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Topic: Is IFS a better choice for a good journey? (Read 2599 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Is IFS a better choice for a good journey?

Reply #25 –
Quote from: J. D. Stevens –
Quote from: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart –
... I took a look at the Liberty site. Seems to be a huge disconnect between the outdoors and a customer for this machine. I see an owner of this coach driving out to survey his new dam filling the Grand Canyon in the name of progress. Here it is: Custom Luxury Motor Coaches - Prevost | 2012 Liberty Coach Elegant Lady #737 | 

"Elegant"? "Lady"?  Just my opinion.

I am guessing you did not sign up for "Interested in learning more about the Liberty Way of Life?"  ;)

My traveling partner would like to have the Bosch washer/dryer, but the rest of it is way over the top for us.

No, missed the signup date. Darn!

The fridge is the only invention that beats out the washing machine. Keep looking at that forward closet and thinking how nice it would be to have a really small washer/dryer in there. Within several minutes of getting dress, I am usually filthy so sure would be nice. Could probable still hang stuff above it if it was not too tall.

Too bad they don't yet make a machine that can wash, dry and act as an oven. Would be self cleaning  ;-)
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Is IFS a better choice for a good journey?

Reply #26 –
Quote from: jimmyhaggis –
Look at coach with Independent Front Suspension, you won't regret it. Good luck in your hunt.

Jimmy, do all the u320's have Independent Front Suspension?

Rita and I will be traveling to Nacogdoches next Sunday and will meet with them on Monday.  We are looking at a 2004 U320, but they also have a 2006 Phenix that has gotten our attention.  It's going to come down to which one speaks to us, vs which one is the best value.  Also its more than a week away, we could come across something else that we find interesting.
David
2004 U320
This is my good stuff

Re: Is IFS a better choice for a good journey?

Reply #27 –
IFS was NOT available on Foretravel's until just recently.  2002 and 2003 for sure do not have them.  FOT did have a couple that they tried in the 200x range but only a very limited number.  I would not worry if the one you are looking at does not have IFS. 

The ride and handling of a FT without IFS out weighs the IFS on some other brand.  Just drive the coach(s) you are interested in. 

Tom & Bill

2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Re: Is IFS a better choice for a good journey?

Reply #28 –
Quote from: txforetravel –
IFS was NOT available on Foretravel's until just recently.  2002 and 2003 for sure do not have them.  FOT did have a couple that they tried in the 200x range but only a very limited number. 

Dave,

Here's a good "jumping off point" to read about FT and IFS (there are a bunch of threads linked within this one as well)  Is IFS a better choice for a good journey?

We certainly don't "miss" it in our 2003 and are glad to not have the additional complexity.

Michelle
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: Is IFS a better choice for a good journey?

Reply #29 –
Steve & Michelle,

Thanks for that link, there is a lot of good info in there.
David
2004 U320
This is my good stuff

Re: Is IFS a better choice for a good journey?

Reply #30 –
It is my understanding that a small number of U320s in 2002 had IFS. I think the number was five but I am not sure. I was told by one of the guys at FOT to stay away from the 2002 IFS coaches because they didn't get it quite right and they had quite a few problems with the system. FWIW
The selected media item is not currently available.Kent Speers
Locust Grove, OK
1993 U300 SSE 40' (Restored at FOT 2009) Build 4323
720 watts Solar
6V92TA DDEC Silver Engine
2014 Subaru Outback

Re: Is IFS a better choice for a good journey?

Reply #31 –
Quote from: Kent Speers –
It is my understanding that a small number of U320s in 2002 had IFS. I think the number was five but I am not sure. I was told by one of the guys at FOT to stay away from the 2002 IFS coaches because they didn't get it quite right and they had quite a few problems with the system. FWIW

I think they were all built in 2000 (3)  & 2001 (23) designated with an I after the model number ie: U320I. I dont think there were any in 2002
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

Re: Is IFS a better choice for a good journey?

Reply #32 –
Barry, I imagine you are correct. My memory is not very specific. The numbers sound correct.
The selected media item is not currently available.Kent Speers
Locust Grove, OK
1993 U300 SSE 40' (Restored at FOT 2009) Build 4323
720 watts Solar
6V92TA DDEC Silver Engine
2014 Subaru Outback

Re: Is IFS a better choice for a good journey?

Reply #33 –
         Hi all ; I haven't said anything about the IFS  since I needed to get to know this 2010  build # 6527  . If there is something better out there , please let me know about it . This coach rides great , much  much better than any of the other Foretravels , 1989-U300 , 2004-320  ,and 2006 Phenix . All had solid axles and I had no complaints ,ever .  What I notice most is , A much tighter turning ability . Softer ride . No sway in turns . More stability in cross winds and being passed by speeding trucks etc . The Active Air took some time to get used to . It is very quick . It corrects so fast that at first it startled me some .When you push the auto leveling button , the front drops right now . Levels fairly fast .  This coach is the first to have A steering gear box on each front wheel  with A very thick/heavy tie rod , which is short in length . This results in , no wiggle in steering . The steering wheel stays where you place it ,the coach  does't creep off to the side . I don't know any of the tech numbers to give you some kind of official report , just as I  have observed from using and enjoying it .The ISX-650 didn't take any getting used to at all .  It has what it takes to make you smile .
Brad Metzger
2010 Phenix 45'

Re: Is IFS a better choice for a good journey?

Reply #34 –
Brad -
That hits the two things I think about as drawbacks on my 2000 year U-320 FT - larger turning radius, and a large "center dead spot" in the wheel. IFS is great if you can get into a newer FT - but having driven and owned a few SOB, I will still take the solid axle over another brand with IFS. I have unhooked my toad a time or two when a tighter radius would probably have made the required turn.

What I loved about the Koni FSD's is that somehow they greatly reduced the size of the "center dead spot" in the steering. Not sure how they do it - but noticed it in both the 1999 U-270 and the 2000 U-320 when I changed over.

Koni's FSD's are not about any ride improvement - i think they have a variable valving that makes them respond to little spring rebounds with a harsh, tight valving - not unlike a BMW or other performance suspension, but snse the larger rebounds and have a different valving that preserves a good ride on rough surfaces, but gives a "tighter" sports car feel to the steering of the coach.

If I stay healthy maybe I will upgrade to a 2010 or newer at some time (well) down the road.
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: Is IFS a better choice for a good journey?

Reply #35 –
FT IFS thread links in one place for the person considering a older FT with IFS.  (not applicable to the newer coaches with IFS).
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide