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Topic: Why buy (Read 1014 times) previous topic - next topic

Why buy

We were sent to this forum to find out why we should buy a foretravel diesel pusher. If anyone has any insight let us know.
We need this to last for a good while because we are going to be using it for full time rving. The coach must sleep 6 comfortably.
Thanks

Re: Why buy

Reply #1 –
You must make the decision to buy.  I do not think any one here will try to convince you that a Foretravel is the best coach for you. 

I suggest that you open and review the following Link:  Foretravel Specifications, Floor Plans, Photos & Brochures by Year

Here you will find numerous floor plans for numerous years as well as base equipment provided.  It is a wonderful resource of information regarding most things Foretravel.

We purchased a Foretravel because we felt that it was the best value/best coach for us.

Open this recent thread for some insight:  Why Foretravel

Use the Search Function in the top right corner and read. 

Please feel free to ask any question, none are stupid.

Good luck in your search and research.
Scott & Carol Seibert
2001 42' double slide U320 - Sold
Previous - 2002 36' U320

Re: Why buy

Reply #2 –
(ETA - I see you asked the same question on iRV2's Newmar forum about Newmar Why buy - iRV2 Forums which mentions that you are also requiring "spacious bedroom, spacious kitchen, spacious living area.  Lots of storage" and per Escapees, don't want to go older than 2007)

Quote from: xdragr –
The coach must sleep 6 comfortably.

This requirement will be a challenge with any DP.  Just because they are larger than a class C or a travel trailer does not mean they are set up to sleep proportionately more people.  Most are designed/laid out for

Drinks for 6
Dinner for 4
Sleeping for 2

Pull out couches will add a little sleeping space, but not for 4 additional people comfortably.  Certainly not adults.  It will be challenging to find a coach with more than one pull out sofa since one tends to take up most of the available width of the coach - they would have to be staggered so they weren't opposite each other and I can't think of any coach where that would fit in 45 foot length or less and still give you a kitchen and a bath.

There are a couple of FTs with bunks out there.  Maybe 2 bunk beds plus a regular bed.  I can recall 1 2005, 1 2010, and 1 2011.

You might want to investigate a Prevost entertainer bus conversion.  They are often designed and outfitted to sleep up to 10 through the use of bunks. 
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: Why buy

Reply #3 –
I have seen a number of people get a FT with two couches and they can sleep four that way. There are a couple who have added bunks and there are a few out there with bunks. In fact one just sold but if I wanted to sleep 6, I would look for an old entertainer Prevost.  You can find one with bunks on each side in the middle of the coach.
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: Why buy

Reply #4 –
Had a Foretravel with bunks.  The 2005 referenced.  Went to one without having bunks but opposing sofas.  One is a fold out that sleeps two.  With an air mattress (twin) we can sleep six but I'm pretty sure a Holiday Inn starts to look more appealing at 5.  We prefer having the additional living area that the bunk arrangement tends to consume. 

Re: Why buy

Reply #5 –
We met a fellow who was towing a trailer with a Jeep inside.  Jeep out and the trailer became a bunkhouse for four.  It was nice. No bathroom though.  Roger
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Why buy

Reply #6 –
Easiest way to sell RV's is to market floorplans.  Then fabrics.  Then paint.

"There all the same" is the normal comment for new shoppers.

Foretravel is built like a quality yacht.  Different idea. 

Hopefully you find one modded to suit your needs.  Will be rare.

You probably will end up with a "price coach"

Something that when built was designed to sell for a particular price point and sleep x number of people.

Insulation, tankages, drive ability, noise level cabinet work will vary.

We here are fairly spoiled.  Enough to search out 20 year old coaches to buy cash.
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Why buy

Reply #7 –
I met an ESPN commentator who pulled a trailer with his coach so he could take his family and Au Pair with him to the matches he was calling for TV.  Worked for him.
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: Why buy

Reply #8 –
Back when we were traveling with Airstreams the kids always slept in tents.  Living with six people in less that 400 sq ft will always be difficult.  Privacy?  Never.
Regards,
Brett

'99 42' Foretravel Xtreme
'14 Brown Motorsports Stacker
'05 Chevy SSR
'02 BMW R1150R

Re: Why buy

Reply #9 –
Quote from: John S –
I have seen a number of people get a FT with two couches and they can sleep four that way. There are a couple who have added bunks and there are a few out there with bunks. In fact one just sold but if I wanted to sleep 6, I would look for an old entertainer Prevost.  You can find one with bunks on each side in the middle of the coach.

I agree. Our Foretravel is perfect for the two of us, and we have occasionally had two additional adults and two small children as guests for a few nights, but that wouldn't work on a full-time basis. A used Prevost entertainer coach (there are several companies around Nashville who sell them) would probably be your best choice. Even at that, while one would comfortably sleep six, I believe it would be "cozy" for full-time living for six!
David and Carolyn Osborn
1995 U320C SE 40' Build 4726 Feb 1995
FMCA 147762
Motorcade 17186

Re: Why buy

Reply #10 –
If it were me I'd try to figure things out so I'd end up with a FT that fits these needs.

I've only owned mine for 6 weeks but I researched this purchase for several years, well, maybe 20 years if I'm honest. FT had the quality and feel that I wanted. I didn't find anything else out these that compared.  For me personally once I found FT everything else was ruined for me.

I'm finding it's also one of those rare circumstances when the reality is even better than the hype. It has exceeded my very high expectations. The more time I spend with the coach the more thrilled and appreciative I am that have one.

As a final point, This forum, it's body of knowledge and the willingness of members to help each other is incredible. I wouldn't have bought a FT had it not been for the forum.  I know personally the patience and generosity of its members. 

Good luck on your hunt and safe travels.

Jeff

1993 U300 40ft GV SE
Build # 4344
 

Re: Why buy

Reply #11 –
We utilize the basement Joey Bed as additional sleeping space when needed.  I think it may be tough to find one that sleeps 6 comfortably, without using the basement cargo area.  We love out FT and have enjoyed the comforts it comes with.  We bought an older one 1995 GV, as it fit our lifestyle much better than a newer one.  I get about 10mpg with it here in Alaska climbing all kinds of hills and traveling on rough roads.  I love the one button leveling we have and would not want to have to monkey around with jacks or driving up on those things to level it.  We have no slides which is exactly what I wanted so no issues possible with slides not working properly.  Plus I did lots of research on safety, so wanted a retarder, knew I wanted diesel and read that slides can reduce the side integrity of the coach.  You really don't realize what you have in a FT until you spend some time in one and compare them with others brands.  Do your research and pick the one that suits your family the best.  Good Luck!
Lisa
1995 U280 40'
"the Beast"