Looking for a FT

Topic: Looking for a FT (Read 3577 times) previous topic - next topic

Looking for a FT

February 16, 2012, 09:41:02 pm

Hello,
To introduce ourselves, we are Ron and Dorothy Sheridan. Traveling now in SW in our class C, heading to Pheonix.

Been researching for a year or so and probably settling in on a FT 36, possibly a 40 in the 97-2000 vintage with NO slide. (now that said, anything is 'possible'..............i'm a realist!)

Traveled from florida to MOT and FT in Tx. to view what they had and digest their operations.

Left feeling quite comfortable with both.... good people, good businesses.

Now to continue, I believe buying from a person is better for me and them.

Done enough research to keep me inline with real pricing which seems to be well below NADA low, by a few % to .....much more. I know this aggravates sellers, but I have to deal with this in my life too, selling my boat and my home in the market we live in..........so no hand grenades need to be thrown here. we are all in the same boat.

I believe we the wife and i, are settling into the concept of a 36/u320 but will consider both 34 and 40. Yup, I know that is a shotgun approach, but... you never know until you know.

34' galley seems to minimal for us yet otherwise pleasant........and 40 seems to be to long for sites we love most, the remote ones, so we are still humpty dumptys............ (We love remote areas in the last places we can visit that are still dedicated to natural environments..............before the businesses take over our parks.)

While we are 'looking--with cash', we are also, quite cognisant of input from those who have something to offer as advice.......... so please, inform us and I'm sure others, by contributing more to your base of information on these matters.

In the end, we will be there in some campground beside some of you.

I'm leaning towards a U320
wish list?...
AquaHot
Bigger Engine/transmission
do like, Cherry or Walnut
non-slide
reels on elec. and H2o

Garaged Kept or extremely ...good exterior condition as well as interior,// of great importance. Looking for only the best, at a realistic/todays price. If not, then must consider costs to put it/keep it there.

thanks again, ron and dorothy.
MEMORY ROSE (our boat's blog)
Memory Roads (our rv's blog)

Re: Looking for a FT

Reply #1 – February 16, 2012, 10:13:38 pm

Plenty of coaches available - well below book. Instead of figuring your deal, try getting the newest coach in the nineties you can afford. Each year improvements were made - 98/99 models with ducted air, dual pane, better engines, etc etc.

I got decent deals on both Foretravels I bought from MOT. More importantly, both times I got great coaches. You may get a great deal and then get to spend $10-15K making it right. My 95 is a great coach. Sure, I would like better, the the grand old lady suits us just fine.

Re: Looking for a FT

Reply #2 – February 17, 2012, 09:02:23 am

FT's that have had the upgrades, such as headlights,non-slip roof coating,painted strip's verses decals,and new interior's will sell above book.

Re: Looking for a FT

Reply #3 – February 17, 2012, 11:02:03 am

I have noticed that the number of Foretravels on the craigslist pages within about 2,000 miles of my location (I use SearchTempest - The EASY way to search Craigslist) has declined considerably. In November the RV ads were crowded with Unihomes and Unicoaches. Right now the only ones I see are the early 80s models or gas-powered rigs. The real bargains in the early-to-mid 90s coaches have been snapped up. The last real "buy" was a U280 located in northern California which went for $22,500 on eBay. The U270 advertised widely for under $50k that was in Portland, OR has disappeared.

It could be that sellers are waiting for the spring "rush" of buyers but it's also possible that the improving economy and the recent talk of a much larger domestic has encouraged people who had been on the fence to buy motor homes. Lots of baby boomers set to retire right about now, too.

Should be interesting. The latest offering of a 1993 U225 at over $27k is heartening for those of us who have already bought. Unless, of course, we want to trade up.

Craig

Re: Looking for a FT

Reply #4 – February 17, 2012, 12:25:01 pm

Quote from: Dave Head – February 16, 2012, 10:13:38 pm

Each year improvements were made - 98/99 models with ducted air, dual pane, better engines, etc etc.

Dave, from my research, the '97s also had ducted air and dual panes . . .

or am I wrong?

Trent
(Still just a Foretravel full time wannabee)

Re: Looking for a FT

Reply #5 – February 17, 2012, 12:36:40 pm

97 was the first year for ducted air,dual pane windows, and the smart wheel,most U270 did not have the Joy Stick for the retarder.

Re: Looking for a FT

Reply #6 – February 17, 2012, 12:41:35 pm

You are right...

Re: Looking for a FT

Reply #7 – February 17, 2012, 01:40:21 pm

Quote from: Bill Willett – February 17, 2012, 12:36:40 pm

97 was the first year for ducted air,dual pane windows, and the smart wheel,most U270 did not have the Joy Stick for the retarder.

Our 1996 U320 has dual pane windows, but no ducted air. . .A/C comes right out of the rooftop air conditioners. Of course it has the joystick retarder; headlight/taillight upgrade; Winegard Traveler 1000; JACK HD TV antenna; and other improvements, so hopefully it should sell for more than NADA low retail.

Re: Looking for a FT

Reply #8 – February 17, 2012, 03:08:26 pm

Ron and Dorothy
We are selling our 2001 36 ft. U320, posted an add here on the forum Jan 14th. I was having difficulty posting pictures, but listed the highlights of the coach. You can reach us at almquist@att.net and I can forward pictures, and or give us a call at 541-944-4544 Gary or Claire
P.S. ours has a slide and we love it, never have had any problem!!! also our coach is garaged and we have all service records available. The price is negotioable, as most are.

Re: Looking for a FT

Reply #9 – February 17, 2012, 06:47:40 pm

Thanks 'All' for your responses. We're learning much from the forum and still finding lot's to read. Will do our best to reply to all contacts and keep tuned in as best we can. Snowing now in Silver City, NM. (second day) but hope to leave tomorrow, heading west/south west. It's gotta be warmer....somewhere!

Have been slow picking up internet on the side roads of America and remote campgrounds(last one was Cliff Dwellings National Monument where we almost got snowed in), but should be able to check back every few days at least.
Again thanks!!
ron and dorothy

Re: Looking for a FT

Reply #10 – February 17, 2012, 08:02:04 pm

I think the 97 was the first year for the screen door.

Re: Looking for a FT

Reply #11 – February 18, 2012, 12:41:28 am

I was responding here, to postings regarding fuel pricing...sorry if came up here but so be it. the comment is relative to this classified too.
============================================================================
Having followed other posts, esp.catching up tonigh on ones of fuel costs/that reflect my forward thinking, I have to say yes, listings have dropped.

But........since most rigs owned of the vintage we(I) are talking about, 97-2000, banks are no longer in the equation lending. buyers in this range have to put up cash. owners 'i' think have decided to hunker down and reflect, often like home owners decidedly unsettled. Ok, I've done over the years and this/here is where 'i' have lost doing this. Waiting, has placed what i own one year older and I had done this for a decade with homes, thinking things will come back. Nope/a decade of hope/investment...absolutely wasted. My boat... took 15 years of re-engineering and rebuilding and costs I can now only recoup by 40% maybe/with no labor included.,only materials. $400k now maybe 175 recouperable at best. Motorhomes? they get one year older every year, just like a car..... every year, no matter what the original sticker price WAS, they are only added into the ever increasing number of rigs out there. New Million dollar rigs? Sure, a few out there and a few buying. 'Ours?' many many and growing in number and age monthly.
Baby boomers coming of age to buy? Well, I think most are covering their ---- or their childrens expenses as jobs, homes, retirement. pensions and futures in general are all upside down, and cost rising. the few of us that even consider the conversation we are having are a very lucky group, diminishing in size daily.

Rather than question the price of fuel??? I would state without question, that we will never see it below todays pricing again and can count on double or triple todays pricing in 2-5 years and then?. No Problem for deep pockets but deep pockets do not own FT's more than a decade old. it is the
'rest' of us, buying and selling these used rigs from the really well financed folks out there. If it was not for us, the market would implode and if ............sorry for putting this on the table, but if Isreal or ? takes out irans nukes, or Greece defaults, or china does ?? tomorrow, then fuel could be 2-? times todays prices for a year or so. then what?
I respect conversation etc. but realize how fast our world can change. Live in a FT rather than travel in it?? Who is buying one for that reason? Spring rush? I think maybe in days past, but not now a reality for those alert.
respectfully, ron
I've got a budget and prepared to spend it according to the road I see ahead. I'm prepped. moving forward and reading the signs of today, not history.
chris, in Portland seems a nice guy and communicative. i've talked to him and believe he is busy but out there.

Quote from: wa_desert_rat – February 17, 2012, 11:02:03 am

I have noticed that the number of Foretravels on the craigslist pages within about 2,000 miles of my location (I use SearchTempest - The EASY way to search Craigslist) has declined considerably. In November the RV ads were crowded with Unihomes and Unicoaches. Right now the only ones I see are the early 80s models or gas-powered rigs. The real bargains in the early-to-mid 90s coaches have been snapped up. The last real "buy" was a U280 located in northern California which went for $22,500 on eBay. The U270 advertised widely for under $50k that was in Portland, OR has disappeared.

It could be that sellers are waiting for the spring "rush" of buyers but it's also possible that the improving economy and the recent talk of a much larger domestic has encouraged people who had been on the fence to buy motor homes. Lots of baby boomers set to retire right about now, too.

Should be interesting. The latest offering of a 1993 U225 at over $27k is heartening for those of us who have already bought. Unless, of course, we want to trade up.

Craig

Re: Looking for a FT

Reply #12 – February 18, 2012, 08:06:05 am

Quote from: MemoryRoads – February 18, 2012, 12:41:28 am

I was responding here, to postings regarding fuel pricing...sorry if came up here but so be it. the comment is relative to this classified too.
============================================================================

But........since most rigs owned of the vintage we(I) are talking about, 97-2000, banks are no longer in the equation lending. buyers in this range have to put up cash.

Rather than question the price of fuel??? I would state without question, that we will never see it below todays pricing again and can count on double or triple todays pricing in 2-5 years and then?.

then fuel could be 2-? times todays prices for a year or so. then what?

I respect conversation etc. but realize how fast our world can change. I'm prepped. moving forward and reading the signs of today, not history.

My bank had zero problems with financing my 96, purchased one year ago. Since the price was well under KBB 100% financing was offered.

Are you maybe over thinking this fuel business a bit? If you really think fuel is going to be double or triple todays prices in 2-5 years, why are you even considering buying a motorhome?

My brother is the parsimonious type. We spent two years building an offshore fishing boat, an aluminum powercat. Even building it ourselves, there was a considerable expense and brother Joe agonized over it more than I. Our first offshore trip, with my son, myself and Joe, we tied into three magnificent Wahoo, (picture of one in avatar) all in the 70-80 lb range. Each of us caught one, along with the frenzied activity of hooking and landing a fish that makes extended 70 mph runs. We got em on board, caught our breath, cracked a beer and my brother turned to me and said.."Well, Chuckie, we just paid for the boat." I paid for my Foretravel in one trip.

The cost/value ratio is so favorable for buyers these days I don't really see how anyone could quibble too much over asking prices. Find a nice one and jump on it.

Re: Looking for a FT

Reply #13 – February 18, 2012, 01:14:56 pm

I hope my comments will be of some help in choosing the right coach.

The value of a motorhome like any other item is worth what someone is willing to pay for it. I know when I was selling my 93 U225, several people felt I was asking too much for it. I knew how much it was worth based on its condition and care. They bought other bargain coaches and ended up spending far more to make those coaches road worthy than my asking price. Two of the three bargain coaches have already been sold. The buyer of my U225 and I have stayed in touch and he has only needed to make routine repairs and maintenance so his overall cost made my coach a much better value than the bargain priced coaches the others bought.

As an aside, like Chuck in 2010 we financed the entire purchase price of our current 93, U300. With rates as low as they are and the economy in its current condition, conserving cash just made sense. If ones credit is adequate you just have to find a bank that recognizes the value of a vintage Foretravel. Its not just an old motorhome it is Vintage Foretravel Motor Coach.

I suggest that if you think someone is asking too much for the condition of the coach, move on. But don't be penny wise and pound foolish. Most of us on the Forum know the value of our coaches. If you are an educated buyer and find the right coach that has the equipment you want for a reasonable price, just pull the trigger, otherwise you will either get burned by a bargain or still be looking three years from now. Of course if you are right about the fuel prices, that may not be a bad thing.

Re: Looking for a FT

Reply #14 – February 18, 2012, 01:41:08 pm

Quote from: Kent Speers – February 18, 2012, 01:14:56 pm

. Of course if you are right about the fuel prices, that may not be a bad thing.

$8/gallon diesel will really shake things up in this country, there's no doubt about it. I don't think, given the increase in domestic supply of oil (mostly shale) that we'll see it in 2 years. And I've heard people say, "We'll never see $2/gallon diesel again...!" only to have $2/gallon diesel six months later.

But to bolster my argument that perhaps the market is improving, notice how quickly that $27k 1993 U225 sold.

Craig

Re: Looking for a FT

Reply #15 – February 18, 2012, 05:13:49 pm

I too have been looking for a used 36ft Foretravel or Bluebird SP 36 for more than a year now.

Most of the units that I was interested in were 10-20 thousand too much, even in great condition. Some were very high mileage units that were very over priced.

95% of all the units that I was interested in are still for sale, some at slightly lower asking prices but none anywhere near
the book value.

My biggest concern in buying any unit is that it will become a disposal issue when I am tired of it. I truly may end up being the last owner and having to insure it and store it for a long time.

Memory lane has it right when he says that he can't get any near his cost for his boat. I don't think I would even waste any money advertising mine as there is "No Market Period" for highend sportfisermans like mine...

Insurance, winter storage and dockage is about $10,000.00 a year here in New England.

Re: Looking for a FT

Reply #16 – February 18, 2012, 05:38:39 pm

Some people do ask ridiculous prices and those coaches are still for sale but there appear to be a number of Foretravel's below Retail book prices on Marketplace in Dockweiler, CA. And the prices I have seen that have been sold through the Foreforum appear to be very reasonable.

If you have been looking for over a year and can't find anything, maybe a little bit older model will be more to your liking price wise. The older well cared for Foretravels are extremely reliable and comfortable. I wouldn't trade my 1993, U300 for one 10 or 15 years newer. We love the classic workmanship and style and you can't beat the value.

Re: Looking for a FT

Reply #17 – February 18, 2012, 06:32:17 pm

What I am running into is that some are so underwater with the finance companies that they will never get out from under it.
One I looked at, the owner was going to have to take forty thousand to the bank over what I was willing to pay (above book).
He couldn't do the deal. Same story as the housing market.
this gentleman had taken a home equity loan to buy his Foretravel 4 years ago.
And his title to the unit reflected a lien from someone.

Re: Looking for a FT

Reply #18 – February 18, 2012, 08:28:22 pm

That makes a lot of sense. But there is bound to be one out there just for you. Be patient, Foretrafels are worth the wait.

Re: Looking for a FT

Reply #19 – February 20, 2012, 12:35:54 am

First of all, thanks!
I have always been impressed with the quality of responses on this forum and the amount of info available in your site is amazing.
In answer to PM's and as a general reply/continuation of comments, I'll respond.
I agree 'condition is key to much of pricing' and certainly will try to get what I pay for. Some of your rigs are beauties and I can understand the joy and pride of ownership.
I consider myself quite blessed in worldly things. I've got a fabulous waterfront condo and a fantastic sail boat, both of which I'd love to sell at prices that reflect their speciality and condition, but alas, that's not working for me or I think, most others at this time. The 'value' of them is in a much diminished state today and does not reflect the quality or costs to replace them. Boat was costing me 15K a year down in Panama Canal for dockage/insurance and elec. not counting all other costs that go along with ownership or use. Similar to my home but I've got to consider those costs in whether I hold or sell sooner than later. The 'market and economy' has changed how I look at things. Age, comps, necessity or luxury, supply/demand and outside influences.... like costs to own/maintain or future value, both in sales price or ability to use as well as other items play into pricing of everything, homes, boats, cars, motorhomes etc. Accessibility too-(If a qualified and interested buyer lives close to you, there is a better chance of a sale than if a potential buyer is across the country. I'm more likely to buy a motorhome that is within some reasonable distance, but in time will look at most I feel I can document as filling my wish list, even if many states away.
While I can afford to buy a newer and better rig than I will eventually buy, my wife and I have agreed that we would be quite comfortable in a late 90's FT. Yes, there are some beautiful GV's out there and as I said, who knows, we are still learning, but leaning. We are learning about the FT's so we can make accurate decisions and also about pricing for the same reason. I'll hopefully not pay 2x what the same model can be bought for in similar condition. Condition yes, equipment yes, all of this is in the mix, but if I 'do' find that a decent or good rig and then "I" can throw in tires, batteries, carpets, windshields, decals or paint, head lights, amplifiers, tv systems etc. etc. and still come out under one priced higher, then I will probably do that. Maybe not important but maybe yes. Much rather have ALL items new and installed personally or with my oversight, so i know what i have. If pricing is closer between coaches, then certainly buying someone Else's choice of options or upgrades, even if a bit aged but working would be just fine to get thru the process and move on.
In cars, there are clean 55 Chevy's drivable for one to a few thousand dollars, or radically fixed up for tens of thousands. I'm not looking for an expensive hot rod or say, a vintage corvette, or any rare item. I'm looking for a motor home I believe comparable to a 1997-2001 top end specific model Mercedes with certain options not others, or similarly a good quality 10-12 year own boat, home or plane...and as such will be strongly looking at the qualities of components and models as well as the valuation put on them by the real market of book values and recent sale pricing.
A PM brought up good points on the used car lots of motorhome sales and yes, they are there to make a profit and most I believe in sales pay attention more strongly to their bottom line than anything else. They can overlook giving you the full truth if it might kill the sale. It's a buyer beware market there as well as in the private market so yes, an inspection by an outside professional is sound advice.
At MOT and FT we were shown their rigs as well as consignments.... with windshields cracked or chipped, shattered or cracked tiles, cracked counter tops, broken mounts on driver and passenger chairs, clearly soiled furniture/ carpeting, scratched wood, dual pane window seals needing repair,etc, etc. So no doubt, much, is still up to the buyer.
Some rigs, like cars, boats etc. are abused or just not cared for and some are maintained very well. Certainly pricing vehicles differently makes sense.
I know I'll never get back what I'll put into almost anything

yet happy to pay the fiddler for the song I want.
Lastly, fuel prices? A post I read on your site last night regarding them said gas prices might hit $5. by summer. Not my post but I can see the reasoning. Since diesel seems to be roughly 20% more around the country, yes-I'll be watching and a bit concerned at $6 diesel/maybe this year. It wouldn't stop my plans but ........it does tend to get and hold my attention.
A few folks out there have contacted me with info on their rigs and I appreciate that. We will look, learn and I trust find the right FT for us and in the end both buyer and seller will be content.
In the meantime, anyone with a 36' 99-01, non slide, considering a sale now or in the reasonable future please consider contacting us. Units outside this narrow range will still be considered by us.

Thanks all of you!

ron and dorothy
s.v.memoryrose@gmail.com
727-543-7613

Re: Looking for a FT

Reply #20 – February 20, 2012, 02:50:45 am

Quote

In the meantime, anyone with a 36' 99-01, non slide, considering a sale now or in the reasonable future please consider contacting us. Units outside this narrow range will still be considered by us.

We've owned 2 Class C's and 2 Foretravel's: 1997 36ft U295 and 1999 40ft U320

Both FT's are great coaches. But our current 40 footer is a LOT more RV than our 36 footer.

So while I agree with your dates of 99-01, and no slide, you might consider a 40 footer.

Good luck in your hunt.

best, paul

Re: Looking for a FT

Reply #21 – February 20, 2012, 08:45:17 am

After having a 36 99 U-270 and the current (single slide) 40' u-320 - I agree with Dave - I would definitely add 40 to my list - unless you only stayed in National parks year round. - Plus I would go for a U-320 - wouldn't give up the aqua hot - propane furnace too noisy for our taste, love the walnut over the oak cabinets.

Re: Looking for a FT

Reply #22 – February 20, 2012, 09:43:09 am

I am late as usual to this thread, and the current owner of Kent's last U225. We bought it instead if maybe 10 other ones we had seen. Condition and current dated items were the deciding factors, along with a coach that had been in current use. Price was not really a huge factor, and now almost a year later with only minor service, and nits that any coach would have been likely to have we are very happy with a classic.

We have heard at least a dozen time in the last week on the road and camping how good a Foretravel is, how a friend has one, or had one, and changed brands. I had to ask that last guy how that was working, and heard, "well the new one's sure not a Foretravel" but it was cheaper and will do ok.

I have become I guess a snob about this brand, see lots of other ones, hear the owners putting up with the SOB's they own. We have already decided this coach and it's first year of ownership had been worth every penny spent, if I get any thing some day on trade or resale we will be coming out ahead. But owning a coach with just so many options and features compared to the rest of those in the park keep me smiling.

Re: Looking for a FT

Reply #23 – February 20, 2012, 09:49:35 am

After having a 36 ft 270 and now a 40 ft 295 I think everyone would be happy with the 40 footer. The difference is only 4 feet but what a difference it makes in comfort. Would not go back to the 36. The 40 ft seems to ride better. Just need a little more turning radius. DAN

Re: Looking for a FT

Reply #24 – February 20, 2012, 10:18:48 am

Good thought here. We're also in the "learning about" group, which is why I ask so many questions. Since we will be buying a used coach, it seems to make sense to us to have several possible routes (coaches) that fit our needs. When we find one that is in the right condition at the right price we will buy it. Just like cars, trucks, houses, boats, and airplanes, sellers ask more than what they expect to get, and buyers offer less than what they expect to pay. When the buyer and seller agree on a price somewhere between what was initially asked and offered, the value of the coach has been established for those two at that time. Another buyer may have been willing to pay more (or less), but that buyer wasn't there. Someone else may offer a better coach at a lower price some time after the sale, but it wasn't available when the buyer was ready to buy.

One idea that I'm using is to note coaches that might be of interest to us when we're ready to buy, comparing asking price NADA price, and final selling price (when known). That gives me a pretty good feel for a general price (not value) for what we might be interested in. This helps keep me looking in the right area, and also lets me see if something might be a bargain or has some hidden problem.

BTW, since we started our research over a year ago, I've heard of at least two coaches that were sold at well under "market price" because the seller wanted to help someone else out. In one case, the seller had owned the coach for a number of years, was in his final months, and wanted someone else to enjoy it as much as he did. His only request was that the buyer not flip it, but keep it and enjoy it. In the other case, the seller got a new coach for less than what he expected to pay, so he cut his asking price accordingly. Good deals are available, but they may not be as common as we would like.

Affiliate Notice