Considering a FT - coming up to speed on models and capabilities

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Considering a FT - coming up to speed on models and capabilities

October 06, 2012, 05:32:19 am

Howdy folks,
Visiting friends from Custer SD parked their rig in Bullfrog Creek RV Park in Florida, and while visiting them I noticed my first Foretravel. In a subsequent conversation I was told that the coach was considered well built and now that I'm contemplating another adventure I thought I would satisfy my curiosity. I come from a long history of camping and related activities from trekking to using various mode of transport including an airstream. And although I've rented a Class A or driven them for others no longer able, I've yet to own one.

I presently reside in Florida with a rough plan of getting back into RV'ing during the warmer months. In the past I've loaded my motorcycle in the back of a purpose built Chevy Van and pulled a 27 foot Land Yacht for approximately 25,000 over those years. My alternate vision is to purchase a coach, perhaps a Foretravel, and pull a ½ ton van with the motorcycle inside.

My thought, before I got too involved, was to ask the folks who know about coaches and travel to see if my idea is feasible.
I know very little about the Foretravel class distinctions, U270, U320, Nubus, Phenix?, or what it would take to tow a 6000 pound toad, bike included in comfort behind one.

From conversations I've learned that some RV parks won't accept old coaches and if visiting others or in an area with only one of these RV parks available, I wouldn't want to be left out in the street, so I guess the coach would need to be 2007 or newer, and that I could at least get a few years of unrestricted use.

I'm aware of Toy Haulers and looked at a Newmar Canyonstar but wasn't impressed. I don't think I want a Gaser, nor do I think I need to sacrifice that much space.

Any advice on this rough draft of a vision would be helpful, and thank you for your time.

Re: Considering a FT - coming up to speed on models and capabilities

Reply #1 – October 06, 2012, 01:16:47 pm

Don't rule out older coaches. That line about age of your coach hasn't hit us and we have a 2002. If its in good shape , as most Foretravels are, you have nothing to worry.

Re: Considering a FT - coming up to speed on models and capabilities

Reply #2 – October 06, 2012, 01:46:33 pm

Quote from: JuanHappicampa – October 06, 2012, 05:32:19 am

I know very little about the Foretravel class distinctions, U270, U320, Nubus, Phenix?, or what it would take to tow a 6000 pound toad, bike included in comfort behind one.

Welcome to ForeForums!

This site is an excellent starting point. Here's the page where you can research years/models, get towing capacities, etc.

Foretravel Specifications, Floor Plans, Photos & Brochures

Roughly speaking, U270-U295-U320 are basically different trim levels from mid/late '90's until 2005. Phenix is a new model first introduced in 2006, basically replacing U320 and was the high end until last year when the IH came out. Nimbus in 2006 was a re-badged U-series coach (few made, I believe) and re-released in 2007 as a new model, a step or so below Phenix. IH-45 is a completely new model released last year and is the current flagship model. Nimbus, Phenix, and IH-45 are all pretty much custom coaches so there aren't any stock floorplans or brochures to point you to.

Michelle

(ETA and then there's Mark and Tanya's U-285, which is a uniquely trim-leveled coach and the only one with that designation)

Re: Considering a FT - coming up to speed on models and capabilities

Reply #3 – October 06, 2012, 01:48:56 pm

Yes, age does not seem to be an issue with the Foretravels I know about and as for towing a 6K lb toad, I would not worry about using a 320 model, as I town a 4500 lb pickup with a heavy ATV, the ISM500 engine seems not to notice it at all even on mountains, up she goes passing all the SOB's, so if I were to worry, it would be on floor plan, length and other creature comfy's and what you like
Dave M

Re: Considering a FT - coming up to speed on models and capabilities

Reply #4 – October 06, 2012, 01:54:40 pm

Any Park that sets a age limit or other restriction will not get my business. Western Horizons, a membership network, has put all their parks up for sale, due to lack of new memberships. 1000 Trails has sold out to Canadians, Private parks are dropping rates to attract new business.
Buy what you want to heck with what others think.

Re: Considering a FT - coming up to speed on models and capabilities

Reply #5 – October 06, 2012, 02:01:11 pm

Keep any coach with a shine, good looking wheels and there should never be a problem.

Re: Considering a FT - coming up to speed on models and capabilities

Reply #6 – October 06, 2012, 02:24:10 pm

Welcome! We've been researching for a couple of years now, and have settled on an older Foretravel for our full-time coach. First choice for us is a mid-90's U300, with a Unicoach a close second. The Unihome coaches (aka Grand Villa) are designated U225, U240, U280, and U300. Those numbers correspond to the gross weight rating of the coach. A U225 has a gross weight of 22,500 pounds; a U300 has a GW of 30,000 pounds. Some of these are stand body width (96") and others are wide body (102"). I believe all of the Unicoach models are wide body, and all of the named models are wide body coaches.

From what I've read, those parks with a 10-year-old rule are mainly parks with long-term residents, and use it to keep the park from turning into a junkyard. If the coach looks like it is well cared for there usually isn't a problem. Since what we want is well over 10 years old, that rule could affect us at some point. Our plan is to either have reservations (which means that they know what we're driving) or start looking for a campsite early enough in the day that we could go elsewhere if the first place we find isn't suitable.

The people on this forum are really knowledgeable and willing to share that knowledge. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Barry's site has lots of good information, and you will probably want to bookmark it (I did, and refer to it frequently). Once you get to the point of wanting to buy a coach you will want to ask some very specific questions, and you will get some excellent answers.

Sooner or alter you will see a reference to MOT. That's Motorhomes of Texas, Pre-owned RV sales, Service ,Parts & Consignments Motorhomes of Texas and they are well-known as Foretravel experts. They are not far away from the factory, and a visit there for a tour is well worth the time.

Enjoy your learning and searching.

Re: Considering a FT - coming up to speed on models and capabilities

Reply #7 – October 06, 2012, 08:50:43 pm

Juan I live in Riverview Fl and have a 98 u295 for sale that I would be happy to show you if you are interested. You can call me at eight one three 215-3463 Thanks Ron

Re: Considering a FT - coming up to speed on models and capabilities

Reply #8 – October 06, 2012, 09:39:20 pm

TxForetravel, thanks for the insight, with this I'll contact many RV restricted locations and see where they stand. Not that I plan on using them, but some of my friends do and it would be nice to have access on those occasions.

Michelle, I found this site through Barry's link but for some reason I hadn't reach the part of his site that detailed the differences in models. That's for your info, the fog is lifting.

Dave M, I notice you have a U320 but it's only 36', which I'm gravitating to. Something below 40', again to accommodate restrictions, this time in size. A friend has a Prevost and trouble found him in California for being to large and heavy.
I like to get off the beaten path so a high quality, shorter, lighter unit would be more suitable. With a rented 45' I found it quite the task to maneuver in a remote location like this Pine Acres Family Camping Resort - Central Massachusetts Lakefront Campground some years back.

Steve or Nancy Snow,
Peter or Beth,
I'll look into the issue further, make some calls to the restricted parks and see what I discover.

kbOzke, I guess I have some decisions to make on size, weight, tag-.no tag, engine size, gear ratio, slides, no slides....I'll mostly travel, not park, and go off to remote locations to climb in the rocks and ice. Attend different events, like the Balloon fest, Sturgis rally, get up into the mountain in Quebec, New England, or follow along the Appalachian trial. I suspect a lot of torque will be required on hilly terrain on secondary roads predominately. Of course some voyages will be longer, but basing my needs on this mountain range and pre-civil war back roads, will pretty much prepare me for anything I'm like to encounter.
Thanks for your generosity, I'll put you advice to good use. ;-)

Re: Considering a FT - coming up to speed on models and capabilities

Reply #9 – October 06, 2012, 10:19:41 pm

The DW and I spent a lot of time around Baja and the Sea of Cortez so we wanted an FT that we were sure would be at home on the roads of Baja. A U240 or U225 Grand Villa seemed to fit the bill for us. They are lower in overall height by about a 11-inches and weigh, like their nomenclature, 24,000 and 22,500 pounds each.

They are also only 8' wide (96" not 102"). Even though a 102" coach would be ok on the most Baja roadways, we both felt that the narrower (which still feels plenty wide on narrow back roads) was better.

Our 29' Alpenlite 5th wheel trailer had one slide (sofa and dining table and chairs) and we were not completely satisfied with the experience. Debris on top, poor insulation, and extra weight plus the extra maintenance.

These were considered "entry level" coaches by Foretravel; I found that somewhat humorous... entry level for $250k in 1993 dollars. But at the present time they are widely available in decent shape for under $25k.

I think these two models were built between about 1991 and 1994. They are Unihome and built on the Foretravel monocoque chassis but don't have air bags and their systems are relatively simple compared to the newer, more complex, coaches.

Welcome to the forum. Good luck.

Craig

Re: Considering a FT - coming up to speed on models and capabilities

Reply #10 – October 07, 2012, 01:50:37 am

Wa_desert_rat, thanks for the insight. I too have spent some time in and around Baja, the airstream did well, but the 4x4 with a topper, tent, and camping gear was the better choice. Which bring me to another reason I'm using a van as a trailer...toybox. It will be a 4x4 Chevy Express. It carries a road bike, dirt bike, inflatable and a small outboard motor, skis on so on. From what I'm gathering, it seems as though the older Foretravels had a smaller footprint and the newer ones don't have that option.
I'm looking at Foretravels for quality purposes, like the airstream, but unlike the airstream Foretravel doesn't offer a selection of sizes...it seems. ? I'm just in the planning stage, looking at options, looking for reliability, which most often is found in quality. I don't need a brand new coach for part time use but something 4-5 years old, well cared for, that isn't too extravagant in appearance but has the power and amenities to get there in reasonable comfort. I'm not really concerned with the cost as much as I am with the depreciation.
Please don't take this the wrong way, I'm just trying to see how I can make it all work in a motorhome. I don't mind older vehicles when I'm close to home, with my tools and resources available, but experience has taught me that when out on the road, newer parts are easier to acquire. Motorhomes may be a different animal and I might be 180º out so I'll listen to the pros and do my homework and with luck I'll find what I think I want?

Re: Considering a FT - coming up to speed on models and capabilities

Reply #11 – October 07, 2012, 07:33:16 am

Indeed, the 36' is perfect for me to maneuver in tight spots, the weight is in the very low 30K lb area, and towing your Chevy is not an issue and with the Retarder & disc brakes, stopping is not either. The ISM series engines have both the hp and torque to get it done. In my case I had it upped from the 450 hp & 1450' lb torque to the ISM500 spec, 500 hp & 1550' lb, that is a major noticeable increase, feels like 200 hp. All with Cummins blessing and done at a Cummins distributor.

On the 2001 model the tow capacity is 10,000 lb so the 6000 lb Chevy is not near an issue, but you will (by law) need a braking system on the van.

Foretravel has alot to offer, but there is no perfect RV that covers the sands of Baja and the deep snows of wonderland that I am aware of. I keep my coach on hard roads and if snow or ice, I park and enjoy the of the heating system and the system for living comfy like the great generator and battery system.

As for range, My 320 has a 194 gal diesel tank and I average 8+ mpg, so the fuel lasts longer than my bladder by a few times. Normal fuel stops are every 2.5 days at 500 miles a day rate.

Lots to look at and smile

Dave M

Re: Considering a FT - coming up to speed on models and capabilities

Reply #12 – October 07, 2012, 07:36:15 am

I towed an Airstream for 30 years behind a diesel pickup with my motorcycle in the bed, first open, then under a cap. Now I carry the bike on a lift behind the coach. Just an alternative.

Re: Considering a FT - coming up to speed on models and capabilities

Reply #13 – October 07, 2012, 12:24:31 pm

I had a 36 foot and now I have a 42 foot. I have not found a place that I can not fit that I want to go too. Now I will say in the NE it is tighter but the south and the west is wide open for the most part. I have had a 34 a 36 and a 42 foot and they all have gotten into places I want to get to. As to towing, I pull a wrangler and there is no issues. It depends on the state you live in whether you need a tow brake or not. In VA there is a performance standard. Stop in 40 feet from 20 mph. Now I have over 7000 pounds of carrying capacity so I could put my Jeep inside the coach and carry it. So, it depends on your coach and your state and set up. If I was towing a diesel pickup I would put one on but with my jeep I forego it. I also tried a stop test with my jeep and with my jeep and a brake buddy I borrowed for a buddy. He had it set up to work for a panic stop. I passed a cone and slammed on my brakes. It was very close and while it is not a technically repeatable event and I am sure I probably hit the brakes at a slightly different time. I stopped one inch shorter without the brake buddy.... So, to me if I could pick up and carry my jeep, FT put good brakes on and they work well including the retarder. I did the same test without the retarder and I stopped in a longer distance without the retarder.

Re: Considering a FT - coming up to speed on models and capabilities

Reply #14 – October 07, 2012, 12:40:42 pm

Quote

I had a 36 foot and now I have a 42 foot. I have not found a place that I can not fit that I want to go too. Now I will say in the NE it is tighter but the south and the west is wide open for the most part. I have had a 34 a 36 and a 42 foot and they all have gotten into places I want to get to. As to towing, I pull a wrangler and there is no issues. It depends on the state you live in whether you need a tow brake or not. In VA there is a performance standard. Stop in 40 feet from 20 mph. Now I have over 7000 pounds of carrying capacity so I could put my Jeep inside the coach and carry it. So, it depends on your coach and your state and set up. If I was towing a diesel pickup I would put one on but with my jeep I forego it. I also tried a stop test with my jeep and with my jeep and a brake buddy I borrowed for a buddy. He had it set up to work for a panic stop. I passed a cone and slammed on my brakes. It was very close and while it is not a technically repeatable event and I am sure I probably hit the brakes at a slightly different time. I stopped one inch shorter without the brake buddy.... So, to me if I could pick up and carry my jeep, FT put good brakes on and they work well including the retarder. I did the same test without the retarder and I stopped in a longer distance without the retarder.

How did the test go towing the 2007 24' Born Free AND the Wrangler? ;o)

best, paul

Re: Considering a FT - coming up to speed on models and capabilities

Reply #15 – October 07, 2012, 01:43:47 pm

I towed the wrangle with the Bornfree. I would not tow it again without a brake ever. I decided not to tow it behind the Foretravel though.

Re: Considering a FT - coming up to speed on models and capabilities

Reply #16 – October 07, 2012, 02:00:18 pm

To add some clarity about Foretravel over the years.

All Foretravel motorhomes 1991 and older are 96 inchs wide.

All U240 and U225 (1991 - 1995) are 36 feet long and 96 wide, except for the last year of production, 1995, when they became 102 wide. The U225 and U240 motorhomes have BFG "Velvet Ride" rubber torsion suspension.

Foretravel U280/U300 unihome (Locomotive style, mid entry) motorhomes were 102 wide for 1992 - 1996 (very few in 1996)
The U300 had large engines with more horsepower than the U280. Both had the Foretravel designed, low pressure, outboard, airbag suspension.

Foretravel manufactured the U320/U295/U270 Unicoach, 40 feet long, 102 wide (bus style, front entry) from 1995 to 2005. There are some 36 foot and very few mid-entry. All have the Foretravel designed, low pressure, outboard, airbag suspension.

Slides appeared circa 2000.

The major difference between the U320 and the U295/270, regardless of length is the engine and tranny. The U320 has the Cummins M11 with 4060R tranny while the U295/U270 have the Cummins 8.3 with 3060/3060R tranny.

This is an overview and there are many different modifications or engines/trannys over the years (ie a 38 foot tag axle or a U320 with Cat 3176, or mid-entry locomotive style in 2001/2002).

I know of Foretravels towing heavy trailers with the 8.3 and with the M11. You just have to be more patient in the mountains with the smaller engines. I have a U320 with M11 and love 50mph, and passing other motorhomes when climbing hills. I got tired of the slow grind (20mph) up mountain passes with my SOB gas.

Re: Considering a FT - coming up to speed on models and capabilities

Reply #17 – October 07, 2012, 02:27:35 pm

Quote from: P. Wyatt Sabourin – October 07, 2012, 02:00:18 pm

Foretravel manufactured the U320/U295/U270 Unicoach, 40 feet long, 102 wide (bus style, front entry) from 1995 to 2005. There are some 36 foot and very few mid-entry. All have the Foretravel designed, low pressure, outboard, airbag suspension.

In this era there are also some 34 foot long U270's and some 42 foot long U320's.

Re: Considering a FT - coming up to speed on models and capabilities

Reply #18 – October 07, 2012, 05:16:30 pm

Well I have a spreadsheet started Lot of U's then I found some acronyms like, WCDS and WTF or was it WTFS? and numbers like 4223...i'm sure they tell a descriptive story but one would need a crystal ball to disseminate this code on their own.
Dave M's 36' 500hp sounds close in size and propulsion. perhaps a 450 would suffice, but it's a 2001, and I'm in the market for something newer, 2007-08.
Air bags or no air bags?
Tag or no tag?
gear ratio?
More slides, less slides, no slides?
how many solar panel can be reasonable located on the roof?

Many of the systems I've notice are similar to the marine industry which I'm more familiar with. Dual C30's using 180 gallons an hour @ 30 knots makes 8 miles to a gallon wishful thinking.;-)

Re: Considering a FT - coming up to speed on models and capabilities

Reply #19 – October 07, 2012, 05:35:00 pm

Most of the Foretravel owners had other SOB's prior to the Foretravel and they all seem to feel the way I do, that is I would rather have a 10 year old Foretravel than a NEW anything else, ask around
Good luck on your search
Dave M

Re: Considering a FT - coming up to speed on models and capabilities

Reply #20 – October 07, 2012, 05:50:02 pm

Juan,

For the years 2007-2008, you'll find Nimbus and Phenix. Probably a total of less than 50-60 coaches made between those 2 years. They will likely be like snowflakes - no two alike.

All FTs since the mid 90's have air bags, so no decision to worry about there. Tag will depend on coach length and slide configuration (tag generally there for CCC).

MOT currently has 1 2007 Nimbus so you can check their site to see what it looks like. Pre-Owned RVS Motorhomes of Texas

FOT has 1 2007 Phenix and 1 2008 Nimbus. Foretravel Texas

Re: Considering a FT - coming up to speed on models and capabilities

Reply #21 – October 07, 2012, 07:19:10 pm

Quote from: amos.harrison – October 07, 2012, 07:36:15 am

I towed an Airstream for 30 years behind a diesel pickup with my motorcycle in the bed, first open, then under a cap. Now I carry the bike on a lift behind the coach. Just an alternative.

Thanks for your help! I considered lifts, there were two that I can recall, one hydraulic the other cable. Which do you recommend? My preference would be an inflatable toad

The van has dual purpose capability as a trailer and toad. With just one bike the van is under 5000 lbs but I like to use my Husky supermoto in the thick and when unloading my harley is just not practical. I used to pack a 2 wheel drive Rokon bike Scout » Rokon 2-Wheel Drive Motorcycles but they're strictly off road, and the most fun of all.

Re: Considering a FT - coming up to speed on models and capabilities

Reply #22 – October 07, 2012, 07:36:16 pm

Thanks Michelle, I'm beginning to see through the fog. Perhaps i need to test a few 40-42 footers to see if I'm over estimating the need for size restrictions.
Everyone has been very helpful, thank you for your time.

Re: Considering a FT - coming up to speed on models and capabilities

Reply #23 – October 07, 2012, 07:52:29 pm

With Diesel at $5.00/ Gal. be careful about the "bigger is better" mentality seen in this county for the past 15 years. Today you can't give fuel hogs away.

Re: Considering a FT - coming up to speed on models and capabilities

Reply #24 – October 07, 2012, 10:07:59 pm

Don't tell the guys on WOG that. They're upset that their 'Birds aren't selling for what they think they are worth now. Just wait until fuel prices go up another dollar per gallon.

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