Thinking about a newer coach

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Thinking about a newer coach

August 14, 2012, 12:03:32 pm

Well guys, it is that time of the year again. I have had three different Foretravels and am thinking about a new coach. Well, it does not have to be brand new but new to us. Anyway, I saw a new Newell while I was at MOT and the only thing I can say is wow. It puts the IH to shame. The windows are huge and the floorplan light and open. The new IH looks dark inside and has smaller windows and has the twin couch and the silly removable table. I have to say that I thought the display models did not favorably compare. Then I looked at a few used coaches on MOTs lot. I will say that they either were used very hard or they did not hold up very well. That was odd I thought and wondered if anyone has been inside a few Newells enough to get an impression. The other option is a used Prevost. I know they all will have issues and some unique to them. I have to figure this out sooner or later. I think I would stay with FT rather than a Newell and find one with an older floorplan style I like. I would welcome any input form FT owners who have owned or had enough interaction with Prevost conversions. I am leaning towards Liberty as a converter. The why is simple, I do not think my FT can handle the stresses of 40-50K miles a year and not have to trade off every three or four years. I have grandbabies in SPokane and I live in VA and that is at least 4 cross country trips a year to visit. Also, I want to be able to put on chains if I need to in order to get thru the mountains. In fact you have to carry them on some roads. So, input is welcome.

Re: Thinking about a newer coach

Reply #1 – August 14, 2012, 12:19:55 pm

John ; you need to drive a Newell , up a good grade and then come down that same grade and stop it on that grade . You will find your self missing your Foretravel . I did all this in a [new Newell ]If you like all that shiney plastic go for it . They are pretty in deed , well made and don't weigh very much . Brad Metzger

Re: Thinking about a newer coach

Reply #2 – August 14, 2012, 12:24:05 pm

John, Stewart of MOT had that 2006 Phoenix out here in NM this week and I was very impressed. Guess you saw it on line. Lots of people in the RV park toured it. People trying to covert me to allegro bus kinda changed their tune (I having so air/level issues here at moment).

Good luck, maybe the Phoenix not what you would want but very nice.

Mike

Re: Thinking about a newer coach

Reply #3 – August 14, 2012, 12:34:16 pm

I think it will fall between a Prevost and a FT as the Newell is very heavy, but if you put the Newell and the IH side by side I am sure that most older FT owners will pick Newell. I know I would. It is not plastic inside but a very open and spacious floorplan. I think that a Prevost which is designed for 2 million miles use is the strongest chassis out there right now in the motorhome market. I have to decide if I will keep my current FT and put 500K miles on it or switch is the issue. I have 126K now and if I just put on 40K a year I wonder how the coach will hold up. I saw a 99 with 471K on it a number of years ago. He had had three different issues with bulkhead separation both front and back. It was a sister coach to my first one and we spent some time discussing the coaches. I talked to the techs who serviced it and they tell stories of him coming in and the coach just pulling apart as he stopped. They fixed it but do I want to go thru that. No, the avg MH puts on 6-10K a year but if i do 4 trips cross country that is 24K miles and then I put on 24 -30 now without them. So, this is a consideration to think about.

Re: Thinking about a newer coach

Reply #4 – August 14, 2012, 12:44:14 pm

I have a friend who HAD a newer Prevost Liberty Lady, constant maintenance, and very expensive. His family owned 5 car dealerships in Chicago area and had access to maintenance, but after every trip he said something(s) needed repaired. Sold after 3 years "way to expensive to own". I wonder if his was unique, or given that most of these are "one off" customs if they all struggle with bugs unique to each coach.

Dave Head loves Newells, only one I was in was ridden hard and looked like something that belonged in Vegas. Spoke with a gentleman at a campground in Jackson WY - his was pretty new, and he loved it, didn't ask to see the inside, i am sure he would have showed it off to me.

Didn't James at Extreme buy a wrecked Prevost to rebuild after he sold his FT? Maybe give him a call too.

Lots of choice in used Prevost busses out there, broad price range, etc.

Good luck, let us know!

Re: Thinking about a newer coach

Reply #5 – August 14, 2012, 12:53:01 pm

John,

See if James Stallings will give you comparisons. I know has had considerable experience with Foretravel and was rebuilding his Prevost last year. He also has a friend, Ed, who had a Foretravel and now has a Prevost. They both shared with me that they considered Foretravel to be the best fiberglass coach, and is provides good value in a used coach. I did not explore the question, "If money were no object, what would you own?" They do both own Prevost coaches. I don't remember who were the builders.

I did visit with Bob Robertson, my neighbor, a couple of years ago and asked which coach was the best to drive. Without hesitation, he replied, "Foretravel." He has driven a lot of different coaches on pickup and delivery runs for MOT.

Your point regarding high mileage is an interesting consideration.

Best wishes for a successful search.

Re: Thinking about a newer coach

Reply #6 – August 14, 2012, 12:56:35 pm

Yes, I have talked with both Ed and James. I think Ed has sold his bus though.

Re: Thinking about a newer coach

Reply #7 – August 14, 2012, 01:59:18 pm

I believe it is time to bale before my machine craters from the poor bulkhead design, will give 3% referral leading to a sale. After 2 years of searching for motorcoaches never did think I would be caught in this trap, thought I had covered all the big obstacles, shouldv'e bought the Newell in Ariz. jc

Re: Thinking about a newer coach

Reply #8 – August 14, 2012, 02:41:20 pm

Tim, I can honestly say I have never taken a trip that something has not broken in my FT as well. This is over 300K miles and 12 years and three different coaches. In fact this trip the wire to the front door broke and the windshield picked up a new start chip. Sad part is that is the new one I had put in two weeks ago. The big issue on the XL2s is the fact taht the stainless steel siding can come off. There is a fix but it is expensive if I go that way.

Re: Thinking about a newer coach

Reply #9 – August 14, 2012, 02:44:32 pm

John: To each his own. Choose wisely. No one knows your needs the way you do and the grass is always is greener on the other side of the fence. Tks Dan

Re: Thinking about a newer coach

Reply #10 – August 14, 2012, 02:48:52 pm

Hmmmm, I must be lucky, dont want to jinx myself! Usually go about 10k a year, putter with some stuff, and have MOT deal with my "punch list" at annual service ($3k average annually). I ever 6 years only maintenance I had out of that cycle was washing machine once, and aqua hot twice. Did replace 12 volt pump myself and fixed leak in air line. Usually just park it after a trip and start it up next trip. Mom lives in it 6 months a year on FL, and I use it heavily other 6 months and put on the miles then.

Probably a forum for Bus conversions to ask questions

Re: Thinking about a newer coach

Reply #11 – August 14, 2012, 03:32:55 pm

For what it's worth , I have a 1968 Model 5 Eagle Bus converted in the early 90's It has most everything any modern motor home has. Like any bus or motorhome maintenance is something that comes with it. as far as major problems we have not had any as yet. but one never knows. As far as the prevost coach's go do your home work, there are problems with them as with any other coach. you just pay more for the problems.

Re: Thinking about a newer coach

Reply #12 – August 14, 2012, 04:11:05 pm

OK John, I know how desperate you are for a bus conversion, so go ahead and get the Provost with nice conversion and enjoy as long as you can stand it.

When you come back to Foretravel, you will have a clear understanding of pros & cons.
Just remember how sweet the old Foretravel was to you with all the miles you run.

Heck even Greyhound has to do work on their bus fleet, nothing runs cheap for long.
For me,

I just paid the bill at HWH after checking the slide system, level system and look for air leaks. Boy did they find air leaks, the only one they as HWH can fix is the rear manifold for leveling, made a lot of bubbles. Other than the HWH, the other leaks are simple, 1 1/4" Tee, reseal check valve at front air tank, both regulators for step and front floor slide, plus the electric solenoid for the step.

Best part, repair the HWH issue and show me the rest, out the door under $200.00
Makes me one happy puppy.
Dave M

Re: Thinking about a newer coach

Reply #13 – August 14, 2012, 04:16:06 pm

John, here is a website I look at constantly for Prevost's
PREVOST: Prevost forum, ownership and lifestyle, motorhomes
It is amazing the price drop on these coach's from new and 99 out of 100 look like they just came fron Las Vegas!!!
I have always wanted one for fun? and in over a year I have only found a couple that I would consider!! I have a close friend in Napa who has 2 and he brings one down to Mexico every other year and when I am fixing things on it for him he often says "these things cost way more to maintain than his yacht" and he hardly uses it as he is scared it will let him down.
The Prevost body frame and drivetrain are fine it is just the massive electronics and hydraulics I feel that cause the headaches. I still like them tho'
John

Re: Thinking about a newer coach

Reply #14 – August 14, 2012, 04:34:40 pm

The more complicated the coach, the more work it takes to keep everything running. I make my living from complicated electronics.... but I still have a slide rule in my desk drawer.

Just sayin'

Craig

Re: Thinking about a newer coach

Reply #15 – August 14, 2012, 05:29:59 pm

Quote from: John S – August 14, 2012, 12:03:32 pm

The why is simple, I do not think my FT can handle the stresses of 40-50K miles a year and not have to trade off every three or four years. I have grandbabies in SPokane and I live in VA and that is at least 4 cross country trips a year to visit.

Thinking outside the box....

If the concern is needing to visit Spokane 4 times a year, without a leisurely tour enroute, it might be worth running the numbers to see if buying a condo in the area and traveling by air would be an alternative worth considering. It certainly would give you more time (per trip) with the kiddos.

The PO's of our coach sold it because of wanting to spend time with the grandkids in Oregon. They built a house up there instead.

Michelle

Re: Thinking about a newer coach

Reply #16 – August 14, 2012, 05:32:33 pm

My Newell would be a 2002-2003 rear closet model - I wouldn't turn my nose up at the later model with rear steering. I would rip out the carpet and the granite and put in some wood flooring. That would probably get me a couple of ton of weight back. Newell prices drop like rocks after 5-6 years.

I like the Liberty design philosophy. Their glitz is as bad as any of them. some are available with retarders. Vantare (now owned by Amadas coach) also have retarders. With Amadas owning them, factory would be much closer to you! H3-45s are nice.

Personally, John I think your coach is one of the best out there unless you go with something in the 08 up Foretravel range

Re: Thinking about a newer coach

Reply #17 – August 14, 2012, 06:31:57 pm

I have looked at Vantare too but they use their own slide not Prevost. I know any machine will need repairs. Looking for a driver with no slides. Funny you mentioned a condo. We were just talking about that today. Trying to figure that out. If we keep the coach and buy a condo it could be cheaper.

Re: Thinking about a newer coach

Reply #18 – August 14, 2012, 07:21:58 pm

Quote from: Steve & Michelle – August 14, 2012, 05:29:59 pm

Thinking outside the box....

If the concern is needing to visit Spokane 4 times a year, without a leisurely tour enroute, it might be worth running the numbers to see if buying a condo in the area and traveling by air would be an alternative worth considering. It certainly would give you more time (per trip) with the kiddos.

Michelle

If the round trip is 6,000 miles, @ $4 fuel we're talking $12,000 @ 8 mpg Foretravel...a Prevosst would cost $16,000. If you do not like to fly the doggies 'cause you bought a condo, you can still drive and stay at overnite motels with the "kids".

Re: Thinking about a newer coach

Reply #19 – August 14, 2012, 07:36:40 pm

Quote

If the round trip is 6,000 miles, @ $4 fuel we're talking $12,000 @ 8 mpg Foretravel...a Prevosst would cost $16,000. If you do not like to fly the doggies 'cause you bought a condo, you can still drive and stay at overnite motels with the "kids".

I get $3,000 not $12,000

best, paul

Re: Thinking about a newer coach

Reply #20 – August 14, 2012, 07:40:14 pm

I got 7.4 mpg on the way out. I know I will lose one mpg thinking a place out here might work. But I hate to fly so I will always drive.

Re: Thinking about a newer coach

Reply #21 – August 14, 2012, 07:50:15 pm

Quote

I got 7.4 mpg on the way out. I know I will lose one mpg thinking a place out here might work. But I hate to fly so I will always drive.

I hate to fly, too. Flew too much in my work. I even flew SF/Washington DC twice in one week!

But we have grand kids moving from Minneapolis to New York City.

We are thinking train. (We live on the Left Coast)

best, paul

Re: Thinking about a newer coach

Reply #22 – August 14, 2012, 07:54:03 pm

$3,000 per trip and four trips/year.

Re: Thinking about a newer coach

Reply #23 – August 14, 2012, 08:59:25 pm

Entrega Anthem or Cornerstone?

Re: Thinking about a newer coach

Reply #24 – August 14, 2012, 09:05:01 pm

Quote from: Steve & Kathy B – August 14, 2012, 08:59:25 pm

Entrega Anthem or Cornerstone?

Down at least a level (more) from a FT. Those are 3rd party chassis coaches, not in-house like FT/Newell or conversions like Prevost.

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