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Topic: Considering a FT - coming up to speed on models and capabilities (Read 3069 times) previous topic - next topic

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

Reply #75 –
lots of Prevost their, was a Foretravel dealer, still a service center, I am having my machine worked on their, will be around Wed - Sat PM, happy to show you mine if you like, bulkhead, aqua hot, etc. Older than you are looking for, but might give you some ideas - forty footer, non tag, single slide

Send me a PM if you are interested. I will post a review of Parliament service after I collect my coach, as you know, I am a MOT, FOt, Xtreme service facility bigot to date.
Tim Fiedler    2025 LTV Unity MBL on Order
2000 Chevy Tracker 2 Door Convertible 4WD Now lifted 4.5"
1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston
Murphy Rebel on wheels with 175HP Titan
Cessna P337
1980 48' Westport MY (!/4 Share)

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

Reply #76 –
OK, and I do know the difference between "their" and there", but on a conference call, multi tasking not working.
Tim Fiedler    2025 LTV Unity MBL on Order
2000 Chevy Tracker 2 Door Convertible 4WD Now lifted 4.5"
1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston
Murphy Rebel on wheels with 175HP Titan
Cessna P337
1980 48' Westport MY (!/4 Share)

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

Reply #77 –
JuanHappicampa,

You might not have run across this FT feature: Engine heat is used to heat house hot water. So you have hot water when you stop for lunch or stop for the day. Not sure which models have this.

We have aqua-hot and like it a lot.  I use it to pre-heat the engine and take the chill off the 'morn.

We used to think the Splendid washer was conspicuous consumption until we got our U320. Now we would not be without one. Plus it spin drys so well/fast we just hang clothing inside the FT and they dry over night.

best, paul
1999 U320 40' 1200 watts on roof. 12cf AC/DC Cold plate fridge/freezer. VMS 240 CL Honda Element

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

Reply #78 –
The code used sometimes takes awhile to de-code.

Megadoches, is at least one of the endearing other names for Nacogdoches TX, along with Camp Foretravel (the factory camping lot).  Some mention the "free parking" as having a $1000 per day rate.  Seems on average, the service tickets seem to be that much, with the ratio between parts and labor varying.  I had two half day tickets and the bill was almost spot on the day rate.

As for many we met on our two trips to the plant, we found owners that just scheduled in advance their yearly service, going across the country.  But we met norther neighbors that had come 2800 miles to leave there coach for a complete repaint, emptying things into storage till they return in several months.  We saw coaches in the shop that were getting $200,000 remodels.  One was being just finishing for delivery, and another was on day two of the tear out.

Think you are correct about seeing the Prevosts parked, that would be Parliment.

Your mention of seeing the Aqua Hot as an issue.  Just know that it does require yearly service to give the outstanding benefits that the owners enjoy.  Know too that someone just posted the re-built unit is $7000, plus labor.

For us and our purchase of a 1993 coach, having the forum and knowing before hand how well the factory has helped owners of classic older coaches, help us to comfortable purchase our Foretravel.  Being only 3 hours away helped as well.  Having the pleasure of two trips, several days in the shop, and seeing the service crew at work still puts a smile on my face.  Met several techs that worked on my coach when it was being built.  Had a number of them stop and comment about remembering the old days of building my classic.  Cory Rucker, head of service when we were there, started in Production in the early 90's doing wiring in the upper cabinets.  The tech that corrected some wiring and installed the touch switch, has been there 37 years, and took only minutes to correct and complete the task.  The carpenter that built our interior is the lead in the remodel wood shop, and is ready to build a desk to look like an original install. 

I can assure you, I had the oldest, smallest and least expensive coach on the lot or in the shop.  Yet we got all the service, help, and more than I could ask for, without regard to what we were driving or spending.

I casually mentioned we really liked the Grand Villa design, and several said they would be more than happy to build me a new one.  Careful what you ask for when you get there!
Dave Cobb
Buckhorn Lake Resort The Club, #6202, Kerrville TX
check the map.  I do rent it out when I am traveling!
2001, U320, 36' #5887, in Kerrville, FT Club #17006, (7/23 to present)
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Summit, white
EX: 98 U295, 36' #5219, (mid door), (4/13-10/23)
EX: 93 U225, 36' (4/11 to 4/13)

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

Reply #79 –
Actually, I believe the correct endearing term is "Meccadoches"
The selected media item is not currently available. Dave Head & Megan Westbrook
Titusville, FL - The Great Outdoors
'98 270 buying this month
Toad is a 2018 F150 XLT

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

Reply #80 –
Quote from: Dave Head –
Actually, I believe the correct endearing term is "Meccadoches"

As in "making a pilgrimage to... (with offerings ;) ) "

FT is sometimes also known as "the Mothership"
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

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

Reply #81 –
I keep saying this, but if this forum didn't exist I wouldn't consider a Foretravel. It is wonderful to have the various businesses in Nacogdoches there to support the coaches, but without those on this forum who freely give of their knowledge a Foretravel would just be another expensive motorhome. I'm not going to name brands, but there are several brands where the owners simply go back to the factory for whatever is needed without ever trying to fix the problem themselves. Foretravel people aren't that way, and that's the reason a Foretravel is at the top of our list.

Thank you, all you generous experts, for sharing with those of us who don't really know anything yet.

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

Reply #82 –
' FT is sometimes also known as "the Mothership" '

Nope.  That's the home of Lazy Daze RVs ;o)

best, paul
1999 U320 40' 1200 watts on roof. 12cf AC/DC Cold plate fridge/freezer. VMS 240 CL Honda Element

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

Reply #83 –
I've heard the term "Mothership" applied to Foretravel of Texas, the Tiffin factory in Red Bay, Alabama, and the Airstream factory in Jackson Center, Ohio. I suspect that many brands refer to the factory as the Mothership. Wanderlodge owners, on the other hand, referred to the factory as "The Nest" since their coaches were made by Bluebird.

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

Reply #84 –
Thanks for your generous offer Tim Fiedler! Unfortunately I'll be at TIA on Wednesday at 4: 30am waiting on Southwest to carry me northeast. Just knowing that I'm closer than most of these folks to a SATELLITE service center... is making me all warm and fuzzy. Ground control the Major Tom... My writing also becomes distorted when my Bluetooth notifies me that I have a call. Their, there, they're is close enough, things get confusing when it becomes "where" or "bear" ;-)

Paul Smith you've raised my curiosity level again. Here I'm thinking an aquahot is forced hot water from a gas or electric furnace pumped through a closed circuit on one side and faucets+ on the other, thermostatically controlled with temp & pressure readings. You've brought the complexity to a whole new level. Fascinating!

Dave & Dolly decode? I think I'm going to try to inspire Barry to build a database for Foretravel acronyms. Then I'll contact Rosetta Stone Official Rosetta Stone® - Learn a Language Online - Learn Spanish and see if they will build a CALL (computer-assisted language learning) package for Foretravelese. 

Thanks everyone. I'm feeling like I took a trip and never left the barn. ;-)
Happy Trails!

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

Reply #85 –
Juan,

My coach will be at Parliament until early/mid Nov., then down to Homestead for the race, then it winters in New Port Richey at Ja-Mar North with my 88 year old Mom and her 80 year old "boy toy" boyfriend shacking up (such a cougar) -

we will work something out if you like along the way so you can see it before it goes to New Port Richey

So far - so good on Parliament - they called re rear brakes (as they were installing the rear caliper helper springs I bought on line before I went down) - said they were surprised by the wear (more than fronts), but would make another year at 6K ish miles per year, and they would show me when I got down - had the parts prices and labor rate available when I called - prices seemed reasonable. WOnder if their is a front/rear bias issue.....will ask and see what they say

Very good communications with me since I dropped it off, shop has downsized it is clear and living mostly on Maintenance, which is not a bad thing. Means the people that survived are probably their best techs, and that they need repeat maintenance business to stay in business.
Tim Fiedler    2025 LTV Unity MBL on Order
2000 Chevy Tracker 2 Door Convertible 4WD Now lifted 4.5"
1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston
Murphy Rebel on wheels with 175HP Titan
Cessna P337
1980 48' Westport MY (!/4 Share)

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

Reply #86 –
"Paul Smith you've raised my curiosity level again. Here I'm thinking an aquahot is forced hot water from a gas or electric furnace pumped through a closed circuit on one side and faucets+ on the other, thermostatically controlled with temp & pressure readings. You've brought the complexity to a whole new level. Fascinating!"

Nope. The fuel in an aqua-hot is electric or diesel....

best, paul
1999 U320 40' 1200 watts on roof. 12cf AC/DC Cold plate fridge/freezer. VMS 240 CL Honda Element

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

Reply #87 –
Quote from: JuanHappicampa –
I think I'm going to try to inspire Barry to build a database for Foretravel acronyms. Then I'll contact Rosetta Stone Official Rosetta Stone® - Learn a Language Online - Learn Spanish and see if they will build a CALL (computer-assisted language learning) package for Foretravelese. 

Already been done ;)
RV Abbreviations, Acronyms and Initialisms

RV Glossary
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

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

Reply #88 –
Quote from: wa_desert_rat –
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.

I am trying to end the quote, but don't know how:  The rest is my comment:

That has to be Jon Twork; he pulls a trailer behind his '97 U-270; it has solar panels to complement those on the coach and he hauls a small wind turbine inside the trailer that he sets up once he gets out into the AZ/CA desert, where there is significant wind in the winter.
Don Hay
'92 Grandvilla, U-280
The Hayfever Express
Build #4055
'97 GEO Tracker
Life is like licking honey off a thorn.

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

Reply #89 –
Quote from: Don Hay –

I am trying to end the quote, but don't know how:  The rest is my comment:

You end a quote by putting "slash quote" inside brackets (the square parenthesis).  You start a quote by putting just a "quote" inside brackets. And no quotation marks on either one.

Quote
That has to be Jon Twork; he pulls a trailer behind his '97 U-270; it has solar panels to complement those on the coach and he hauls a small wind turbine inside the trailer that he sets up once he gets out into the AZ/CA desert, where there is significant wind in the winter.

I don't think it was Jon as it was someone who was selling their coach and said that the trailer was also available. Jon, however, is definitely a pioneer in self-sufficiency.  I hope he gets his blog finished.

Craig
[/quote]
1993 U225 36' Unihome GV with PACBRAKE exhaust retarder, Banks Stinger and Solar Panels.
Toad: 1999 Jeep Wrangler 2-door soft-top.

"No one has ever had to evacuate a city because the solar panels broke."

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

Reply #90 –
An interesting observation.  We have been in a park in Northern California for 6 months, have had 3 Foretravels come through.  Last week a most interesting GV was here, it was a 1991, 36ft., Cat 3208, with Torsion Suspension at all four corners, the first I have ever seen.  Upon closer inspection this Coach has only 6in. ground clearance from the engine pan protect bars to the pavement.  Needless to say you don't go Boondocking with this rig. 
Question the Torsion Suspension looks like a failed experiment, this guy's coach is really low, is there a fix?
Steve & Nancy Snow
1987 GV 40'

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

Reply #91 –
Quote from: Steve & Nancy Snow –
Last week a most interesting GV was here, it was a 1991, 36ft., Cat 3208, with Torsion Suspension at all four corners, the first I have ever seen.  Upon closer inspection this Coach has only 6in. ground clearance from the engine pan protect bars to the pavement.  Needless to say you don't go Boondocking with this rig. 
Question the Torsion Suspension looks like a failed experiment, this guy's coach is really low, is there a fix?

Here's a good great start Torsilastic suspension ride height adjustment
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

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

Reply #92 –
Yup, the ride height is adjustable on the Torsilastic suspension.  Sounds like it was not set properly. 

That was a very early Foretavel on the Torsilastic suspension (made by B.F. Goodrich aerospace division).  It was used in U225's and U240's up through 1995.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

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

Reply #93 –
Quote from: kb0zke –
John, I'm glad to see that you rank our top two picks the same as we do. We're really not looking at anything but a Foretravel and possibly a 'Bird. The price of a coach is what the buyer and seller agree it is, but from what I'm seeing I can get a newer Foretravel for less money than a 'Bird, and save money on fuel as I drive it, too. When we're ready to buy we'll see what's available and what sort of deal we can make. My prediction is that we'll end up with a Foretravel, but time will tell. I am spending more time here than on WOG, which kind of tells you which way I prefer.


Sold and drove alot of birds.  Painted metal is hotter and colder hence the elaborate heating setups.  Close to the ground also.  Curved roofline makes the shower less tall.  2 miles of wiring in a bird.  You better know an expert tech.

Almost crashed a 40' bird once as I was having so much fun playing with and looking at the dials and buttons.
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4