Looking at an 1985 Foretravel

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Looking at an 1985 Foretravel

February 17, 2014, 07:43:03 pm

I am talking currently to the 3rd owner of a 36 ft Ored.
It has the 3208 and airride. The coach will definitely need some tlc , but overall seem to be fine.( he said it needs new awning fabric on main awning)
Couple things I know so far: the current owner said, the coach looses it's air in the suspension within 3 hrs, but have been that way for the 3 years he owned it... Any thoughts on it?
As for the history, the coach was sold to an older gentlemen, who did not drove it very often.. The second owner used it for a short time, then passed away and the coach set for many years.. The current owner bought it, installed new tires and drove it only about 10.000mls since he owned it. Miles shown are 30.000..
Las feigned service was 1 1/2 years ago.
Last time driven was last weekend for about 150 Mls per owner.

I am still waiting for some pictures and might take a look at it this weekend... Any advice, as to what to look for ?
Thanks

Re: Looking at an 1985 Foretravel

Reply #1 – February 17, 2014, 07:49:28 pm

Any vehicle that has spent most of the time just sitting is going to have all sorts of problems with seals and gaskets drying out from lack of use. Most of the time those issues are more of the nuisance variety, but they still can consume lots of time and money. The loss of the air suspension in three hours (I'm assuming that's after the engine is shut down) sounds like you have one or more air leaks. Since it is going to cost you quite a bit of money to bring it back to full usefulness, that ought to be reflected in the price you pay. Most people say to allow $10,000 or so for repairs and upgrades to a coach, and it sounds like this one will use all of that just in repairs. Go in with your eyes open, but you may have a real gem IF you can do at least some of the work yourself.

Re: Looking at an 1985 Foretravel

Reply #2 – February 17, 2014, 08:05:16 pm

In regards to repairs, there is pretty much nothing, I do not do myself. Therefore I'm not afraid of any tlc needed.
The biggest expense up front would be tires if needed. I am not sure yet, if the glass is good.. But if not, I have replaced windshields before..
The problems would be the hidden issues, that you can not see during initial inspection.. This is where I need some advice, as to what to look for specifically..

Re: Looking at an 1985 Foretravel

Reply #3 – February 17, 2014, 08:39:57 pm

Check the roof as these had flat roofs and were prone to cracking around the skylight in the shower area and leaking. The brake treadle valve was very often the cause for rapid air loss. This vehicle has wedge brakes, Need to look at the crossmember in front of the rear axle as there is a rod that goes I should have the 250 hp 3208 cat engine.

Re: Looking at an 1985 Foretravel

Reply #4 – February 17, 2014, 08:48:11 pm

If he drove it last weekend, you should have him take you for a long drive and make sure brakes work, don't stick, etc., engine thermostat opening, not overheating, transmission shifting OK. Air leak should not be a problem if you are clever. Air bags don't last forever so figure $160/each depending on condition. Buy steer tires for all positions. Prices start at about $275 each for excellent tires and go up. Keep old tire and buy wheel for spare. Turn on fridge to make sure it works, same with roof airs. Stored inside or outside? Smell in compartments for mold, check headliner. Engine batteries are about $100 each, how old are the house batteries? Inverter work? Use digital voltmeter to check alternator. Check underbody for corrosion damage. Good to talk to another owner of the same rig. Price should be VERY reasonable for that year! 3208 is a good engine and sitting should not damage it.

Pierce

Re: Looking at an 1985 Foretravel

Reply #5 – February 17, 2014, 08:56:00 pm

This coach should have 2 8d batteries mounted under the floor in the doorway. One for the engine and the other for the coach

Re: Looking at an 1985 Foretravel

Reply #6 – February 17, 2014, 10:54:17 pm

Review forum threads on bulkheads, look for possible roof leaks and any water damage

Re: Looking at an 1985 Foretravel

Reply #7 – February 18, 2014, 12:40:25 am

I would agree that if you are handy, most of the systems (even the air ride) are within the skill of an average to slightly above DIY. If you need to pay to have simple things done (skill or time issues) then an older coach can quickly get you ""over invested".

Sitting is bad, but not terminal. Use search function and read posts on Tire (they will be old and need replacement, figure $600 per tire installed to be safe. Batteries will probably need to be replaced as well.

Read posts on roof leaks (not common, but can ruin a coach if not looked after) and bulkhead repairs. Get the PDI (Pre Delivery Inspection) form - It is on Barry Brudeau's excellent web site - click here and then look under "PDI"

Foretravel Motorhome technical help and information links

Refrigerator may need to be replaced, as they rust out after 15 or so years, A/C units should work, check generator operation.

WHere is coach located, perhaps we have a Forum member nearby that can help you out.

Good Luck!

Re: Looking at an 1985 Foretravel

Reply #8 – February 18, 2014, 12:59:35 am

Quote from: Tim Fiedler – February 18, 2014, 12:40:25 am

I would agree that if you are handy, most of the systems (even the air ride) are within the skill of an average to slightly above DIY. If you need to pay to have simple things done (skill or time issues) then an older coach can quickly get you ""over invested".

No bulkheads. ORED

Re: Looking at an 1985 Foretravel

Reply #9 – February 18, 2014, 07:04:19 am

Allow yourself plenty of time for inspection. Alot of items to check out. Look at condition of fluids, oil, water, trans.

Re: Looking at an 1985 Foretravel

Reply #10 – February 18, 2014, 07:47:34 am

Thanks again for all the advice so far . Couple more questions : what is a realistic value for an 85 Ored 36 ft with the cat in a good condition ? I will use this as a guide.
Per owner , the driver side windshield Is cracked . Any idea of how much I have to invest and where to get one from ?

Just trying to gather some info up front ...

Re: Looking at an 1985 Foretravel

Reply #11 – February 18, 2014, 07:54:51 am

I am not sure as to the avalibility, but would expect a price in the 6-7 hundred range. You might want to give Foretravel a call for price and avalability.

Re: Looking at an 1985 Foretravel

Reply #12 – February 18, 2014, 07:58:14 am

Figure $1,500 for one side of windshield

Re: Looking at an 1985 Foretravel

Reply #13 – February 18, 2014, 08:38:01 am

That's about what I thought. Any idea how much a clean coach in this age might be worth ?

Re: Looking at an 1985 Foretravel

Reply #14 – February 18, 2014, 08:54:15 am

SOLD a fully restored 40ft 88 ORED with 128K, 300hp 3208T for 16K

Re: Looking at an 1985 Foretravel

Reply #15 – February 18, 2014, 10:47:24 am

Quote from: Dieselsubmariner – February 18, 2014, 08:38:01 am

That's about what I thought. Any idea how much a clean coach in this age might be worth ?

Easy answer ,might be, "what you want to pay". You the buyer sets the price. But to me, I add for, layout, color, condition, no odors, service that has been done, upgrades, and current dated items like batteries and tires, and can I start enjoying the adventure that day. I don't like a restoration project. That said, I did some 60+ things to our first coach, and almost that many to our second. Both of them were in really great condition, had good bones, and a basis to go from. We also started living in both of them day/night one, and drove both of them home. Now I add, $5K to $10K for an inside stored unit, or new exterior work and decals. Then I add a couple of thousand dollars for a coach within a days drive to inspect and pick up.

Buyers wanting a project have totally different way of looking at old classics, be it a motorhome, car, house or boat. I need one I can walk the wife into and we can camp that first night. I know that I will pay more than others might. But the enjoyment my wife and I have gotten in the last 3 years of Foretravel ownership, are "priceless".

Re: Looking at an 1985 Foretravel

Reply #16 – February 18, 2014, 07:11:42 pm

85 foretravel has flat windshields so should not be so expensive

Re: Looking at an 1985 Foretravel

Reply #17 – February 18, 2014, 07:39:05 pm

Quote from: Dieselsubmariner – February 18, 2014, 08:38:01 am

That's about what I thought. Any idea how much a clean coach in this age might be worth ?

I paid 15 grand for mine from Texas, 1989 G/V,
The windscreen is $700-00 from Foretravel, I bought one,
If I break another windscreen, I will be putting a curved plastic side in and a flat windscreen for the rest,
Its actually cheaper to buy and fit than a new curved windscreen,

In good condition for this age, 20 Grand tops,

Re: Looking at an 1985 Foretravel

Reply #18 – February 19, 2014, 08:12:20 am

Quote from: Dieselsubmariner – February 18, 2014, 08:38:01 am

That's about what I thought. Any idea how much a clean coach in this age (emphasis added ) might be worth ?

WAG (in the condition my DW would strongly request ) 11-12% of $165,000 = 18-20k

Re: Looking at an 1985 Foretravel

Reply #19 – February 19, 2014, 07:57:53 pm

Thank you for all the advice.
I have decided to keep on looking because this foretravel is in to bad of a shape and will cost more to fix , than it is worth..

Back to search..but like I mentioned before, I am not in a hurry..

Re: Looking at an 1985 Foretravel

Reply #20 – February 19, 2014, 08:36:55 pm

I think you made a wise choice. A coach that sat for that much of its life could have bad engine and transmission seals on top of the many other chassis and appliance problems. That can be lots of work. I would opt for one that has miles equivalent to its age. I figure at least 5,000 miles per year, 10 year old coach should have 50,000 miles on it, minimum.

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