Newbie here....What the heck year is my Foretravel???

Topic: Newbie here....What the heck year is my Foretravel??? (Read 1992 times) previous topic - next topic

Newbie here....What the heck year is my Foretravel???

May 13, 2012, 07:16:48 am

Hi all,
Just purchased my "slightly" old Foretravel. (with 44 K miles)

I didn't buy it on ebay, although it was listed there. I called the (terminally ill) seller after it was $300 short the reserve. I had not been bidding on it. After talking with him on the phone, I was completely comfortable , and pay-pal ed him a down payment.

He had bought it used in 1983 from a foretravel dealer. He told me it was a 1976- 26 footer. (It has a "manufactured in"1973 454 engine) My daughter and I then flew up to Baltimore and drove it back (3 days) to north Florida ...another great story for later!

In case your wondering....YES beautiful original vintage condition!!! Was stored inside and well cared for. Never leaked. No mildew smell. Everything works! (except dash air - for now) Overhead air has been replaced.

Any way, here is the kicker. Sheriff comes to verify the Vin. ---COMPLETELY different! The poor guy had been issued the wrong title and never knew. (trust me ..this guy is as honest as they get.) So I called the factory. They look up the incorrect title Vin. and the Vin. on the driver wall. Tells me they are both 1980's. Also it is a 23 footer. Not a 26.

So Maryland is issuing a new title, BUT, can anyone weigh in on this? Could it be a 1980 that was manufactured in 75, but used as a sales demo or whatever and never titled until 80?
I guess it won't really matter as long as I get the new title, but it sure is bugging me

Re: Newbie here....What the heck year is my Foretravel???

Reply #1 – May 13, 2012, 10:47:54 am

gmgeoff,
Welcome to Foreforums. You pose a very interesting issue. Perhaps another call to the factory asking for more specifics will help. I can't read the writing on the picture you posted. It's blurry...sorry.
Peter

Re: Newbie here....What the heck year is my Foretravel???

Reply #2 – May 13, 2012, 11:30:49 am

not sure about this situation, but my "1989" titled FT came on a "1987" Oshkosh rear engine Ford chassis - title was definately a "1989"

Re: Newbie here....What the heck year is my Foretravel???

Reply #3 – May 13, 2012, 11:57:39 am

Wow - hope you get the issues fixed... and I'd like to see some pics of this vintage RV

Re: Newbie here....What the heck year is my Foretravel???

Reply #4 – May 13, 2012, 12:08:07 pm

One possibility is that the chassis was manufactured in 1975 and not used til much later. Remember that there were GAS crisis in 73 and 79 and MH production really slacked off for a while and the chassis may have been sitting in a yard. In addition there was a transition going on especially with Dodge Chassis as Franks and Dodge dissolved there operations and companies such as FT then had to find other suppliers of chassis. I believe that all motor vehicles are titled based on the manufacture date.
I had a 1978 Executive that had a 1977 chassis and even tho it was sold as a 78 the state titled it as a 77.
As long as you can get a valid title I would not worry about it, sounds like you got a find.
Sure would like to see some pictures, we are all curious on this forum.
Trip to FL in a vintage coach must have been an adventure.
Welcome aboard.
Gary B

Re: Newbie here....What the heck year is my Foretravel???

Reply #5 – May 13, 2012, 07:35:47 pm

Gary,
Thank you and the others for your inputs. Your response makes sense. I believe you are saying that the chassis was manufactured in 75 with the 73 454. Then sat in the yard because of the gas shortage etc.--Then the coach was assembled on it around 79 or 80 and titled?

I will take more pics tomorrow and post. I thought I had a couple more the first post, but must have done something wrong. Maybe I should read the directions LOL.

Geoff

Re: Newbie here....What the heck year is my Foretravel???

Reply #6 – May 13, 2012, 07:56:26 pm

Geoff,
Can't wait until you post more pictures. From the picture you posted, this coach seems to be in outstanding condition for its age. To add several pictures on the same post, you just need to keep going to the attachments and other options and select (more attachments). Hope this helps.
Peter

Re: Newbie here....What the heck year is my Foretravel???

Reply #7 – May 13, 2012, 08:59:23 pm

This is very common in the class C market. You will find a chassis from one year and the coach from the next. It could have sat for a while before it was built too for many reasons but getting it titled is the important thing.

Re: Newbie here....What the heck year is my Foretravel???

Reply #8 – May 13, 2012, 11:15:43 pm

OH! That looks just wonderful! I would LOVE to see some photos of the interior. I surely do hope that I run into you at the factory some day. If you pull in there with this coach you will have people swarming all over it ... guaranteed.

Re: Newbie here....What the heck year is my Foretravel???

Reply #9 – May 13, 2012, 11:24:34 pm

Quote from: Carol Savournin – May 13, 2012, 11:15:43 pm

OH! That looks just wonderful! I would LOVE to see some photos of the interior. I surely do hope that I run into you at the factory some day. If you pull in there with this coach you will have people swarming all over it ... guaranteed.

I agree with Carol on all points. What a wonderful jewel of history. I can only imagine the buzz if you showed up at this year's Grandvention!

I wonder if the photos you posted and the spec's from Foretravel Specifications, Floor Plans, Photos & Brochures by Year will help narrow down the actual year?

Welcome to the Forum and congrats on your find!

Michelle

Re: Newbie here....What the heck year is my Foretravel???

Reply #10 – May 14, 2012, 04:58:55 am

Here is a link that I hope will work for you all from the eBay ad. There is some misinformation as the owner did not have a computer and he had his friend list it for him. He is also getting the title straightened out.
Since these photos were taken, I have removed most of the owner added items such as the electronics under the dash (ancient driving computer) and remounted the CB radio to inside the dash. Yes--the 8 track radio works! Even has a new radio shack cassette adapter in a box LOL. The gauges all work with the exception of the LP gas indicator. Also had to 86 the rear curtains, as they were crusty, dusty and too gaudy for my taste.Also all the mirrors that were added as well as most of the stuff he had "stuck on" the beautiful paneling he told me is rosewood?
Pull down bed works great and has the original ladder (under the mattress). My daughter said it was as comfortable as her bed.
This coach was also never smoked in, and the foam is even in good shape. Just some fabric and carpet wear and some fade.
I'm suprised none of you all on the forum saw this ad, but just as well. eBay can get you in some trouble LOL!
In case you are wondering--I paid $4500.

and as I previously said, did not bid on this. Just happened to call the owner after. He wouldn't LET me pay him more than 45. A very nice man, who may have passed away by now.

FORETRAVEL 1976 RV "Unusual EXCELLENT Condition" Garage Kept FORETRAVEL 1976 RV

Re: Newbie here....What the heck year is my Foretravel???

Reply #11 – May 14, 2012, 06:45:00 am

You got a BEAUTY!!!! That Motorhome has to be one of the best kept "older" motor homes in these United States. GOOD LUCK, Hope to see you on the road someday soon...

Re: Newbie here....What the heck year is my Foretravel???

Reply #12 – May 14, 2012, 08:19:09 am

Geoff, After reading the AD I would guess that this is a Chevrolet or GMC light truck chassis. Parts should be readily available.KEEP THE 8 TRACK, Flea markets have cassettes and I always did like the sound of them. Maybe you can't get any HIP HOP or GANGSTA but you can always get big band and other real music.
This will be a real conversation piece.
BTW, Call Beverly at NAC and tell here you are a new owner and you can get a years membersip in the Motorcade Club. I think you said you are in FL, will look forward to meeting you and seeing this rig at the MOTORCADE Rally next FEB.
Gary B

Re: Newbie here....What the heck year is my Foretravel???

Reply #13 – May 14, 2012, 09:05:38 am

What a beauty. Probably the most impressive "Old Timer" I have seen. Like the others, I can't wait to see it in person. Please take good care of this treasure.

Re: Newbie here....What the heck year is my Foretravel???

Reply #14 – May 14, 2012, 09:16:07 am

I LOVE it!! I certainly hope that you did not "86" the gorgeous mirror with the extravagant peacock and the built in clock. That is pure Vintage Chic! LOVE the swans in the bath tub ... the DOUBLE co-pilot seat!!!, that looks like it doubles as the dinette seat? You are one lucky shopper! It deserves to be cherished.

Re: Newbie here....What the heck year is my Foretravel???

Reply #15 – May 14, 2012, 09:23:28 am

for all that missed this in an earlier post, check out the link to the ad for this machine here...

FORETRAVEL 1976 RV "Unusual EXCELLENT Condition" Garage Kept FORETRAVEL 1976 RV

Re: Newbie here....What the heck year is my Foretravel???

Reply #16 – May 14, 2012, 09:46:48 am

Quote from: gmgeoff – May 13, 2012, 07:16:48 am

Any way, here is the kicker. Sheriff comes to verify the Vin. ---COMPLETELY different! The poor guy had been issued the wrong title and never knew. (trust me ..this guy is as honest as they get.) So I called the factory. They look up the incorrect title Vin. and the Vin. on the driver wall. Tells me they are both 1980's. Also it is a 23 footer. Not a 26.

So Maryland is issuing a new title, BUT, can anyone weigh in on this? Could it be a 1980 that was manufactured in 75, but used as a sales demo or whatever and never titled until 80?
I guess it won't really matter as long as I get the new title, but it sure is bugging me

The following RVIA link will provide you details concerning how the correct year is assigned to a "Muliti-stage Manufactured Motorhome" Maryland is one of the unusual states the requires both VINs when they issue titles. It is explained in the RVIA information. Anyway, the coach manufacuter is considered the final manufacturer and it assigns year of manufacturer and the Vehicle Identification Number. In the motorhome industry, it is very common for a coach manufacturer to buy a large number of chassis and build a coach that ends up being a year or two newer. I would say the "FORETRAVEL" sticker has the official VIN, but the State of Maryland requires the chassis VIN be submitted to them for their information. It was very common for the various state DMVs to mess up title dates and vins on multi-year manufactured motorhome back them.

http://www.rvia.org/UniPop.cfm?v=2&OID=56&CC=2656

I hope that sheriff realized all the legalities of the info in the RIVA documents before he gave Maryland DMV the information to change the title. You may end up more messed up title wise that you thought you were. It may be that you do actually own a 1976 Foretravel 26LR Super Luxura. Is the wheelbase 178"?

By the way, very nice catch!!! A real classic is what appears to be excellent condition!

Re: Newbie here....What the heck year is my Foretravel???

Reply #17 – May 14, 2012, 10:18:09 am

Thanks PatC
I mailed the title back to Md.and they are supposed to issue me a new title for the coach Vin. If Fl. will register it and give me a tag---that's all I care. Stay tuned.

PS where might I find the chassis Vin.?

Re: Newbie here....What the heck year is my Foretravel???

Reply #18 – May 14, 2012, 10:23:30 am

Quote from: Tim Fiedler – May 14, 2012, 09:23:28 am

for all that missed this in an earlier post, check out the link to the ad for this machine here...

FORETRAVEL 1976 RV "Unusual EXCELLENT Condition" Garage Kept FORETRAVEL 1976 RV

Here are some new pic. Then it's wash and 303 time. I was advised to use it on most everything. Any comments? (on the 303 )

Re: Newbie here....What the heck year is my Foretravel???

Reply #19 – May 14, 2012, 10:28:20 am

more pics

Re: Newbie here....What the heck year is my Foretravel???

Reply #20 – May 14, 2012, 10:36:52 am

and more

Re: Newbie here....What the heck year is my Foretravel???

Reply #21 – May 14, 2012, 10:58:26 am

Geoff,
I'm amazed that the coach has central vac! Even more impressed with the free dog feature

. He/she's a cutie! You're going to have to name that coach...maybe after your doggie?
Peter

Re: Newbie here....What the heck year is my Foretravel???

Reply #22 – May 14, 2012, 11:19:50 am

As I former long ago foretravel sales manager the pictures are incredible.

I miss the four burner top oven stove.

I have driven these well used long ago. NEVER seen one like that. You might call FOT.and see if they are interested. Would be worth them acquiring that one for display.

Foretravel installed aftermarket air on the dash versus buy the system from the chassis builder to save money

1976 super luxura. How many miles? Appears to be new condition.

Re: Newbie here....What the heck year is my Foretravel???

Reply #23 – May 14, 2012, 12:27:21 pm

Quote from: Peter & Beth – May 14, 2012, 10:58:26 am

Geoff,
I'm amazed that the coach has central vac! Even more impressed with the free dog feature . He/she's a cutie! You're going to have to name that coach...maybe after your doggie?
Peter

Thanks Peter. She's a she.

Re: Newbie here....What the heck year is my Foretravel???

Reply #24 – May 14, 2012, 12:35:06 pm

Quote from: Caflashbob – May 14, 2012, 11:19:50 am

As I former long ago foretravel sales manager the pictures are incredible.

I miss the four burner top oven stove.

I have driven these well used long ago. NEVER seen one like that. You might call FOT.and see if they are interested. Would be worth them acquiring that one for display.

Foretravel installed aftermarket air on the dash versus buy the system from the chassis builder to save money

1976 super luxura. How many miles? Appears to be new condition.

Thanks Bob,
The dash air appears to be factory. I'll post pics. next time I pull the cover again.
I know the owner told me he drove it to FOT and they marveled at it. Don't know the year he made the trip.
44K miles now, FOT told me it is an 80. Can't find specs. on that , but the 76 specs. on the web site don't list a 23' (which is what FOT told me it is). Maybe you can shed more light on this.
Geoff

Affiliate Notice