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Topic: Wanting feedback on used Realm coaches (split from Re: 2026 $1.8M Foretravel Presidential) (Read 1501 times) previous topic - next topic - Topic derived from 2026 $1.8M Foretravel...

Wanting feedback on used Realm coaches (split from Re: 2026 $1.8M Foretravel Presidential)

I am giving some thought to an upgrade. I plan to look at this Realm.
https://www.bluecompassrv.com/product/used-2019-foretravel-realm-lvb-2595884-10
Like the low mileage and the bunk set up. Looking to accommodate grandkids and at times their parents.
I have also been looking at some older Prevost and Newels. Took a 2006 Prevost for a test drive and quite honestly was impressed with the ride and acceleration. Was surprised as it is only rated 515 HP. The 5.7 axle ratio must be the key. Even for a 2006 it had a lot of complicated electronics including 24 volt electrical and multiple inverters.
Can some Realm owners give me some feedback?

Thank you,
Dennis

Dennis Haynes
Bohemia NY
2008 Nimbus 342 SE Carlyle
Build #6475
Motorcade #19148

Re: Wanting feedback on used Realm coaches (split from Re: 2026 $1.8M Foretravel Presidential)

Reply #1 –
Even though the Prevost is heavier than your Nimbus, the extra 15 hp and 100ft.lbs of torque are from an engine that is appx 30% larger.  The old adage "there's no replacement for displacement" must apply at least a little bit in this situation.
Dave and Kelli
1997 U295 40' Build #5188 CSGI
1995 U240 36' Build #4621 SBID-SOLD
2006 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

Re: Wanting feedback on used Realm coaches (split from Re: 2026 $1.8M Foretravel Presidential)

Reply #2 –
I think my Nimbus suffers from the variable gate turbo as it takes time to build boost and the tall gearing. For the Realm I am interested in thoughts that besides the improved technologies, Is it a real improvement over the travel ride, IH-45 or was this done as a bit of cost cutting. I will miss the parallel hinged basement compartment doors and what I thinks is a better compartment build. I have seen some of the Realms already showing rust on the door frames and structural steel inside. I also think that in this class should not be limiting the generator to 12.5K and 3 three AC units. True over the road air or enough engine alternator capacity to run the roof airs should also be an option.
Price and floorplan also have me looking at this one.
2014 Foretravel ih 45 Bath & 1/2 | Motorhomes of Texas

Dennis
Dennis Haynes
Bohemia NY
2008 Nimbus 342 SE Carlyle
Build #6475
Motorcade #19148

Re: Wanting feedback on used Realm coaches (split from Re: 2026 $1.8M Foretravel Presidential)

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Dennis H –
I think my Nimbus suffers from the variable gate turbo as it takes time to build boost and the tall gearing. For the Realm I am interested in thoughts that besides the improved technologies, Is it a real improvement over the travel ride, IH-45 or was this done as a bit of cost cutting.

The Realm came about as an agreement with MHSRV in Alvarado.  It was done to their specs and they were the only place you could buy one (you could get an IH from the factory, but not a Realm.)  This is per one of the staff (might have been Donny's father) that we spoke to at MHSRV in 2016.  We were there killing an afternoon and he stopped to chat with us.  Asked what we had.  When we said "Foretravel", he responded "they build our Realm for us". 

MHSRV had a similar arrangement with a converter in the area for a couple of Prevosts they had done.  I don't recall the converter name.

You can probably find one of the over-the-top pompous videos MHSRV did on the Realm when they first offered them for sale.

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: Wanting feedback on used Realm coaches (split from Re: 2026 $1.8M Foretravel Presidential)

Reply #4 –
I'm not a Realm owner but in my opinion I would opt for the IH because of the Foretravel frame/suspension build as opposed to the Spartan chassis.
1995 U320C SE 40'
Jeep 4x4 Commander - Limited - Hemi
"The Pack"  Yogi and Diesel our Airedales -  Charlie our Boxer/Akita mix. Gone but NEVER forgotten Jake our yellow Lab.
NRA Law Enforcement Firearms instructor - Handgun/shotgun
Regional Firearms instructor for national Armored Transp. Co.

Re: Wanting feedback on used Realm coaches (split from Re: 2026 $1.8M Foretravel Presidential)

Reply #5 –
Adding:

Of course, MHSRV was the first dealership RV Retailer LLC - now Blue Compass - acquired as they started buying up dealerships.  And they own RV One, the only dealership you can now buy a new Foretravel from.  Interesting development - Donny O'Banion is no longer head of MHSRV, but instead on stepping into a "partner" role:

Donny O'Banion in New Role at Blue Compass Motorized - RVBusiness - Breaking...

"Donny O'Banion will continue to serve as a valuable partner of Blue Compass RV, supporting the motorized business, including Foretravel."

 "I'm also looking forward to supporting Blue Compass in the future as a partner, particularly in support of our OEM relationships."


Musing that one might be on watch for executive leadership changes at Foretravel....  Note the first comment implies he's already closely tied to the company.

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: Wanting feedback on used Realm coaches (split from Re: 2026 $1.8M Foretravel Presidential)

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Michelle –
Adding:
Musing that one might be on watch for executive leadership changes at Foretravel....  Note the first comment implies he's already closely tied to the company.

Would not surprise me.  I will just leave it at that.
2014 ih45  (4th Foretravel owned)
 1997 36' U295 Sold in 2020, owned for 19 years
  U240 36' Sold to insurance company after melting in garage fire
    33' Foretravel on Dodge Chassis  Sold very long time ago

Re: Wanting feedback on used Realm coaches (split from Re: 2026 $1.8M Foretravel Presidential)

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Lon and Cheryl –
I'm not a Realm owner but in my opinion I would opt for the IH because of the Foretravel frame/suspension build as opposed to the Freight liner chassis.


The Realm is build on the Spartan K4 chassis.

The IH was build on the Foretravel Travelride III chassis and in 2018 Foretravel had Spartan build this chassis for them. When Foretravel stopped building the ih in 2020, Spartan stopped building the Travelride III chassis.
2014 ih45  (4th Foretravel owned)
 1997 36' U295 Sold in 2020, owned for 19 years
  U240 36' Sold to insurance company after melting in garage fire
    33' Foretravel on Dodge Chassis  Sold very long time ago

Re: Wanting feedback on used Realm coaches (split from Re: 2026 $1.8M Foretravel Presidential)

Reply #8 –
Quote from: turbojack –
The Realm is build on the Spartan K4 chassis.


I thought the 2019 that Dennis is considering would have been on a K3, and the Presidential on a K4.  Are they both on the same chassis?
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: Wanting feedback on used Realm coaches (split from Re: 2026 $1.8M Foretravel Presidential)

Reply #9 –
Quote from: Michelle –
I thought the 2019 that Dennis is considering would have been on a K3, and the Presidential on a K4.  Are they both on the same chassis?

Nope, IH was the Travelride III, Spartan  build the chassis like Foretravel had designed except for having a lot of it bolted together ves welded.  If you look behind the front tires, it is easy to tell if Foretravel or Spartan (besides the wheel covers will have Spartan on them)

Now the Realm and Realm Presidential are both on the K4

K4 605 Chassis - Spartan RV Chassis
2014 ih45  (4th Foretravel owned)
 1997 36' U295 Sold in 2020, owned for 19 years
  U240 36' Sold to insurance company after melting in garage fire
    33' Foretravel on Dodge Chassis  Sold very long time ago

Re: Wanting feedback on used Realm coaches (split from Re: 2026 $1.8M Foretravel Presidential)

Reply #10 –
From what I can see the early Realm is on a Spartan Chassis called the K3GT. Looks like for 2019 it became the K4. The K3GT looks similar to the tube frame boxed chassis that is now the K4. Interesting that this chassis is only available for Foretravel.
Dennis Haynes
Bohemia NY
2008 Nimbus 342 SE Carlyle
Build #6475
Motorcade #19148

Re: Wanting feedback on used Realm coaches (split from Re: 2026 $1.8M Foretravel Presidential)

Reply #11 –
Quote from: Dennis H –
From what I can see the early Realm is on a Spartan Chassis called the K3GT.

Somewhere on the forum there are photos of a bare K3GT chassis.  I'm trying to find the post.

Be aware a Realm will not have a transmission retarder or air leveling.  I believe it has an engine brake (possibly 3 stage) and it uses jacks for leveling.
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: Wanting feedback on used Realm coaches (split from Re: 2026 $1.8M Foretravel Presidential)

Reply #12 –
I am aware of the jacks and the engine brake. Mixed feelings on both. Thinking of options to lift coach for servicing.
There are some features of the "Foretravel" coaches that will be missed.
Dennis Haynes
Bohemia NY
2008 Nimbus 342 SE Carlyle
Build #6475
Motorcade #19148

Re: Wanting feedback on used Realm coaches (split from Re: 2026 $1.8M Foretravel Presidential)

Reply #13 –
Quote from: Michelle –
Somewhere on the forum there are photos of a bare K3GT chassis.  I'm trying to find the post.

Be aware a Realm will not have a transmission retarder or air leveling.  I believe it has an engine brake (possibly 3 stage) and it uses jacks for leveling.
I have no information but if it has a 3 level Jake that would be awesome. 3 level exhaust brake PASS. I truly think the Foretravel air ride is difficult to beat. Smooth  stable, safe , and it drops to the ground for easy accessibility. At the off-road car races im always laughing at the holes dug in the ground to put tires in and the front or rear tires off the ground trying to level. Some one always mentions that is so cool it drops down.

Re: Wanting feedback on used Realm coaches (split from Re: 2026 $1.8M Foretravel Presidential)

Reply #14 –
I have both engine brake and retarder and I use the engine brake the most and I love having both.
I have had jacks before on the last coach and I could level on bigger slopes and for working on the
coach the jacks are awesome. I always blocked the coach when using the jacks.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Wanting feedback on used Realm coaches (split from Re: 2026 $1.8M Foretravel Presidential)

Reply #15 –
More I look, the more I get confused. I see 2019 there could be both a Realm and an IH-45. The IH-45 has the more traditional Fortravel front cap and the outside TV going into the side of the slide out. What other differences are there? Is the chassis the same for both?  Is the IH-45 more desirable and why?

Dennis
Dennis Haynes
Bohemia NY
2008 Nimbus 342 SE Carlyle
Build #6475
Motorcade #19148

Re: Wanting feedback on used Realm coaches (split from Re: 2026 $1.8M Foretravel Presidential)

Reply #16 –
Ih
Chassis  4 outboard air bags on drive axle
4 ac
Active Air
Retard
Possibly bigger water pump


The Realm Presidential  is close to being equal to ih. 

Regular Realm, Say 320 to a 270
2014 ih45  (4th Foretravel owned)
 1997 36' U295 Sold in 2020, owned for 19 years
  U240 36' Sold to insurance company after melting in garage fire
    33' Foretravel on Dodge Chassis  Sold very long time ago
 

Re: Wanting feedback on used Realm coaches (split from Re: 2026 $1.8M Foretravel Presidential)

Reply #17 –
Quote from: turbojack –
Ih
Chassis  4 outboard air bags on drive axle
4 ac
Active Air
Retard
Possibly bigger water pump

help me figure this out. Please.

https://www.legacycoach.com/default.asp?page=xInventoryDetail&id=16604803

https://www.bluecompassrv.com/product/used-2019-foretravel-realm-lvb-2595884-10

Thank you,
Dennis





The Realm Presidential  is close to being equal to ih. 

Regular Realm, Say 320 to a 270
Dennis Haynes
Bohemia NY
2008 Nimbus 342 SE Carlyle
Build #6475
Motorcade #19148