Newbie!

Topic: Newbie! (Read 843 times) previous topic - next topic

Newbie!

August 15, 2014, 05:30:53 am

Hi Folks,

Although I registered for this forum a year ago, I recently started to do more research in earnest on comparisons between SOB and Foretravel. I have little (no) in-person experience with Foretravel and was researching SOBs because I've done their factory tours or seen them up at Hersey. However, the more I read on this forum, and noticed the Foretravel DPs in the early 90's that are still on the road, I started to believe that's a testament to the longevity of the chassis/structure of the Foretravel.

That said, I plan to retire late next year and the DW is already retired. I plan to read as much as I can on this forum to get myself educated on the right model/year that will work for us.

I look forward to engaging many of you as I try to educate myself with your help.

Re: Newbie!

Reply #1 – August 15, 2014, 07:03:48 am

Welcome aboard.

Re: Newbie!

Reply #2 – August 15, 2014, 07:08:52 am

Welcome to the Forum

Re: Newbie!

Reply #3 – August 15, 2014, 08:33:12 am

Welcome! There are lots of friendly experts here, so please ask all of your questions. The more you learn the easier it will be to know the right coach when it comes along.

Re: Newbie!

Reply #4 – August 15, 2014, 08:34:36 am

Feel free to ask as many questions as you like. This forum is an incredible source of information!

Re: Newbie!

Reply #5 – August 15, 2014, 08:40:26 am

Another welcome. Hope you have looked at the links: Barry Alarms, click and see he has the specs and floorplans for many years of models.

Foretravel Specifications, Floor Plans, Photos & Brochures by Year

Re: Newbie!

Reply #6 – August 15, 2014, 09:47:28 am

Welcome Tim & Cindy. You have come to the right place for information on Foretravel. Ask all you want, someone here has "been there done that" and will be glad to help you out.
Welcome

Re: Newbie!

Reply #7 – August 15, 2014, 10:23:48 am

Quote from: jake62 – August 15, 2014, 05:30:53 am

Hi Folks,

...... I have little (no) in-person experience with Foretravel and was researching SOBs because I've done their factory tours or seen them up at Hersey. .... I started to believe that's a testament to the longevity of the chassis/structure of the Foretravel. ....

Hi and Welcome Tim and Candy,

I am in the Baltimore area off I- 695 in Middle River. I would be happy to give you both a walk through of my 1999 36' U295 coach and help you with any questions you might have.
Tony

Re: Newbie!

Reply #8 – August 15, 2014, 10:35:12 am

Welcome! The early '90s are great coaches. Just takes a little time to figure out which one you want and then start the search. Foretravel didn't make a large number so be prepared to travel to the other side of the country if that is what it takes. We did and have never looked back. All 20 year old RVs are not in the same condition so read and re-read forum posts.

Pierce

Re: Newbie!

Reply #9 – August 15, 2014, 12:04:36 pm

Welcome. I didn't know anything about FTs either when we began our search. The fun is just beginning. No regrets.

Re: Newbie!

Reply #10 – August 15, 2014, 04:42:42 pm

You are absolutely right about the old Foretravels being a testament to the quality of the coaches. We just upgraded from a 1990 36' U280 Grand Villa to a 1996 40' U320 because we wanted more room. We were just completing a remodel on the 1990 (we still have it) and I would take that coach anywhere without hesitation--- extremely reliable and well made. It's still an eye turner today. Even with the increased room in the U320, we have mixed feelings about selling the 1990, it is such a nice coach. Nobody, however, needs two Foretravels!

Re: Newbie!

Reply #11 – August 15, 2014, 04:45:59 pm

Tim and Cindy,
Welcome to the ForeForums. You've come to the right place.

Re: Newbie!

Reply #12 – August 15, 2014, 05:37:03 pm

"Nobody, however, needs two Foretravels!" You could always use the smaller one as a toad. <grin>

Re: Newbie!

Reply #13 – August 15, 2014, 06:35:29 pm

Thanks for a terrific welcome! I need to read a bunch. I know there may be some model year(s) that may have had a couple issues. Not sure what they were, but I'm looking at the U320 or Phenix, probably in the 2004-2008, based on my anticipated purchase price. We intend to full-time a couple years until we decide on the purchase of another S&B so I would think we would be looking at something in the 42' range. However, not having even seen one, I'm very flexible.

Re: Newbie!

Reply #14 – August 15, 2014, 07:50:25 pm

Kb0zke,
Don't laugh, the wife wants to keep it as "Her" Foretravel! Or, put it at the deer lease as a cabin.

Re: Newbie!

Reply #15 – August 15, 2014, 08:12:26 pm

Tim, I'm known on several forums for giving the same advice: figure out your "mission profile" first. You mention full-timing for a couple of years. People can (and do) full-time in all sorts of RV types, from motorcycles with tents to 45' quad slide motorhomes to 50' fifth wheels. The biggest factors in picking the size of the coach are the number and sizes of people and pets, and the amount of stuff you need/want to carry. One factor that frequently comes up is camping in some state/national parks that can't accommodate larger coaches.

The link Dave Cobb provided is one you will want to bookmark. Check out the various floor plans and figure out which ones might work for you. Since there are only so many ways one can arrange the interior of a box to make a livable space you can look at those possible arrangements in any motor home, whether it be a multimillion dollar one or a refugee from a junkyard. The details will be different, yes, but figuring out how often two people might need to move past each other in this arrangement vs that one can really help. While you are looking at such things you can look at Foretravels to get an idea of the quality.

Ask lots of questions. I'm also known for saying that I'd rather ask 1000 questions before writing a large check than asking one question a thousand times after writing that check. Enjoy the research.

Re: Newbie!

Reply #16 – August 15, 2014, 09:18:27 pm

Quote from: kb0zke – August 15, 2014, 08:12:26 pm

Tim, I'm known on several forums for giving the same advice: figure out your "mission profile" first. You mention full-timing for a couple of years. People can (and do) full-time in all sorts of RV types, from motorcycles with tents to 45' quad slide motorhomes to 50' fifth wheels. The biggest factors in picking the size of the coach are the number and sizes of people and pets, and the amount of stuff you need/want to carry. One factor that frequently comes up is camping in some state/national parks that can't accommodate larger coaches.

The link Dave Cobb provided is one you will want to bookmark. Check out the various floor plans and figure out which ones might work for you. Since there are only so many ways one can arrange the interior of a box to make a livable space you can look at those possible arrangements in any motor home, whether it be a multimillion dollar one or a refugee from a junkyard. The details will be different, yes, but figuring out how often two people might need to move past each other in this arrangement vs that one can really help. While you are looking at such things you can look at Foretravels to get an idea of the quality.

Ask lots of questions. I'm also known for saying that I'd rather ask 1000 questions before writing a large check than asking one question a thousand times after writing that check. Enjoy the research.

Thanks Dave,

Yep. I've only owned Class C's and nothing against TT or 5ers, but I plan to purchase a quality DP. The super-structure is probably the most important thing to me since you really can't replace that. The engine, trans, RR, etc. are mostly all the same. The FT, like the Newell & Prevost, seem to have their own quality chassis which can withstand the outside elements and the road for 30+ years. Right now, just the DW & myself. No furry friends, although they may be part of our future since we've had furry friends for much of our lives.

That said, are there any years/models that a prospective owner should stay clear of? There may not be, but for example, there's another SOB that had 3 major recurring issues from 2008-2012. Just wondering if, when looking, I need to be aware of this.

Re: Newbie!

Reply #17 – August 15, 2014, 09:24:22 pm

Quote from: Tony Pasquale – August 15, 2014, 10:23:48 am

Hi and Welcome Tim and Candy,

I am in the Baltimore area off I- 695 in Middle River. I would be happy to give you both a walk through of my 1999 36' U295 coach and help you with any questions you might have.
Tony

Thanks for the offer Tony,
I may be able to run up there this fall. Will let you know...

Re: Newbie!

Reply #18 – August 16, 2014, 07:44:48 am

Welcome to the forum. I'm a fellow newbie my self and my first motorhome purchase is a 95 U320SE. Not knowing anything about motorhomes I bought this from a friend of mine. I was impressed right away with its construction and interior. In the short time I have owned it, I have made small improvements like new TV's window treatments etc. The people on this forum are the best helping with questions, sharing stories etc. I read this forum every day to gain knowledge. Pick Foretravel you can't go wrong

Re: Newbie!

Reply #19 – August 16, 2014, 09:22:28 pm

Tim and Cindy,

Another welcome from another newbie. We purchased our 2007 Nimbus in May and are planning on hitting the road next month, right after my wife joins me in retirement. First real outing where we expect to see Foretravels will be the Grandvention in October. If you get anywhere around Manassas, Virginia we would be glad to show you what we found and tell you the pros and cons of our search experiences. The biggest pro was stumbling on this fantastic forum. What a great bunch of expertise!

Welcome!

Don and Nancy

Re: Newbie!

Reply #20 – August 16, 2014, 10:09:17 pm

Quote from: Don Rickey – August 16, 2014, 09:22:28 pm

Tim and Cindy,

Another welcome from another newbie. We purchased our 2007 Nimbus in May and are planning on hitting the road next month, right after my wife joins me in retirement. First real outing where we expect to see Foretravels will be the Grandvention in October. If you get anywhere around Manassas, Virginia we would be glad to show you what we found and tell you the pros and cons of our search experiences. The biggest pro was stumbling on this fantastic forum. What a great bunch of expertise!

Welcome!

Don and Nancy

That would be great Don! We live in Arlington. Maybe some weekend this fall after I do a bunch more reading ... if you're not already on the road.

Re: Newbie!

Reply #21 – August 17, 2014, 06:53:33 pm

Quote from: jake62 – August 16, 2014, 10:09:17 pm

That would be great Don! We live in Arlington. Maybe some weekend this fall after I do a bunch more reading ... if you're not already on the road.

Sent you folks a PM. Will check with you when we have more details on the schedule.

Don

Re: Newbie!

Reply #22 – August 17, 2014, 08:43:44 pm

I am out in front royal. I gave a totally remodeled 42 foot two slide coach.

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