Newer coach upgrades, features

February 17, 2021, 03:39:18 pm

We will likely get a coach (our 3rd) in the next few years. My new bride Megan is mainly interested in newer coaches. I would be quite happy with a 2001 (new dash and improved AC distribution). She is more interested in 2005 to 2012 or more.
So for the Nimbus and Phenix, when did the important changes occur - examples: active air, newer chassis, IFS, sealed windows, better or worse slide designs. We know we don't want an IH. I don't want to exceed about $250K, and I'm amazed what is available at that price point...
What do you think is an important feature, and what isn't. Any years that you want to stay away from? Any electronic control features no longer supported?
Is the PTO still a grease only for the big engine, for example?

Re: Newer coach upgrades, features

Reply #1 – February 17, 2021, 03:48:27 pm

Stay away from the charger inverter system Brad had.

Re: Newer coach upgrades, features

Reply #2 – February 17, 2021, 05:12:47 pm

Quote from: Dave Head – February 17, 2021, 03:39:18 pm

We will likely get a coach (our 3rd) in the next few years. My new bride Megan is mainly interested in newer coaches. I would be quite happy with a 2001 (new dash and improved AC distribution). She is more interested in 2005 to 2012 or more.
So for the Nimbus and Phenix, when did the important changes occur - examples: active air, newer chassis, IFS, sealed windows, better or worse slide designs.

Any years that you want to stay away from? Any electronic control features no longer supported?
Is the PTO still a grease only for the big engine, for example?

Yes to the PTO on the Nimbus and Phenix in those years, at least 2007-2010

Quote from: brrving – February 03, 2015, 06:56:39 pm

I requested some additional information from James T. and he promptly replied with the following. It appears FT was on top of this and had a warranty plan in place to assist owners.

Excerpt from email:
___________________________________
According to our records there are 80 coaches that have the PTO for the hydraulic pump on certain Foretravel Motorcoaches involving Phenix and Nimbus model years 2007-2010.

When we were aware of the potential problem we established 4 levels of service policy for both pre- and post- warranty expiration for our owners with these non-greasable shafts.
· 80 coaches originally had the non-greasable shaft.
· 18 involved ISL engines that have not indicated a service life problem.
· 34 in that unit range have had greasable shafts installed post production.
· Some have had in excess of 70,000 miles without failure.
· 28 PTOs could still be suspect.
· Inspections are still recommended and shafts with fittings greased per our original service bulletin dated 8/18/2011.

Note: Unlike other motorhome manufacturers our pump is for cooling only and does not affect the separate steering pump operation.

Sincerely,
James

2006 Nimbus is a rebadged U295/U320
2007 Nimbus was a brand new model. Do a search on the forum - I believe parts of the dash A/C for that one is unobtainium. User Bob & Kathy had a lot of issues and detailed some of them. In 2007, retarder was optional and I think heat was HydroHot, not AquaHot.
2008-9 Nimbus - watch for delam to the tune of $30K. Find one that Xtreme has already fixed, but be aware of the PTO issue.
2011-12 Nimbus - since not mentioned in the PTO issue, I'm assuming these have the ISX500 (see below). I think there are only 1 or 2 of these (there may not even be a 2012 Nimbus)

2006 Phenix was a brand new model.
2007-ish to maybe 12 (since a couple early IH's got it), the dreaded Red Eggshell ISX600/650 (and from what I've read, the 500 is affected as well). Dropped valves. As I've stated on the forum, you couldn't pay me to own a coach with that engine. Cummins ISX broken valve in #6 - iRV2 Forums

If you find a coach you like, go over the service records in detail and look to see if the known issues have been addressed. Note if the PTO has been regularly greased. I'd probably avoid a 2007 Nimbus just because of the learning curve and reported issues with several systems and we personally would avoid an ISX (but Brad has not had valve issues with his). And be aware there were typically 20-25 coaches, total, built each of these model years.

Re: Newer coach upgrades, features

Reply #3 – February 18, 2021, 10:10:24 am

Is there any particular reason you are not considering 2002-2004?

Re: Newer coach upgrades, features

Reply #4 – February 18, 2021, 10:31:06 am

My 2008 /picked up in Aug 2007 is the last Phenix shipped with solid axle. The build # 6456 had as I mentioned solid axle, 600ISX, Onan 1250 generator, and had to have the PTO fixed by myself although Foretravel helped on parts. The very next build had independent suspension and I believe Travel ride. Mine was also the last 40' built so I was told. From then on all Phenix were 45'

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