newer models appears to be much different than in previous years. More going after the Newell and Prevost owner demographic (with the exception of the ill-fated IC-37 and the "day-tripper touring coach" concept of the MicroVilla Sprinter-based model).

Re: older coaches prevalent here,?

Reply #21 – July 05, 2020, 05:56:57 pm

"...I'll-fated IC-37...."
What happened ? Was there no market for this $500,000 coach?? Can't find any info on the web.

Re: older coaches prevalent here,?

Reply #22 – July 05, 2020, 06:18:09 pm

Quote from: GleamB – July 05, 2020, 05:56:57 pm

"...I'll-fated IC-37...."
What happened ? Was there no market for this $500,000 coach?? Can't find any info on the web.

It was a post on another forum from a reliable source. Apparently RV One decided they didn't want any more made, so it must not have been a big enough seller for them (they are Foretravel's sole dealerships - MHSRV is owned by them).

Re: older coaches prevalent here,?

Reply #23 – July 05, 2020, 10:41:09 pm

Bought a 99 U270 with 50,000 miles on it last year in April. The coach was absolutely original except for an added smoke alarm in the master bedroom.
Had the whole coach upgraded cosmetically, paint, headlights, furnishings, changed out all the brass to brushed satin. Replaced all airbags, shocks, belts, fuel lines etc.
We have about 70 CB in it which is about the price of a small class C! Most of our spend was not mechanical, it was decorative discretionary spending.
When we pull into a campground people are amazed to discover our coach Is not new.
We have put about 7000 miles on it and have loved every mile we have driven.
It's a better vehicle than many of the new coaches out there, it's built with heavy duty parts that are readily available, don't be anxious, Someone on the forum told me to make sure to have 20 CB in reserve for things you may want to do, which is good information.
These coaches are built to be used, better than any of our previous 8 RV's, new or used.
Good luck with your search, the forum has been a wonderful help!
David

Re: older coaches prevalent here,?

Reply #24 – July 06, 2020, 10:58:18 am

Take your time, go to Nac if you can, look at the different floor plans.
I didn't know we were looking for a side isle unit, till the DW saw one.
Consider purchasing from an active member of this forum.
That's what we did and we can see all the questions, comments and travels of our Foretravel for the last 12 years.
You can't get that from a dealer.

Plus we're good friends to this day with the previous owners.

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