Another new member

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Another new member

October 16, 2011, 03:54:00 pm

Hello from SW Missouri. My DW, Jo Ann, and I are less than four years from retirement, and it is our hope to become fulltime RV'ers then. To that end, we have started researching in order to decide what would be the ideal coach for us. We've eliminated pop-ups, pickup campers, and Class C motorhomes as just too small. Fifth Wheels, motorhomes, and travel trailers are all up for consideration.

We will be buying used, no matter what we pick, and we prefer a higher end coach even if it means that it will be somewhat older. I would prefer that the coach be younger than me, though. We understand that, no matter what we pick, our rig will have something towing something else.

Here's our "mission profile" as we see it now. The coach will be our sole home for several years as we tour the United States and some of Canada. We will generally be staying in one place for anywhere from a week to a month, although there will be times when we need to travel more than one day's journey and will therefore just spend the night somewhere. Some workamping will be included, but probably less than 50% of the time. We want the ability to do some boondocking, but we probably won't be doing a lot of that.

We've done a lot of tent camping, owned a Class C for a while, and currently have a Heartland mpg 181. We bought the mpg as a "learner" rig, to help us get back into the RV mindset. I'm pretty comfortable driving nearly anything.

The budget we're working with now is $50,000 for the whole package - both parts of the rig and any repairs/modifications needed. We're estimating that we will put 5000 miles per year on the combination, and 10,000 on the part that isn't the RV (pickup in the case of a towable, and the toad in the case of a MH).

I'm open to any and all questions, comments, and suggestions. I'd much rather ask 10,000 questions before I write the big check than ask the same question 10,000 times afterward. Even though your individual experiences won't match ours, I'd like to know your thinking about why you made the decision you did about something. That will probably point out some questions that we need to answer.

Thanks for your helpful advice.

Re: Another new member

Reply #1 – October 16, 2011, 04:33:12 pm

David,
Welcome aboard. We're just a bit partial here, so you'll get somewhat biased opinions, as most of us have owned various types of RV's and now own Foretravels. It would be interesting for us to get an idea of what your annual budget guesstimate is for updates, repairs and maintenance. Depending on the year Foretravel and personal preference for updates there is a significant variance on this item.

Good luck!

Re: Another new member

Reply #2 – October 16, 2011, 05:00:10 pm

David,

Welcome, and 73 for K5ERP, in Bellville, TX.

We have had two DP (diesel pusher) coaches since August, 2009. The first was a 1997 model 37' coach on a Freightliner chassis that we bought for about $25,000. We took about five or six trips in it and enjoyed it. We learned a lot! We sold the coach for about $25,000, via consignment at MOT (Motorhomes of Texas) after owning it for about eight months.

We spent about $1,000/month on maintenance, repairs, updates, etc. We travel some in cold weather and found there were deficiencies that became significant in weather below 32F. The primary problem was the lack of ability to "hunker" down and run self contained for more than three days. We didn't have enough propane capacity to keep the coach warm for more than three days if temperature were very cold. That resulted in exposing us to some risks we choose to avoid, but not by staying home. We also spent a log of money on suspension and steering components to help the coach handle well. We made improvements, but ride and handling were still not satisfactory.

What we liked about the coach included: floor plan, simplicity of systems, size, price. What we didn't like about the coach included: lack of propane capacity for heating, poor ride, poor handling, noisy generator, a rear radiator blocked access to engine.

After our cold weather adventures in the first coach, I looked for similar sized coach with better handling, more system capacities, better engine access, and overall higher quality. I searched PPL Motorhomes in Houston, MOT in Nacogdoches, FOT (Foretravel of Texas) in Nacogdoches, and many on line sources. I was favorably impressed with the Foretravel brand. I began following the old Yahoo Foretravel forum and the new Foreforums.

We followed up an alert from a Foreforum member regarding a Craigslist listing of a Foretravel. We quickly followed up and found out the coach was six miles from our home. We inspected it for a couple of days and bought it. We bought the 1997 36' U295 with 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee hooked up in tow for $50,000. We have been very pleased.

We have traveled about 15,000 miles, in the coach since April 2010. We spent around $800/month on tires, maintenance, updates, and repairs, since we have owned the coach. That included around $3,200 for repairs to paint and fiberglass because of self inflicted wounds. I expect our next expenditures will be for replacement of flooring and possibly some interior design changes.

We have traveled in temperatures from 0F to 100F. We have driven in the flat coastal plains, the high central plains, and mountains in Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado. The systems have kept us safe and comfortable. The coach handles far better than the coach of the same vintage on the Freightliner chassis. The challenges in driving it are similar to our experiences pulling a 7000# Airstream 31' trailer behind a Suburban 1500.

Things we like about the Foretravel include: excellent chassis and handling, uniformly high quality components, excellent service from facilities in Nacogdoches, excellent support from this forum, ability to handle a wide range of ambient temperatures, an side radiator, transmission retarder.

I continue to look at other coaches and continue to be pleased with our coach. For the money, I think we have the best unit for us.

Keep looking and asking questions. I hope we are able to travel to Kansas City, MO, soon to visit the grandchildren. Perhaps you could take a look at our coach and visit while we are in MO.

Re: Another new member

Reply #3 – October 16, 2011, 05:37:53 pm

David, Welcome and good luck in your search. I am sure that you will find a FT that meets your needs.
My DW has a sister in Nevada so may be we will meet up some day.
Good luck
Gary B

Re: Another new member

Reply #4 – October 16, 2011, 06:50:49 pm

Welcome! This site will give you a pretty biased opinion, as Peter & Beth said ... but I will tell you that I was a slightly reluctant entry into the "full time" category when we began just over a year ago. After a full 12 mos on the road, I can say that we made the right choice to sell the house and get out and go. One thing we remark on at almost every stop, is how very, very happy we are to just get parked ... whether for 1 night at Walmart or 3 weeks in a campground ... and just push a few buttons. Sometimes we watch the folks with travel trailers and 5ers go through 30 minutes or more of backing, adjusting, cranking, leveling, etc. I am exhausted just watching them! If the day comes when we are spending an entire season in just one spot, and it is the same spot every year ... I would consider a different rig. But for our lifestyle now, a motor home with a car in tow suits us perfectly. We do not dry camp for more than a week or so, find that most state and National Parks can take our 40' and can pack more than we need into this rig. Happy hunting for your future home!!

Re: Another new member

Reply #5 – October 16, 2011, 07:11:29 pm

Surprisingly, your situation sounds very much like ours except I was forced to retire three years ago due to back problems. We decided to go full time about a 18 months ago. Our budget amount for the initial investment was very similar to yours. We choose a 1993, Foretravel U300. We were fortunately able to find one that had been completely upgraded but there are still ones out there that are in great condition but inexpensive enough that you will have plenty of money left over after the purchase to upgrade as you wish.

The U300 was the top of the Foretravel line at the time so most of the original owners had the wherewithal to take very good care of them. They will have plenty of room, no slides to maintain, conventional furnaces and conventional water heater, that means no AquaHot which are very expensive to repair or replace. They have plenty of horsepower for their lower weight. The newer coaches may get a little better fuel mileage but they cost a lot more to buy and their upkeep is higher.

Each of us on the Forum think we have made the best purchase choice but it seems like a nice, well maintained 40 foot, U300 meets your criteria very well. If you are interested, I believe there is a 93 still for sale here in Oklahoma for under $50,000, maybe considerably under that mark. Their phone number should be in the classified section of the Forum.

Good Luck with whatever you choose and welcome to the Forum.

Re: Another new member

Reply #6 – October 16, 2011, 07:27:11 pm

Welcome to the forum. It has been helpful for us to both find and understand our coach.

Maybe the best info I got from the net was from the Bluebird forum, where we were looking for a coach. Everyone suggested, having a budget, plus $10,000 to spend the first year, plus figure on $5,000 per year to keep it going. With that plan, we found a coach that worked for us, have money to spend as we find we need to, and will hopefully not bust the bank on future costs.

We found a coach with lots of upgrades, current service records, and in great shape.

I hope you enjoy your shopping.

Re: Another new member

Reply #7 – October 16, 2011, 09:28:37 pm

Thanks. I do have one question concerning model nomenclature. How does the 93 U300 compare to a 93 Grandvilla? For that matter, I notice that the signatures all list your Foretravels as Uxxx. When I look at various for sale sites, they are listed my model names. Is there a list somewhere that gives that information?

Re: Another new member

Reply #8 – October 16, 2011, 09:36:31 pm

Quote from: kb0zke – October 16, 2011, 09:28:37 pm

Thanks. I do have one question concerning model nomenclature. How does the 93 U300 compare to a 93 Grandvilla? For that matter, I notice that the signatures all list your Foretravels as Uxxx. When I look at various for sale sites, they are listed my model names. Is there a list somewhere that gives that information?

Here is a great site with all sorts of manuals and specifications

Foretravel Specifications, Floor Plans, Photos & Brochures by Year

It's a great start, but of course the members here are always ready to answer questions about specific models.

Welcome to ForeForums!

Michelle

Re: Another new member

Reply #9 – October 16, 2011, 09:40:30 pm

There are several threads describing the various models. The U stands for Unihome. A non Unihome Grand Villa was built on an Oshcosh chassis. U300/280s were built on the Foretravel proprietary 8 outboard airbag chassis.

Re: Another new member

Reply #10 – October 16, 2011, 09:40:43 pm

David,
Grand Villas were made in 4 models, based upon their Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): U-225 has 22,500 lbs, GVWR, U-240 has 24,000 lbs, U-280 has 28,000, etc. As the size increase so do the features inside and outside the coach. If you check out Barry Beam's website (Barry and Darlene Brideau's Personal Website) you will find a comprehensive list.

Re: Another new member

Reply #11 – October 16, 2011, 09:41:49 pm

Here is a wealth of info:
FORETRAVEL Motorhomes service and Repair Information

Drop down that page to about Foretravel, and find the 40 years of history.

As I understand the U-xxx is Unicoach and the weight rating. The U-300's are the 40', U-225, 240, 280 are 36'. Grand Villa was the body style with the sloped windshields, vs. the next generation of front door buses.

Hope I got this correct.

Re: Another new member

Reply #12 – October 16, 2011, 09:55:21 pm

David kb0zke said: "When I look at various for sale sites, they are listed my model names."
David: Model names (like "Nimbus") didn't begin until the new owners took over starting with the 2006 models. Up to then, beginning in '95 with the Unicoach models, they were called U270, U295, and U 320. Unicoaches were bus-style and replaced the Grand Villas.

Re: Another new member

Reply #13 – October 16, 2011, 10:16:17 pm

I think I'm starting to understand a bit. Sounds like we ought to be looking at '96 or newer if we want something that doesn't look too dated. I showed a picture of the '93 Grand Villa to someone without showing the age, and they guessed it was from the '70's or '80's. I looked at the photos of the various years, and the "bus" body shows up first in 1996.

We're still a couple of years out on deciding on anything, but I'm liking what I see here. Looks like I need to spend a few hours poking around on this site.

Re: Another new member

Reply #14 – October 16, 2011, 10:36:57 pm

Might look at the cover of June's Family Motor Coaching, showing the new aerodynamic Monaco Vesta. Wind tunnel designed, sloped front end. Looks like the old Unicoach design just might be coming back around. I like my old design, and the mid door too.

Know some of the older coaches have new style graphics, or full body paint, and fool people into thinking they are newer designs.

Re: Another new member

Reply #15 – October 16, 2011, 10:42:01 pm

My target was a 1999 36' with no slides. That model year was a bit beyond our budget, but we could have handled it. When the 1997 came available, it was close enough to our goal that we moved immediately. We have been pleased. If our requirements change, we have enough knowledge to make a good decision, and we have a high quality coach to sell.

Study the sales brochures at Foretravel Specifications, Floor Plans, Photos & Brochures by Year Foretravel brochures, specifications and manuals Information Links[/url]. Find the features important to you and compare it all to your budget. With our budget, I figured 1997 was the oldest coach I wanted and 1999-2001 would have been ideal for us if the the price were right. Each year has a few changes that may be significant for you. Dave and Dolly Cobb's recommendations regarding budget are excellent.

In this forum, you have found a great resource regarding Foretravel coaches.

Best wishes for a successful search.

Re: Another new member

Reply #16 – October 16, 2011, 10:58:25 pm

I had a U-270, and now the U-320 with a single slide. Slide coaches are a little out of your budget, but I wouldn't give up a retarder, air bag suspension with HWH automatic level system or aqua-hot if at all possible. Three must haves in my book. PJ would add a combo washer dryer, and Dave Head might add the U-line ice maker he is so fond of!

Yes Aquahots require maintenance - but they are quiet, run forever on diesel, and provide unlimited hot water if you have water hookups and sewer to dispose of the water. Propane furnaces are noisy, go through a lot of Propane in the cold, and the propane water heaters do not allow for long or multiple successive showers.

As to 36 or 40 - either would work for full timing, and both have advantages and disadvantages.

Re: Another new member

Reply #17 – October 16, 2011, 11:20:43 pm

Quote from: Tim Fiedler – October 16, 2011, 10:58:25 pm

I had a U-270, and now the U-320 with a single slide. Slide coaches are a little out of your budget, but I wouldn't give up a retarder, air bag suspension with HWH automatic level system or aqua-hot if at all possible. Three must haves in my book. PJ would add a combo washer dryer, and Dave Head might add the U-line ice maker he is so fond of!

Yes Aquahots require maintenance - but they are quiet, run forever on diesel, and provide unlimited hot water if you have water hookups and sewer to dispose of the water. Propane furnaces are noisy, go through a lot of Propane in the cold, and the propane water heaters do not allow for long or multiple successive showers.

As to 36 or 40 - either would work for full timing, and both have advantages and disadvantages.

Fiedler's comments and preferences are well stated and based on his experience. I would agree with all of his opinions based on my experience.

Our propane furnaces are indeed noisy. They burn about four gallons of propane per day in temperatures of 0-10F. The propane tank holds about 42 gallons. We figure that will keep us safe through a blizzard. We normally don't park the coach for long periods of time except when we are at home. Home is in the south. When the propane company fills the tank for our S&B (stick and brick) home, they also fill the coach.

Bride likes the idea of the washer/drier, but doesn't like the results of washing in the Splendide. She'll use a laundromat. We would do fine without W/D, but will probably leave it in place since it is there and works. I use it sometimes to warm or dry towels.

We have a U-Line, but would rather have more storage drawers instead. We may get that changed.

Different folk like different features. Decide what is important to you. Some things are easy to change. Others can't be changed. Transmission retarder, 8 bag air suspension, and basic quality are VERY nice and can't reasonably be added to a used coach.

Re: Another new member

Reply #18 – October 16, 2011, 11:39:22 pm

Bride hated the Splendide. Bought little book about washing in the RV using SPlendide by Sandra somebody or other. Now she is very happy with it. So much so she wants the newer XC model with larger capacity. We use Laundry for big stuff or big loads. Love the cheap and convenience of Splendide now that we are better at using it.

Having had other products, I would rather a much older FT than a newer anything. My friend Dave Head would want a Newell, but not easy to find at the price point.

Good Luck, hope you find your coach!

Re: Another new member

Reply #19 – October 17, 2011, 11:00:02 am

Quote from: J. D. Stevens – October 16, 2011, 11:20:43 pm

Bride likes the idea of the washer/drier, but doesn't like the results of washing in the Splendide. She'll use a laundromat. We would do fine without W/D, but will probably leave it in place since it is there and works. I use it sometimes to warm or dry towels.

Quote from: Tim Fiedler – October 16, 2011, 11:39:22 pm

Bride hated the Splendide. Bought little book about washing in the RV using SPlendide by Sandra somebody or other. Now she is very happy with it. So much so she wants the newer XC model with larger capacity. We use Laundry for big stuff or big loads. Love the cheap and convenience of Splendide now that we are better at using it.

Well, this Bride also liked the idea of an onboard washer/dryer, but the coach was only plumbed for one. No problem; installed the XC. Before it went in, I also bought the book about wrinkle-free RV laundry, read it cover to cover (it was actually written for earlier Splendide models - but still very relevant). Also read the XC manual (found it online) cover to cover. So, I started out knowing what to expect from the Splendide.... and knowing how different it was from the sticks-and-bricks laundry equipment.

I posted on what I learned, and Michelle broke it into a new thread not long ago (and adding her own helpful hints from her experience): Pat's Helpful Splendide Laundry Tips

I'm guessing that Mrs. J.D. might change her mind (like Mrs. Tim) after reading the RV laundry book (RV bookstore - the world's largest online RV bookstore).

Re: Another new member

Reply #20 – October 17, 2011, 11:44:07 am

Quote from: kb0zke – October 16, 2011, 10:16:17 pm

I think I'm starting to understand a bit. Sounds like we ought to be looking at '96 or newer if we want something that doesn't look too dated. I showed a picture of the '93 Grand Villa to someone without showing the age, and they guessed it was from the '70's or '80's. I looked at the photos of the various years, and the "bus" body shows up first in 1996.

We're still a couple of years out on deciding on anything, but I'm liking what I see here. Looks like I need to spend a few hours poking around on this site.

You can also visit Nacogdoches(which is a very nice college town) and talk to the folks at Foretravel, Motor homes of Texas, and poke your heads into a few coaches to compare. MOT has brands other than Foretravels, for a side by side match up. Visit and tour the Foretravel factory and SEE how they are constructed. Then you will understand why so many of us are totally delighted to buy an older Foretravel and have no worries about their longevity. After Foretravel, visit any of the other manufacturers and begin evaluating what you see. You have a lot to learn, but a good amount of time to sift through the facts and figures. You will find what works for you. People say,"By the time you buy your third coach, you get what you want." But don't let that scare you!!! Lots of folks are happy as pie with their first Foretravel. You will see why.

Re: Another new member

Reply #21 – October 17, 2011, 12:09:32 pm

Quote from: Carol Savournin – October 17, 2011, 11:44:07 am

People say,"By the time you buy your third coach, you get what you want." But don't let that scare you!!! Lots of folks are happy as pie with their first Foretravel. You will see why.

I echo Carol's sentiments, with one slight change as it relates to George's and my experience... we were lucky and found our third coach first!

We are definitely "happy as pie" with our choice, and have no desire to purchase another (though it's sure fun to look!

Re: Another new member

Reply #22 – October 17, 2011, 07:53:14 pm

I've heard that comment about the third coach before, and that's why we're doing so much research now. We want to be one of those who gets their third coach first.

Re: Another new member

Reply #23 – October 17, 2011, 09:15:34 pm

As someone with 2.5 weeks of experience owning a FT here are my 2 cents - look, look, look. It took me a little over a year to find the one we bought which was not the one we thought we wanted. Internet pics can be deceiving or least not tell the whole truth.

Take the time to check out each coach in person if possible. There can be many differences between what appear to be similar coaches. Owners treat their FTs with great care and love and sometimes make surprising upgrades/changes. I'm sure you will find the right one.

Re: Another new member

Reply #24 – October 17, 2011, 09:49:13 pm

David, kb0zke

But it is great fun and a great learning experience to own 3 FT in 4 years...and the first one we keep for the first 3. Of course I won't say how much that fun and experience cost...

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