New member introduction

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New member introduction

August 24, 2024, 10:51:43 am

Hi everyone, my name is Derek and my wife Stacy and I are interested in purchasing a Foretravel coach. I have been studying RVs for two years and have looked at everything from class C to now class A. Originally we were focused on class B but after considering how we really want to use an RV I think a class A makes the most sense. Our goal is to travel around the USA and see the many parts we have never seen. We want to take our time so we can enjoy it and not be rushed to click off boxes so to speak. I've spent my whole life rushing around and I'm ready to get off of the treadmill. I hope to retire in a couple of years but could use a coach now to enjoy shorter trips. We have never owned an RV but I love to study and have spent considerable time looking at this forum. We posted on the Florida Foretravel motorcade site and received an amazing welcome. I have met several members through email and talked to others on the phone. The warm welcome has solidified my desire to get a Foretravel and enjoy new friendships. There are several members that have offered to show us their coaches when they return to Florida in November. We are currently most interested in 2004 and earlier coaches. I can't imagine having anything larger than a 40' and even that is a little intimidating. We are keeping an open mind and look forward to learning more from all of you. Sorry for the long winded first post!
Derek

Re: New member introduction

Reply #1 – August 24, 2024, 11:36:23 am

Welcome Derek and Stacy,

Always happy to have new members, especially in the "looking around" phase of the search for your perfect RV.

We will be happy to answer any questions, and even happier to help you spend your money, should you decide on a Foretravel.

In case you've not discovered them, below are two links to excellent resources that may help you narrow down the field.

Foreforums Foretravel Wiki

https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?media/album/foretravel-library.165/

Re: New member introduction, Looking for a Foretravel.

Reply #2 – August 24, 2024, 11:43:27 am

Welcome to the world of wanting a Foretravel. After many years experience owning and often servicing RV's I have recently joined the fray. In my search I have traveled and looked at many of them. I even spent 3 days at Motorhomes of Texas. I ended up getting this one. I just brought it home last March.

2008 Foretravel Nimbus 42′ | Premier RV

While larger than what we wanted I checked almost all the boxes equipment wise and was in very good condition. Only wish is for it have independent front suspension. I have been doing some upgrades, power and lighting. The engine power and disc brakes are wonderful.

I'll offer that I would be willing to help you in your quest.

Dennis

Re: New member introduction

Reply #3 – August 24, 2024, 12:25:13 pm

Derek, sent you a PM

Re: New member introduction

Reply #4 – August 24, 2024, 04:00:17 pm

Welcome aboard. Good luck with your search.

Re: New member introduction

Reply #5 – August 24, 2024, 07:10:14 pm

You landed on a great spot. Welcome and good luck with your search. I am sure you may already know about MOT, but I hope you can find one and purchase direct from an individual.

Re: New member introduction

Reply #6 – August 26, 2024, 11:37:07 am

Quote from: Dennis H – August 24, 2024, 11:43:27 am

Welcome to the world of wanting a Foretravel. After many years experience owning and often servicing RV's I have recently joined the fray. In my search I have traveled and looked at many of them. I even spent 3 days at Motorhomes of Texas. I ended up getting this one. I just brought it home last March.

2008 Foretravel Nimbus 42′ | Premier RV

While larger than what we wanted I checked almost all the boxes equipment wise and was in very good condition. Only wish is for it have independent front suspension. I have been doing some upgrades, power and lighting. The engine power and disc brakes are wonderful.

I'll offer that I would be willing to help you in your quest.

Dennis

Just want to thank Dennis H! He spent a lot of time with me on the phone sharing a wealth of knowledge. I found it to be very informative and fun. Thank you Dennis!

Re: New member introduction

Reply #7 – August 26, 2024, 09:12:28 pm

Welcome!! In 2017 we bought our 1st Foretravel, and like you it was our first ever rv of any kind.. we bought a 1 slide 2000 40' u320.. it was very intimidating at first. I joined the forum and started absorbing info, there is a lot here.. have met a lot of great Foretravelers.... We have a 2 slide 2003 u320 now and love it... I retired last year but because of family issues we haven't been able to ramp up our travel yet........If you have questions please don't hesitate to pm me, I was you 7 years ago.....

Keith

Re: New member introduction

Reply #8 – August 27, 2024, 05:20:06 pm

My preferred Foretravel year is 2003: private toilet, two slides.

Re: New member introduction

Reply #9 – August 27, 2024, 05:56:15 pm

Quote from: Rudy – August 24, 2024, 12:25:13 pm

Derek, sent you a PM

Had several great conversations with Mr. Legett. What a great guy! Thank you Mr. Legett!

Re: New member introduction

Reply #10 – August 27, 2024, 05:58:19 pm

Quote from: hdff – August 26, 2024, 09:12:28 pm

Welcome!! In 2017 we bought our 1st Foretravel, and like you it was our first ever rv of any kind.. we bought a 1 slide 2000 40' u320.. it was very intimidating at first. I joined the forum and started absorbing info, there is a lot here.. have met a lot of great Foretravelers.... We have a 2 slide 2003 u320 now and love it... I retired last year but because of family issues we haven't been able to ramp up our travel yet........If you have questions please don't hesitate to pm me, I was you 7 years ago.....

Keith

Keith, nice looking coach! I think I recently saw one painted the same way for sale. Thank you for offer to share ideas. Derek

Re: New member introduction

Reply #11 – August 27, 2024, 09:48:36 pm

My vintage Foretravel is in Brooksville fl.
Stop by and see how the poor folk rv .
Welcome

Re: New member introduction

Reply #12 – August 28, 2024, 07:56:20 am

You are gonna have SO much fun!!! If your wife has any questions, please tell her to PM me and I will share some of the things I learned having our 3 rigs and living on the road full time. It was the best time EVER and I miss it terribly. There is a different "rhythm" to living in an RV and you learn so much from other women.

This is SO exciting for you! We began by just heading to Texas in the winters to escape the PA cold and dreary damp. That led us to just ditching everything and going full time for 5 years. It was a real leap of faith for me, because I loved our home and never wanted to leave ... but it turned out to be the adventure of my life.

Re: New member introduction

Reply #13 – August 28, 2024, 05:49:57 pm

Welcome. You're not the first nor the last to seek a good fit for a RV. I had never heard about foretravels till I started looking for our first MH. Seemed all paths ended up at the Foretravel brand. Ours has been an interesting journey but for us I couldn't imagine a better end. We are extremely happy with our coach. I wanted smaller and my wife didn't want at all. We both after a couple of years couldn't be happier. Slide can be a pain, but worth it to me. Closely look into the different engine transmission issues associated with the different models. We have a U320 3610 and it was my preference do to the trash truck running gear. Extremely reliable and more brakes that it needs. More is always better. The year range is great but I would be drawn to the 04 for trailer towing weight increase. Seems I recall 14K? 05 was more. Mine is 10K. The single best item about my coach has nothing to do with my actual coach rather the great support by this forum and its members.
Get a secondary inspection by Keith. I've never met him but he is always correct! Literally. Will save you the money he costs and you wont have any surprises!!!
Scott

Re: New member introduction

Reply #14 – August 29, 2024, 12:41:39 pm

Quote from: Carol Savournin – August 28, 2024, 07:56:20 am

You are gonna have SO much fun!!! If your wife has any questions, please tell her to PM me and I will share some of the things I learned having our 3 rigs and living on the road full time. It was the best time EVER and I miss it terribly. There is a different "rhythm" to living in an RV and you learn so much from other women.

This is SO exciting for you! We began by just heading to Texas in the winters to escape the PA cold and dreary damp. That led us to just ditching everything and going full time for 5 years. It was a real leap of faith for me, because I loved our home and never wanted to leave ... but it turned out to be the adventure of my life.

Hi Carol, thank you so much for your encouragement! I feel like I have lived my life in a box and it is difficult to think about going on a major adventure and making a change. Posts like yours encourage me to take a chance and go for it. Like you we love our home and don't have plans to sell it, but you never know. My wife is warming up to the idea of doing this adventure and we are getting excited about seeing our beautiful country. I will have my wife reach out to you. Thanks again! Derek

Re: New member introduction

Reply #15 – August 29, 2024, 12:44:45 pm

Quote from: dsd – August 28, 2024, 05:49:57 pm

Welcome. You're not the first nor the last to seek a good fit for a RV. I had never heard about foretravels till I started looking for our first MH. Seemed all paths ended up at the Foretravel brand. Ours has been an interesting journey but for us I couldn't imagine a better end. We are extremely happy with our coach. I wanted smaller and my wife didn't want at all. We both after a couple of years couldn't be happier. Slide can be a pain, but worth it to me. Closely look into the different engine transmission issues associated with the different models. We have a U320 3610 and it was my preference do to the trash truck running gear. Extremely reliable and more brakes that it needs. More is always better. The year range is great but I would be drawn to the 04 for trailer towing weight increase. Seems I recall 14K? 05 was more. Mine is 10K. The single best item about my coach has nothing to do with my actual coach rather the great support by this forum and its members.
Get a secondary inspection by Keith. I've never met him but he is always correct! Literally. Will save you the money he costs and you wont have any surprises!!!
Scott

Thank you Scott! I am set on a Foretravel. We aren't even considering other brands. I do need to study the engines/trannys more but my initial impressions are it seems hard to go wrong with a U320 in the year range we are considering.

Re: New member introduction

Reply #16 – August 29, 2024, 12:52:35 pm

When I was shopping it was for a U320 no slide. I drive a lot in mountains and the big engine is
great.

Re: New member introduction

Reply #17 – August 30, 2024, 12:24:03 pm

Quote from: oldguy – August 29, 2024, 12:52:35 pm

When I was shopping it was for a U320 no slide. I drive a lot in mountains and the big engine is
great.

Thank you Peter. As I ponder this more I really favor the U320 because of the larger engine and nicer outfitting. We live in Florida but I want to explore the mountains big time. I love the mountains more than anything. I'm so so on the beach. Rudy got me comfortable with the Aqua Hot and I am thinking no slide for our first coach. I really like the idea of a 36 for multiple reasons including easier to maneuver, park, store, and good for a new driver. I'm also thinking if one goes 40' they should have the tag which I'm not sure I'm ready to do. I have talked to others who own the 40 without tag and they have said it is fine but most say the 40 is better with a tag. I am a novice so not trying to start an argument just passing along what I've heard. What are your opinions?

Re: New member introduction

Reply #18 – August 30, 2024, 12:50:40 pm

My comment on tag axle vs. no tag axle is that you have much greater cargo carrying capacity with the tag and you are much less likely to be running near the axle weight limit (and tires). Others have said that tag axle coaches track better and are generally more stable but I cannot comment on that because I have never driven a non tag. Others have mentioned cost and complexity but I have not had any trouble with mine other than the obvious cost of the extra tires, air bags and shocks which I replaced. It does seem to me that looking at used coach prices, the ones with tags don't seem to be listed significantly higher than those without all things considered. These are just my opinions of course.

Re: New member introduction

Reply #19 – August 30, 2024, 12:58:10 pm

Quote from: Dmueller – August 30, 2024, 12:24:03 pm

I have talked to others who own the 40 without tag and they have said it is fine but most say the 40 is better with a tag.
What are your opinions?

Some opinions from The Collective:

40 ft. Tag axle vs. non tag

Do tag axle coaches pay higher toll road fees? I don't know - just curious.

Do any states compute annual registration fees based solely on number of axles? Again - just curious.

Re: New member introduction

Reply #20 – August 30, 2024, 01:08:44 pm

I also only wanted a 36 ft. The coach handles really well on the highway.

Re: New member introduction

Reply #21 – August 30, 2024, 01:40:40 pm

Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie – August 30, 2024, 12:58:10 pm

Do tag axle coaches pay higher toll road fees? I don't know - just curious.

Yes.

At least for EZ-Pass states, a tag axle coach with a toad is charged 5H (5 axles, over 7'6" tall) tolls, where a non-tag coach with a toad is charged 4H tolls.

Vehicle Classification Information - New York State Thruway

Re: New member introduction

Reply #22 – August 30, 2024, 07:39:53 pm

40' no slide has plenty of weight capacity w/o tag.

Single slide 40' common w/o tag

Two slides or 42', tag is normal

If you are going non slide, buy a 40 or 36 U-320, get the floor plan you like, condition, maintenance etc.

Had a 36 non slide and a 40' single slide, driving, campground availability etc not significantly different. Stayed at campgrounds in all the National Parks, always able to accommodate my 40', never turned away.

If you find the 36, great, but I wouldn't shy away from a 40' single axle.

If you

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