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Topic: Owning a Foretravel in Europe? (Read 1173 times) previous topic - next topic

Owning a Foretravel in Europe?

Quote
Thank you for your comments, but as further issue I must say I do not live in the Country, I live in Switzerland and this country has many limitations (like all the others in Europe with a slight exception for France) for vehicles longer than 12 meters. 40 ft. is around 12,19 meters. 36 ft. is more and less 10,97 meters far better to drive in Europe.
If you are driving in Europe, I think my primary criteria after fitting 5 people would be to get a coach with IFS for those close corners in that part of the country. I dont know how some of those buses could have made those turns  without the IFS (Independent Front Suspension).
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

Re: Owning a Foretravel in Europe?

Reply #1 –
Don,

I think you get the point. A 36' should be the best solution considering the way roads are designed in Europe. For what concerns the slide, I also think you are right as if 5 people wish to move with no pain inside the coach a slide in the living is needed. It is just that I find just ethically not fair to pay up to $50K more for a coach just because of a slide. This is the sum one could pay for a second coach or a very good car. Just as simple as that.

Also, I want to have a FT as after almost 2 years of researches and studies of the RV industry, I do not think one can find a better brand in the market both for technical solutions and quality of the interiors. I do not want to seem heretic but perhaps only Newell could compete with FT in terms of quality but at least they are more expensive.

I know FTs are usually designed and built based on the needs of 2 people but for the reasons I told above I am more oriented to an upgrade of the floorplan so that I might have bunk beds.

I am a bit concerned about the opinion of Barry, as well. Could anybody tell me from what year FT started to build the U320 36' with IFS?

Steve

Re: Owning a Foretravel in Europe?

Reply #2 –
That would be around 2003. You will likely have a VERY hard time finding one. James Triana told me there were less than 20 coaches built with IFS (it was like a $15K option. I would expect less than 3 or 4 were 36 footers. The new Nimbus has been avail w/IFS for 2 years now, I think...
The selected media item is not currently available. Dave Head & Megan Westbrook
Titusville, FL - The Great Outdoors
'98 270 buying this month
Toad is a 2018 F150 XLT

Re: Owning a Foretravel in Europe?

Reply #3 –
I have a 2001 U320 36' with IFS and a single slide. So there maybe others available. We do like the slide but would have bought it anyway if it didn't. 
Jon Ohman
2001 U320 36'
Build #5809

Re: Owning a Foretravel in Europe?

Reply #4 –
I also have an '01 U320 36' with IFS.  It is the first motorhome I have owned and don't know the difference of ones without, but I will say it does turn on a dime and handles great.
Scott, Bonnie and Bentley
2001 36' U320
2006 Hummer H3

Re: Owning a Foretravel in Europe?

Reply #5 –
Quote
I am a bit concerned about the opinion of Barry, as well. Could anybody tell me from what year FT started to build the U320 36' with IFS?
2000
1 U295 36'

2001
12 U320 36'

25 total IFS coaches
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

Re: Owning a Foretravel in Europe?

Reply #6 –
It is very interesting for me to notice the differences between the American and European vision of the RVing. In Europe the average length for an RV is 7.5 meters, which is more and less like 25 ft. The width is 2.25 meters, equal to 90 inches. It is just normal custom to have a family of 4 or 5 living within such a space.

Now most of you will say:"This is not life if you get yourself squeezed like that". Well, I do agree. I love the American way but still, I am forced to come up with a solution/idea or find a compromise as the roads are much narrower here than in the US.

Also, where I live the countryside is not flat, there are mountains everywhere. My home is just at the bottom of the south side of Alps. I am not so far from Como, Italy. George Clooney often comes over here to have some rest.......and fun I suppose.

Steve

Re: Owning a Foretravel in Europe?

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Barry Beam –
Quote
I am a bit concerned about the opinion of Barry, as well. Could anybody tell me from what year FT started to build the U320 36' with IFS?
2000
1 U295 36'

2001
12 U320 36'

25 total IFS coaches



Barry, as I guess it is rather difficult to find a 36 footer equipped with IFS aged 2000/2001 do you know whether it is possible vs. convenient to go for a coach without and have the IFS installed at FOT once bought the coach as an option for my specific needs, or does the coach has to be a brand new one if you want to have IFS?

Thanks.

Steve

Re: Owning a Foretravel in Europe?

Reply #8 –
Quote
Do you know whether it is possible vs. convenient to go for a coach without and have the IFS installed at FOT once bought the coach as an option for my specific needs,
No, It can not be added to an existing coach.
Without finding an existing coach with it, your only option is a new coach.
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

Re: Owning a Foretravel in Europe?

Reply #9 –
How practical is it to import a Foretravel or any U.S. made  motorhome or RV into Europe?  Would it be difficult to find parts?  Even here in the States, we often have to pay overnight shipping to get parts from another state.
George Stoltz.  Retired from full-time living in a great Foretravel and now are back to living in a traditional sticks and bricks in Florida.

Re: Owning a Foretravel in Europe?

Reply #10 –
George,

You would be very surprised if you know how many Europeans are keen on American RVs. The most well known brands are Monaco and Winnebago as they are easier to import from US than others. As far as I am concerned, I wish to import a FT because of the reliability of this manufacturer, which is far better than Monaco or other brands, perhaps apart from Newell as I already said.

Geographically speaking, the US is just like a continent and far bigger than Europe as a whole (except for Russia of course). It is not at all astonishing to hear that you might have more than one problem to get spare parts and/or competent services from state to state.

The big issue for me is the engine. If the type of engine installed onto the coach has never been registered in Swiss, then you can be sure that it will be simply not useful to look for such a coach. Hopefully, this is not the case. I already explored about local rules 1 year and a half ago.

Moreover, as the engines come from Cummins, I would not have any problem to get spare parts. The most important Cummins dealer is just 40 miles from my home, in Italy very close to Milan. This is just an example, anyway.

Also, there is a club in Italy called ClubRV. The only thing they all have in common is that they are owner of American RVs. They do not accept anybody who is owner of a European RV. They are well organized and arranged an interesting commercial network to get spare parts, make electric conversions from 110V into 230V, European registrations, etc.

I wish to become owner of a FT. I will try everything it is in my power to make this happens. I have been working for 2 years about that but as all the people are aware, to choose the right coach is not only a question of getting one compliant to Swiss registration rules. There is a budget, which is one of the reasons why I started this discussion, and other issues.

It takes time and patience and in my specific position, I must selftrain. To be part of this valuable forum is a great resource and help to me.

Steve

Re: Owning a Foretravel in Europe?

Reply #11 –
Quote
Steve from Switzerland wrote:
"You would be very surprised if you know how many Europeans are keen on American RVs. The most well known brands are Monaco and Winnebago as they are easier to import from US than others. As far as I am concerned, I wish to import a FT because of the reliability of this manufacturer, which is far better than Monaco or other brands, perhaps apart from Newell as I already said.

Geographically speaking, the US is just like a continent and far bigger than Europe as a whole (except for Russia of course). It is not at all astonishing to hear that you might have more than one problem to get spare parts and/or competent services from state to state.

The big issue for me is the engine. If the type of engine installed onto the coach has never been registered in Swiss, then you can be sure that it will be simply not useful to look for such a coach. Hopefully, this is not the case. I already explored about local rules 1 year and a half ago.

Moreover, as the engines come from Cummins, I would not have any problem to get spare parts. The most important Cummins dealer is just 40 miles from my home, in Italy very close to Milan. This is just an example, anyway.

I wish to become owner of a FT. I will try everything it is in my power to make this happens. I have been working for 2 years about that but as all the people are aware, to choose the right coach is not only a question of getting one compliant to Swiss registration rules. There is a budget, which is one of the reasons why I started this discussion, and other issues.

It takes time and patience and in my specific position, I must self train. To be part of this valuable forum is a great resource and help to me.

Steve"

IMHO, there is a premium cost associated with owning a Foretravel in Europe (I might add, in the USA as well over certain other coaches).  What the amount of money ends up being is dependent on the coach's state of wear/repair.  Then, there is the European fuel price premium as well.  So let's just say that it would be more expensive to own a Foretravel in Europe.
 
That being said, Steve is done with the research, and he chose a Foretravel.  How many here would choose another coach because it may cost a premium in ownership?
 
In my case, it costs about $1,000 to drive to NAC and back to Cincinnati just to get the type of body work performed the right way.  I'm fortunate to have a Cummins dealer in Cincinnati to properly maintain the drive train.
 
So, Steve...stay on it and choose the Foretravel of your dreams because I know you will love the ownership experience even when it is difficult to effect repairs.
Peter & Beth Martin
No Forrest? What have you done?
MC# 15890 until Dec 2016; FMCA #F329677
Cincinnati, OH

Re: Owning a Foretravel in Europe?

Reply #12 –
Quote
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.
To John Cooper:
I am already owner of an American RV. The problem is that it is the wrong one or said differently, it is not a FT. I did not even know about the existence of FT when I bought it. My actual one is 32 footer. The weight is not an issue while not even the slides. The big issue is that if one wishes to drive an American RV in Europe then this person has to have a special driving license. Indeed, it is the driving license needed to drive trucks. It cost me more than $ 3'000 to get it.

Then, I am already accustomed to US standards. I only have to sell my actual coach, which is difficult in Swiss, and wait for a FT compliant to my needs coming on the US market, then import it to Swiss.

Well, sounds like a job for Superman. Still, I do not give up.

Steve

Re: Owning a Foretravel in Europe?

Reply #13 –
Quote from: inter_65 –
To John Cooper:
.....only have to sell my actual coach, which is difficult in Swiss, and wait for a FT compliant to my needs coming on the US market, then import it to Swiss.

Have a friend who did a coach swap couple years ago for Five months to tour Europe. This does not have much to do with your delightful/lustful desires for a FT ( mine took me 5 years to get my FT, so I do understand)

Now, what perks my interest is 1st question:
Can you market and sell your current coach in other countries re: Spain etc which may have more adequate roads? I know nothing of regulations you would have to deal with but my marketing background says find every avenue!!!

As to a FT to be compliant - are you referring to others being already accepted into your country or built to certain standards for your country - You do know FOT can do custom work and might be able to make the changes needed to an older coach to comply - again just speculation, but I do know if don't ask don't know - I do lots of that :)
Virginia Cunningham
Motorcader # 16992
'99 U320 40'
'06 Black Silverado 2500HD 4x4 Crew Cab

Re: Owning a Foretravel in Europe?

Reply #14 –
It has been a very long time, but it usually is that you can take it to Germany, but if you buy a German one over there made to German specs,  you can't bring it back here.  I had to leave a very nice Mercedes over there, cause it would not pass U.S. specs. 

Also, a imported Foretravel should bring a very nice price in Europe.  One could probably make a nice tidy profit after having one shipped over and they selling it.  But don't go doing this cause, like I said, it has been a very long time since I was there.
1994 U225
build #4514

Re: Owning a Foretravel in Europe?

Reply #15 –
Quote from: Virginia, Jim And Cricket –
Quote from: inter_65 –
To John Cooper:
.....only have to sell my actual coach, which is difficult in Swiss, and wait for a FT compliant to my needs coming on the US market, then import it to Swiss.

Have a friend who did a coach swap couple years ago for Five months to tour Europe. This does not have much to do with your delightful/lustful desires for a FT ( mine took me 5 years to get my FT, so I do understand)

Now, what perks my interest is 1st question:
Can you market and sell your current coach in other countries re: Spain etc which may have more adequate roads? I know nothing of regulations you would have to deal with but my marketing background says find every avenue!!!

As to a FT to be compliant - are you referring to others being already accepted into your country or built to certain standards for your country - You do know FOT can do custom work and might be able to make the changes needed to an older coach to comply - again just speculation, but I do know if don't ask don't know - I do lots of that :)


Answering to your questions:

1) As I do live in Swiss I had to do a number of modification to the coach as to make it compliant to Swiss regulations, otherwise I could not have it fully registered in this country. This means that I can resell the coach in Swiss only but infact it is a tough market other than Germany where there are a massive number of amateurs of US RVs. That's why I previously said it is a question of patience.

2) The whole point here is the ENGINE. Generally speaking, when you import a vehicle from the US or Japan to Europe, it is always the engine that determine the chance to have the vehicle compliant to European rules. Unfortunately, regulations are not flat or well standardized in Continental Europe. In the UK you can do mostly whatever you want, I guess because of their flexible mentality for everything that comes from artisan manufacturing and this counts for cars too. Continental Europe is more tough and Switzerland is even worse. They are very strict and do not accept philosophical interpretation of the regulations. Everything is black or white. A friend of mine found the solution to have my actual RV registered in Swiss and he does import vehicles at worldwide level to Swiss. I might say he is my key successful factor as to have a FT fully registered in Swiss. I am very fortunate, indeed.

Steve