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

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

Reply #50 – October 14, 2012, 01:26:44 am

John Christman, perhaps from your perspective you've made a rational assessment, but maybe I could enlighten you a bit.
In the first paragraph of this thread, my opening statement explains that I was directed to Foretravel because of their quality and one would assume safety, so before I asked my first question here I already had those answers. Why would I need to challenge what was already establish? In my opening statement I also gave an outline of what I felt was a reasonable age of the vehicle that I would feel comfortable with. I asked if folks could define the models so I could identify them and become familiar with the assortment of styles and options.

I've received welcomed advice and direction from many people, both here on this board and in private messages, and I appreciate it, as I do with your advice about Trailers Vs Toads. Again, in my opening statement I had outlined my general criteria, which included a Van as a Toad to carry my toys. In my design the Toad played a dual roll as a trailer, with a driving option. Of course when some of the folks pointed out that a 6000 lb toad would restrict my options, I needed to reassess my priorities, which begged further questions.

From the very beginning of this thread I establish that price was not a concern as much as the rate of depreciation, because the coach would only be used half the year. I was advised to consider older vehicles because of the price and rate of depreciation, and I did, but my requirement for a newer coach has not changed. I found a 2007 coach @ FOT on the recommendation of someone here, and with the advice and good council that I have received, looked at it with a different set of eyes. It's longer than I thought I would have but was told that the size shouldn't be an obstacle.

As far as test-driving goes, I intend to drive those vehicles that I would consider purchasing. Although I have received a few private messages inviting me to drive their coaches, I felt it would be inconsiderate to give false hope to folks when I had no intention of purchasing and older coach. In this market I could drive a different Foretravel everyday for a month if I was so inclined, but I know what it's like to want to sell something and have my expectations invigorated only to discover disappointment. I'm not going to mislead anyone or take advantage of the good nature of others.

I understand your passion and appreciate the passion for the Foretravel coach that I have found on this site, and I suppose when I find my coach that I too will be passionate about my decision, but I'm not there yet, I'm enthusiastic about my adventure at this point and hopeful that with logic and rational thinking that I can find the right vehicle to take me the passion play.
Thank you for your time.

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

Reply #51 – October 14, 2012, 08:39:00 am

I actually use my element in the "trailer mode" a lot - fold up rear seats, and you have a HUGE protected space for all the important stuff that doesn't fit or you want easy access to - I actually put a roof rack on top as well for two bikes, not easy to get up there, but out of the way (until you go through drive through and they are still up there - don't ask......)

NASCAR guys are like Dave Metzger - full size pick up, usually crew cab, and golf cart in the bed on the back of truck -

Using toad as a trailer would have to be more convenient than towing a big trailer, and probably better mileage - but some folks do that.

Lots of solutions out there, we tend to migrate to the one that makes the most sense for each of us.

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

Reply #52 – October 14, 2012, 09:23:24 am

While a trailer may be inconvenient at times, it can also be a valuable addition. It all depends on how you use your RV.

One FT owner on here (and I forget who it was) had a trailer for the "dinghy" but also had set the trailer up to be a power source when dry camping. Not too hard to put a kilowatt of solar panels on top of a 16' trailer. Add a battery bank, a suitable pure-sine inverter and a utility connection and you can provide your own AC power. Since the DW and I like to dry camp (in RV parks without hookups) and boondock (in the winter for x/c skiing) the size is not so much of an issue nor is where to put the trailer an issue. No need to unhook the trailer in most cases... just back the Jeep out, tilt the panels appropriately and plugj in.

Once the dinghy is out there is a nice, dry, perhaps heated working area if the trailer is designed for that. Complete with a workbench, small drill press, storage for power tools, etc.

The trailer can also be used to quickly and securely stash chairs, tables and barbecue stoves for a shopping trip into town for supplies. Locking the trailer won't stop anyone intent on theft but it will deter the casual just-walking-by-and-wanted-it sort of thievery.

And with the addition of some air mattresses it can even be a guest cottage.

Craig

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

Reply #53 – October 14, 2012, 09:35:51 am

Craig,
Everyone has their reasons for their actions, while I am not a full timer, I donot get a warm fuzzy having my shop following me. I am on Holiday, with some luck I will not need my shop.

But I support the idea of doing what makes you smile.
Dave M

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

Reply #54 – October 14, 2012, 11:53:34 am

Tim Fiedler, that TV ad where the Subaru drives into the garage with the bicycles on the roof immediately came to mind. All we need now is a jingle. ;-) I found a contraption that I can attach to the driveshaft to make my VanToad possible ... so I haven't yet given up hope.

Wa_desert_rat, exactly, it all depends. I met a gentleman from the film industry some years back at the Corn Palace that had a triple axle setup just as you've described. A matching 102" wide custom triple axle trailer behind a Prevost with two bikes and a 911 Carrera inside. It had it's own fuel, genset, reverse cycle AC, petrol tank, workbench, and a half dozen batteries. He haled out of the Finger Lakes region on his way to Sunriver Oregon, if memory serves. I don't suspect he was running many back roads. ;-)

Dave M, I'm with ya on that count, if I wanted to be a wrench I'd stay home and fix the lawn mower. ;-) I spent my earlier years building and fixing my own creations, I'm looking forward to less Box Wrenches and more Caipirinhas.

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

Reply #55 – October 14, 2012, 12:09:48 pm

Back roads are fine most places but the NE. Lots of low bridges and small bridges with small Gross weight allowed. Depends how you want to use it though what size you will get.

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

Reply #56 – October 14, 2012, 12:39:10 pm

I probably spend too much time at my shop but I think I'd like a workbench and my tools. Lots of RV parks in the SW have wood shops and metal shops. I've never worked as a mechanic but my time on offshore drill rigs as a subsea engineer had me slinging wrenches quite a bit.

Still just kicking around the idea of a trailer with the Jeep and shop inside but it's pretty attractive for me just as recreation. Nothing seriously big though... once the Jeep is out of it then there should be lots of room. Good place to store mountain bikes and kayaks, too.

Craig

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

Reply #57 – October 14, 2012, 06:53:50 pm

I like the cottage idea, now I want a trailer with windows!

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

Reply #58 – October 14, 2012, 06:56:07 pm

yeah, but the Subaru probably only went into the garage once, I did mine once at a drive through fast food place, my wife did it a week later at a whole foods. Both Salt Lake City. First one was $26 parts, second one was $155......

Haven't done it since

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

Reply #59 – October 15, 2012, 05:39:14 am

Stopped at a red-light in a van, a city bus pushed two bicycles into my back door. That one cost them!
During my flexible years folks actually paid me to peddle bicycles, and flying from starting point and back from the finish line with a bike was somewhat of a hassle. Quick release axles and shoulder strap carrying bags made it a lot simpler and cheaper to transport in the belly of a plane, so in my airstream i continued the tradition. I had a Stump Jumpers stolen off my car so the idea of leaving my bikes out really isn't appealing.

While reading through the site I kept seeing folks refer to MOT vs FOT. At first I took it as a typo, but the frequency in which it occurred raised my curiosity, consequently discovering a whole new Foretraval site. Since I'm a Newbie I didn't want to be inflexible with my thinking so I looked at a older than 2007 coach. I found a 2006 Phenix with a smaller motor, less miles than the one at FOT and according to the site this one is Loaded, which I'll probably have to compare all the options to see what the 2007 is missing? 2006 Foretravel Phenix 40' Motorhomes of Texas I don't shy away from technology so additional electronics, Silverleaf monitoring and such is a plus. The price disparity between the two units is confusing, I keep getting the erie feeling that I'm missing someing?

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

Reply #60 – October 15, 2012, 06:38:52 am

Mileage difference not significant. 2007 is 3 feet longer, bigger engine, much different interior. Better look at them.

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

Reply #61 – October 15, 2012, 08:07:43 am

Thanks Amos. I'm going to be looking closer as soon as I feel confident enough to know what I'm looking at. I'll be flying to the left coast in the not to distant future. If I can gather sufficient data and locate some coaches that broadly fulfill my requirements I could drop out of the sky and land in Texas and points west where most of these coaches seem to be flocking too. ;-)

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

Reply #62 – October 15, 2012, 08:53:14 am

While I'm here, I would like to get a better sense of the availability of service. In reading this site I've noticed that many people seem to travel to Nacogdoches, Texas for service and from great distances away. My question is, is it necessary to go to Texas for service or can most of the services be addressed locally? I like the desert in the spring so taking the southern route west in April would be a natural occurring phenomenon as I toured the continent clockwise but I don't see myself hanging out in East Texas to have my coach problems addressed anyother time of the year, which according to Googles Advanced Logic app Advanced Google Maps Distance Calculator is approximately a thousand mile away from here.

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

Reply #63 – October 15, 2012, 09:54:18 am

I've been to Nac twice in 9 years; 1st for warranty on dash A/C (which was never resolved to my satisfaction @ FOT); 2nd to Xtreme for body work, roof paint and bulkhead repairs & other minor work (very satisfied). All other mechanical work can be performed by others. In my case Cummins has performed all the mechanical and some RV & genset work.

On the other hand, Forrest is a simple machine. What you're looking at is about 40 times more complex, so who works on the AquaHot, HWH systems, etc. does matter very much. You have to seek the best options in your area.

Peter

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

Reply #64 – October 15, 2012, 10:23:06 am

Often these coaches are consignment - owner sets asking price one person may have an unrealistic high price based on what they owe, another may be paid for and the owner may just want it moved out because of circumstances 9death, illness, divorce, etc.). In this case a good pre-purchase can give you confidence that the vehicle is sound even if low priced

Or one may be a trade in and owned by MOT or FOT and as such they took it in at a good price to offer it at a price that will sell readily in the marketplace

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

Reply #65 – October 15, 2012, 01:01:20 pm

Megadoches seems to be where I go for the care & feeding of my coach, being 70, am not interested in paying a shop to learn/experiment on my coach is not inviting to me. Have always been delighted with the outcome in all respects, I speak clear English, stay with the coach and expect the shops to act in a professional manner and have never had an issue with MOT, FOT nor Xtreme or even the Tire shop everyone goes to.
Yes a drive at 1205 miles one way from my home in Va. I am not concerned about the mileage or time.
Just glad to get what I am paying for, seems to be a rare commodity
Enjoy
Dave M

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

Reply #66 – October 15, 2012, 01:12:48 pm

Foretravel has some maintenance partners around the USA. It seems that more than a few of them were once "dealers" for Foretravel (which no longer uses dealers). There is one, for instance, in Oregon. Oregon Motor Coach Center

Many of the RVers posting on the other forums insist that it makes no difference that the original manufacturer of a coach is no longer in business. The logic is that so many parts of every RV are available from other sources. My thinking is that I like having one of the people who built my original (1993) motor home as a resource. Even if they no longer stock all the parts they can often provide access to a solution just because they had to do it for another FT owner in the past.

Craig

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

Reply #67 – October 15, 2012, 01:23:03 pm

Megadoches seems to be where I go for the care & feeding of my coach, being 70, am not interested in paying a shop to learn/experiment on my coach is not inviting to me.

Right. You would not believe, and I don't want to look it up, to see what I paid to have my house water pump replaced. It was North of $500. Why so much? Because the tech could not find the breaker for it. They eventually called the factory to find out where it is.

best, paul

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

Reply #68 – October 15, 2012, 01:28:14 pm

Peter, is there anything specific to the coach other than the frame? And even that I could have aligned on a blackhawk rack. The glass work could be done at a body shop, the aqua-hot is a standard unit used by many and serviced in other dealerships. The engine, tranny, axles, wheels, genset, appliances, A/C units, bathroom fixtures on and on are pretty much off the shelf items unless out of stock. I can RR most anything, including electronics and software so I'm left with sheathing, basement doors, hinges, locks, perhaps the windshield if it's custom made. The windows should be replaceable by phone. Just trying to get a sense of what the NAC can do that others couldn't do. I suspect being familiar with the product, they could do it faster, but in general it seems to me that I should be able to locate most if not all of my service needs in RV centers in Florida. I'll call different location to get an idea how they feel about working on Foretravels just so i know out front.

Tim Fiedler, thanks for the insight. I was thinking that because the coaches were in dealerships that the prices were somehow standardized. Does MOT & FOT check these units out, consignment or not, or should I try to find a Surveyor like we use for pre-owned boats?

Thanks Dave M, I'm not able to burn that much time yet and will be restricted to 6 months +/- in the summer.

Craig, I would prefer the builders address the issues as well, it's just not possible in my situation.

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

Reply #69 – October 15, 2012, 01:52:40 pm

We don't have quite as far to travel as some, just 4 1/2 hours for us, but we prefer to take our coach to Nac for any service we cannot do ourselves (although we would most likely use one of the AquaHot-authorized guys on the forum for that aspect of the coach). We use FOT, MOT, and Xtreme all, depending on what needs to be done (and sometimes based on who's running the best service special pricing at the time). They know and remember the coach, they know us, the right parts are there, and like Dave and Paul said, there is no learning curve on how things work.

Is any shop perfect? Of course not, no one is, but it's how the mistakes are handled that speaks volumes.

Michelle

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

Reply #70 – October 15, 2012, 01:57:29 pm

Besides Oregon, there are Foretravel repair facilities in Spokane, WA and a mobile mechanic in the Seattle area (Convenience RV—425-753-0511) who is also a certified Aqua-Hot technician and did all my work for the better part of five years on my Foretravel. There is also a dealer in southern California who sells and works on Foretravels as well. One thing you should know and put in your memory bank is that any Cummins Service facility that has the words "Coach Care" in their name is definitely a GO-TO place that you can take your Foretravel to. There are over 350 such facilities located in the US & Alaska. I did so, not only with my FT but also two SOB's (Some Other Brand). They hire RV trained & certified RV technicians who know what they are doing and in most cases do it well. I wouldn't let them work on my Aqua-Hot, but just about anything else, YES definitely. And let's say you are out in the middle of nowhere and the coach locks up, or just as bad, you are at a major fuel depot (like what happened to me) and you have just filled up with 110 gallons of Alaskan crude, start the engine and attempt to put it in gear. However, no matter what I tried, I could not get the coach to move. Finally after 30 minutes and a few "upset" truck drivers, I had the presence of mind to call one of the tech's at MOT. In less than 10 minutes, (on a Sunday evening no less) Mike Rodgers, got me all taken care of and I was again on the road. Just one of the many advantages and attributes to purchasing and having a good repoire with both MOT and FOT (James Triana) have the knowledge to get us out of just about any jam we may ever encounter.

It's a darned good feeling, knowing there is almost always someone on the other end of the line who is there to HELP...just so long as your battery is charged on the cell phone and you have a signal. Another thing you should know Juan is that as long as it is not an engine or tranny, have your parts sent NEXT DAY or 2nd DAY AIR. Cost of shipping is in many cases far less than paying for RV parking for a week or two.

Hope I've been a bit more helpful and given you some encouragement too.

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

Reply #71 – October 15, 2012, 02:20:54 pm

Our first motorhome was a 37' DP on a Freightliner chassis. Most components were "standard" RV parts. I took it to a Freightliner dealer for some work. They did perform the repairs when they got around to it. The service and feedback were not satisfactory to me. We took it to a reputable independent shop work. They would _almost_ fix things. We looked for a more satisfactory coach with a more satisfactory support system.

Our current coach is the at 1997 FT U295. One of the reasons we have the FT is because we have access to the people who built it, understand it, and want to keep it working properly. We pass a lot of certified Cummins dealers and RV service/repair facilities on the 200 mile trip from our home to NAC.

We also have found a valuable resource in the group of owners who share information and help each other. I value their recommendations.

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

Reply #72 – October 15, 2012, 02:36:43 pm

Quote

Besides Oregon, there are Foretravel repair facilities in Spokane, WA and a mobile mechanic in the Seattle area (***Convenience RV--

***) who is also a certified Aqua-Hot technician and did all my work for the better part of five years on my Foretravel. There is also a dealer in southern California who sells and works on Foretravels as well.

There's also R-Mechanic in Livermore, CA - about 60 miles East of San Francisco just off I-580

I found them as a recommended FT service center from the FOT website. I've been there many time times. Very good. PLUS a good excuse to spend some time in San Francisco!

Home - R-Mechanic Service Center

best, paul

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

Reply #73 – October 15, 2012, 02:49:36 pm

as for a surveyor, MOT and FOT will do a pre-buy, or you can hire someone independent like Brett Wolfe (really really good at this job....), often you can get the service history from Prior Owner, my last five years are available from MOT.

My coach is at Parliment in CLearwater as I type this - what part of Florida are you from?

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

Reply #74 – October 15, 2012, 05:05:39 pm

Paul Smith Megadoches is another one of those elusive terms that's not yet in my vocabulary. Though I'm still capable of reverse engineering mechanical systems, I prefer not to.

Thanks Michelle, I'm taking it all in. ;-)

There you go John Christman, "Coach Care" got it! I must say you had me going there for a minute. You've solved one of my vocabulary problem as well, SOB. I've been reading this for days and though I felt it related to other RV's the acronym had me puzzled. I'm not the sharpest tack in the box. I'm repeatedly seeing aqua-hots needing service, or being discussed and it has me thinking that it might be an Achilles Heal?

J D Stevens, it has to be reassuring to be close by.

Paul Smith, I'm familiar with Livermore having lived in Sac while working at Beale AFB. It's real easy for me to spend time in SF, and with lots of friends along the Russian River.

Thanks Tim Fiedler, I'll keep his name handy for when the time comes. I'm in Pinellas, not far from Clearwater. I've seen Parliment from the road, which road is a mystery at the moment. If memory serves they had some Prevost parked in their lot?

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