Upcoming FT model

Topic: Upcoming FT model (Read 4161 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Upcoming FT model

Reply #25 – October 31, 2010, 09:13:30 pm

Oh! Please don't. My Karmas are the sunshine of my life. Where's your sense of humor Jeffery. Oh! I forgot, your're out of Bourbon.

Re: Upcoming FT model

Reply #26 – October 31, 2010, 10:31:57 pm

Hi Peter, Ya! I know,

I looked at some really nice used ones prior to my Foretravel,

but could not get the DW to keep working to pay for it.

Re: Upcoming FT model

Reply #27 – October 31, 2010, 10:55:59 pm

Quote from: Kent Speers – October 31, 2010, 06:55:33 pm

You might consider an owners council including three or four of the Foretravel Old Timers and say six of the new model Foretravel owners.

It does raise the question - who is the target market for new coach sales now and going forward?

Is it the current FT owner? Is it an entirely new customer base? The business model does seem to have changed - much more of a custom coach than in years 2004 and prior. As John mentioned, the profit margin on the newer coaches is greater, and it allows the factory to be viable with smaller volumes than in the past.

From our perspective, we (Steve and I) will probably always be purchasers of "pre-owned" just because of the depreciation factor. So simply from that we are not part of the target market - the factory needs to sell new coaches and we aren't planning to purchase new. We just hope that someone orders a coach with a design and floorplan we find attractive at the point in time we're ready for our next coach.

Michelle

Re: Upcoming FT model

Reply #28 – November 01, 2010, 06:01:02 pm

well , does this new thing have a name yet ? sounds like a go have a look thing . next question , when ? ? ? wow just like a kid in a candy store .

Re: Upcoming FT model

Reply #29 – November 01, 2010, 06:47:53 pm

Brad,

I hear they are calling it Pinnacle.

Re: Upcoming FT model

Reply #30 – November 01, 2010, 07:04:10 pm

Quote from: Brad Metzger – November 01, 2010, 06:01:02 pm

well , does this new thing have a name yet ? sounds like a go have a look thing . next question , when ? ? ?

Prototype is on the FT line now, they are planning on an unveiling at the big Florida RV show in December (if I remember correctly) from what Tyle told us. I believe they have already received orders for a couple of them.

-M

Re: Upcoming FT model

Reply #31 – November 01, 2010, 10:59:52 pm

I wouldn't bet on Pinnacle for a name as Thor already made a gas model by that name.

Re: Upcoming FT model

Reply #32 – November 01, 2010, 11:01:34 pm

Drats. I thought I had a winner with that one.

Re: Upcoming FT model

Reply #33 – November 02, 2010, 09:44:27 am

wow , hope it matches my chrome plated wheelbarrow , the one with racing slicks .hugh ?

Re: Upcoming FT model

Reply #34 – November 02, 2010, 09:11:35 pm

I will bet the name will be a foretravel. simple and what more can they do to make a better or bigger coach.

Re: Upcoming FT model

Reply #35 – November 02, 2010, 11:38:41 pm

Yes on the Foretravel,

Bigger-YES, Better-Maybe, only time will tell.

Just glad to see Foretravel investing in the future makes our toys more desireable, unlike CC and others who have not survived.

FWIW
Dave

Re: Upcoming FT model

Reply #36 – November 03, 2010, 08:03:39 am

Dave,

Your coach is in the same bay next to ours and Rance has already begun working his fine skills on your coach. Do you want me to take some photos?

George

Re: Upcoming FT model

Reply #37 – November 03, 2010, 02:10:40 pm

Quote from: Brad Nerhus – November 01, 2010, 10:59:52 pm

I wouldn't bet on Pinnacle for a name as Thor already made a gas model by that name.

I would surely hate to see a coach like that called a Pinnacle. Just don't like the sound of that. Of course, I don't like the goofy spelling they went with for Phenix, either. They need some help with their naming skills.

Re: Upcoming FT model

Reply #38 – November 03, 2010, 02:20:40 pm

Quote

I wouldn't bet on Pinnacle for a name as Thor already made a gas model by that name.

One of our friends just sold his "Pinnacle" RV
I dont think they are still made.

Re: Upcoming FT model

Reply #39 – November 03, 2010, 03:44:39 pm

Quote

I would surely hate to see a coach like that called a Pinnacle. Just don't like the sound of that. Of course, I don't like the goofy spelling they went with for Phenix, either. They need some help with their naming skills.

I think that naming models is a real challenge. At lest Foretravel stayed away from aggressive names like "Intruder" and "Challenger"

or Pinnacle for a name as Thor already made a gas model by that name.

Re: Upcoming FT model

Reply #40 – November 03, 2010, 04:19:20 pm

George, Yes,Thank you, I would appreciate some photos of the coach as it goes along. Also,you will recognize the colors, they are same as yours, just changed your maroon to a more red shade, other wise, the same colors, trust you do not mind.

Forgot to mention that the paint job on your coach is way way nicer than I would have guessed, and can see why everyone says it makes all other paint jobs look like a lessor job.

Just hope mine turns out as nice.

Going to add the new tail lights also, paint roof and fix my goof on front lower right side, thought the snow was light, how ever it was a clump of ice under the fresh snow
in a Wally World lot in Md.

A note update once in while would be great while your at Xtreme.
Thanks
Dave

Re: Upcoming FT model

Reply #41 – November 03, 2010, 04:29:06 pm

Dave

Great decisions, I love the painted roof and the new LED Taillights - just picked it up yesterday @ Xtreme. George and Sandy very nice in person, we had a great meal together last night.

Tim

Re: Upcoming FT model

Reply #42 – November 03, 2010, 05:11:55 pm

Dave,

Send me your email and I will send the photos directly to you. This way you can send them to anyone else you care to and you will be able to open them into full screen images.

George

Re: Upcoming FT model

Reply #43 – November 03, 2010, 10:16:10 pm

Foretravel used Phenix partly because a Class B called Phoenix already existed also

Re: Upcoming FT model

Reply #44 – November 04, 2010, 10:34:14 am

So why does the new model need a specific name? Why not just call it a "Foretravel"? We have the GV, the Uxxx(270, 300, 320), Nimbus, Phenix. I really don't see a point in a "model" name. I say call it a foretravel and give each coach a unique number which FT already does.

Just my two cents worth! Oh and add an expresso machine as standard equipment!

Re: Upcoming FT model

Reply #45 – November 04, 2010, 11:34:43 am

How about " EXPENSIVE " in Capital letters, that would be all the description needed.

Re: Upcoming FT model

Reply #46 – November 04, 2010, 02:13:22 pm

I think the issue here was to have some fun. Foretravel will do what they think is best.

Re: Upcoming FT model

Reply #47 – November 04, 2010, 09:12:04 pm

i am willing to bet 10 bucks that it will be called ------------yz-45 , or something like that . doubt a name is in the works just 2 letters and 45 any takers ? i don't have a billy goat just yet , but i know where i can get one , so no shortage of bucks . your turn george s. !!

Re: Upcoming FT model

Reply #48 – November 04, 2010, 09:27:31 pm

Dave,

I think your guess is a pretty good one.

Re: Upcoming FT model

Reply #49 – November 04, 2010, 11:17:57 pm

My take? Since they will build to order except for 1 or 2 show coaches a year they will make money. Prevost converters and Newell are the only other game in town. Country Coach and Blue Bird are gone, Parliament is hanging on mainly with used coaches, Liberty and Millenium are hanging in there and Amadas took over Featherlite. Any other converters are really, really niche. Newell builds about 25 coaches a year, and I would be surprised if the converters output more than 50 total that don't go direct to Nashville or Nascar. Foretravel can do 5 or 6 a year and make a ton of money on them.
The Phenix has proven to the upper crust that Foretravel can really build a high end coach. I'm sorry if I upset some, but if you look at the interiors of 04 and 05 U320s they were dated and not to a high end standard. Their designers were 10+ years out (to lunch). Now you have quality tile and wood floors with inlay designs, marble/granite counters, free standing bowl sinks and fabrics that didn't come from Rooms to Go cast offs. TVs on lifts, built behind mirrors and quality CAN bus control systems for all functions.
So they build a taller coach - what's that going to cost them - $60K more? If they are smart they will go with the new LG modular heat pump systems in the basement - quiet, high SERE and low power consumption. Slap 10+ 200W solar panels on the unobstructed roof.
Good insulation and some 'green marketing' to make owners feel better. Dump the Aquahot for a quality ducted heating system because 1.5 million dollar coaches only boondock running their Onan 17.5 KW whisper quiet green system.
You can BET that the first 5 to 10 coaches will be the best thing they have EVER built. They can't afford to get a bad rep in this class.
For people like Starr and I a 5-6 year old Nimbus will be all we ever want - but they market this high end coach well intro'd into a growing market and it will swell Foretravel values and sales to mid 90s levels. Remember, the mid to higher end players are largely wiped out too (Monaco, Fleetwood, HR, CC)!

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