Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Is a slide out really worthy when making a choice for a used FT (Read 2534 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Is a slide out really worthy when making a choice for a used FT

Reply #25 –
We are with you Rick, except I am 6'3" and 240 lbs. We have plenty of room, particularly in our 40 footer. Even the 36' was OK but the 40 is much more livable.
The selected media item is not currently available.Kent Speers
Locust Grove, OK
1993 U300 SSE 40' (Restored at FOT 2009) Build 4323
720 watts Solar
6V92TA DDEC Silver Engine
2014 Subaru Outback

Re: Is a slide out really worthy when making a choice for a used FT

Reply #26 –
One can't get away with any fibbin on the forum.
The selected media item is not currently available.Kent Speers
Locust Grove, OK
1993 U300 SSE 40' (Restored at FOT 2009) Build 4323
720 watts Solar
6V92TA DDEC Silver Engine
2014 Subaru Outback

Re: Is a slide out really worthy when making a choice for a used FT

Reply #27 –
I love a diesel pusher so when I started looking for a MH I tried to find a 32 footer and found out that very few were ever made.  Apparently 36' is the shortest DP that will handle decently.  How are the roads/bridges in Europe rated for weight per axle?  Can you even run a coach with a slide over there?  I am also a believer in the KISS principal (keep it simple, stupid). 

If you can do it, rent a like sized MH without a slide for a week and see what it is like to live in that space.  I don't think I have ever seen a Foretravel for rent so it will probably have to be Some Other Brand.  Find one with a similar floor plan to what you are looking for.  If you can't find one to rent in Europe may be you can find one in the US.
John Cooper
'91 GV 36'
Oshkosh chassis
Cat 3208T 300HP

Re: Is a slide out really worthy when making a choice for a used FT

Reply #28 –
I have owned both a 34 foot FT and and 36 footer. Both of them drove the same. Now my 42 foot tag drives better but it is much longer and has the tag too.  I would not hesitate to get a 34 foot FT if size is an issue.

PS I put almost 90K miles on my 34 footer while I owned it too.
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: Is a slide out really worthy when making a choice for a used FT

Reply #29 –
Quote from: John Sichenze –
I have owned both a 34 foot FT and and 36 footer. Both of them drove the same. Now my 42 foot tag drives better but it is much longer and has the tag too.  I would not hesitate to get a 34 foot FT if size is an issue.

PS I put almost 90K miles on my 34 footer while I owned it too.
John,
I can attest to the fact that driving a 34 footer has been a joy compared to a formerly owned 31 ft. class C which was all over the road.  I also test drove a 36 ft Foretravel U225 (Cummins 5.9), and I couldn't tell the difference except for the fact that the 34 ft with the Cummins 325 is a bit more lively and quick off the line.
Peter & Beth Martin
No Forrest? What have you done?
MC# 15890 until Dec 2016; FMCA #F329677
Cincinnati, OH

Re: Is a slide out really worthy when making a choice for a used FT

Reply #30 –
Peter,

Was your 34 footer a special build?  According to the brochure on Barry Beam's website the two options were both 36 footers.  I am hoping that if I can ever upgrade I can go from a 36' to a 34' so I can fit in the NP and FS campgrounds better.
John Cooper
'91 GV 36'
Oshkosh chassis
Cat 3208T 300HP

Re: Is a slide out really worthy when making a choice for a used FT

Reply #31 –
Quote from: John Cooper –
Peter,

Was your 34 footer a special build?  According to the brochure on Barry Beam's website the two options were both 36 footers.  I am hoping that if I can ever upgrade I can go from a 36' to a 34' so I can fit in the NP and FS campgrounds better.
John,
The NADA does not even list the 34 foot FT in its listings.  It's not a special build coach, but the original owner (we're the second owners) wanted a 34 ft. length & had the coach optioned as a U295.  The U270 has Oak interior cabinetry.  And, the 34 foot Foretravel is a rare coach, but there are a few out there; just maybe not for sale right now.  There is very little price difference between the 34 & 36 ft coach.  In some cases the 34 ft is more $$$ than a 36, depending on the options installed.
 
I wanted the 36 foot length, but my dear Beth insisted on 34 for the very reason you outlined...easier to maneuver into less level and short NPS, NFS & BLM sites.
Peter & Beth Martin
No Forrest? What have you done?
MC# 15890 until Dec 2016; FMCA #F329677
Cincinnati, OH

Re: Is a slide out really worthy when making a choice for a used FT

Reply #32 –
plus Peter didn't need the extra room to shave.. He do make facial hair look good!!
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD