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Topic: Late Model Foretravel Coaches vs. "The Competition" (Read 2723 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Late Model Foretravel Coaches vs. "The Competition"

Reply #20 –
You might also enjoy the remarks from James Stallings concerning his Prevost/Country Coach and all the issues with it, starting with the slide issues and of course the biggie "electrical gadgets", Never a dull day, always challenges, never ending.
Dave M

Re: Late Model Foretravel Coaches vs. "The Competition"

Reply #21 –
Forgot two questions...  What is the "outboard" air bag ride system?  I googled it but could not find an answer...  If anyone has a photo shot, that would be great too...  Also, are Foretravel slides dependable overall?  Thank you again!

Re: Late Model Foretravel Coaches vs. "The Competition"

Reply #22 –
The airbags are located as far to the outside of the chassis as possible, pretty much inline with the suspension travel. When they're mounted inboard, they are at a mechanical disadvantage (they are at one end of a lever and the wheel's at the other) and simply can't damp the suspension movement as well. Months of shopping, and testdriving many, many older coaches from lots of different manufacturers taught me a great deal about brakes and suspension and chassis and running gear, and the more I drove stuff, the narrower my choices became. So here I am with a well cared for survivor, that I think is comparable to a Rolls of similar vintage. It doesn't have as many bells and whistlles or as much bling, but it's built well and has class. As nice as this '89 of mine goes down the road, I can only dream about how a new Nimbus carries itself!

Re: Late Model Foretravel Coaches vs. "The Competition"

Reply #23 –
Just to add to Twobus:  for a 2 axle coach there are 8 airbags, one in front and one in back of each wheel (or duals).
You just see them in the photo in this post: Rattle-Rattle

Re: Late Model Foretravel Coaches vs. "The Competition"

Reply #24 –
We are the owners of James Stallings old coach.  His wife, Jennifer, told me they wish they had never sold it to Carol & Jeff Savournin from whom we purchased it.  They purchased a Prevost and had all sorts of problems.  We are very happy with the Foretravel.  I spent my career in the vehicle and equipment world and can recommend Foretravels for build and ride quality.  I think you will be happy with one.

Keith

Re: Late Model Foretravel Coaches vs. "The Competition"

Reply #25 –
For me, The very best advice I ever read concerning purchasing a used Foretravel we simply stated as "I would rather have a 10 year old Foretravel then a brand new anything else"
Not sure where I first read that comment about 4 years ago, but it sure fits.  You need to experience SOB's first to fully understand that comment.
Easy example, only money spend on my 2001 U320 has been for upgrades such as House Refrig, not needed, just wanted the AC refrig, Paint inc Roof, Mods to Lighting, Tail Gate, Flooring and 2 TV's.  Needed repair other than normal service such as normal PM Items, the Aqua Hot service, DC Vac pump, not needed, just wanted, hydraulic pump for HWH slide.
Maybe I am just lucky, but not alone.
MHO
Dave M

Re: Late Model Foretravel Coaches vs. "The Competition"

Reply #26 –
To be fair, James Prevost was a wreck that he rebuilt, and he bought it when FOT became an Agressive competitor.

That being said, Prevost do have a reputation for consuming "Coach Bucks" ($1,000 units of spend)

Re: Late Model Foretravel Coaches vs. "The Competition"

Reply #27 –
Quote from: Tim Fiedler –

Always have liked to buy quality that has already taken the depreciation hit. Saw FT quality vs. the Eagle and in a moment of passion decided to go FT. On my third, and glad of it! Probably a while before Dave Head gets a chance to buy it. Rather upgrade than trade.

Not perfect, what is? But the best for me.

That is the reason I have a Foretravel, for the quality and why I also have a 2nd generation Lexas LS 400. They both may be old but are still better than many new rigs on the road.

Re: Late Model Foretravel Coaches vs. "The Competition"

Reply #28 –
Happy Easter!

Curious to know if anyone is acquainted with FT owners of coaches say year model 2007 and newer and if their opinion of later model Foretravels is consistent with the great reviews of older FT coaches.  I ask as I truly believe my older American Eagle is far superior in craftsmanship as well as being significantly more dependable than what is currently manufactured by American Coach.  THANK YOU AGAIN, Jeff

Re: Late Model Foretravel Coaches vs. "The Competition"

Reply #29 –
Other than having multiple slides and far more electronics to potentially screw-up I cant, say the build quality is worse than before, but I do believe that the engineering and build as far as paint and interior finish is equal or better. The newer coaches have more tile, granite, and laminates that the old coaches didn't have.  If you consider these things negative and too gaudy for you then you will still be using your Eagle for another ten years, which is great.  The company must change and integrate newer styles, materials, designs, and engineering.  I have owned four Foretravel's and the newest has been the most reliable and the best for overall satisfaction.

Re: Late Model Foretravel Coaches vs. "The Competition"

Reply #30 –
Hi Folks,

I know this is a Foretravel Forum, but I have been a member for years going all the way back to the yahoo:groups:foretravel days, and I do try to contribute when possible. Please forgive me for addressing the gentleman's questions regarding the 2000 thru 2003 Wanderlodge LXi. I've owned mine for 10 years. After 2003 Wanderlodge produced the M450 and the M380, these coaches were radical departures from the traditional Wanderlodge build model - weight and complexity can be issues on these coaches. I'm most familiar with mine which is a 2002 LXi. I invite you to come to my forum Wanderlodge Gurus where we can discuss in detail the pros and cons of Wanderlodge ownership. I'm a realist; I understand that there is no perfect motorhome. I can say that mine has been nothing short of rock solid, reliable, well handling, beautifully crafted, and so one. I have GVWR of 52300 lb and the coach actually weighs 47500 with full fuel, water, and stocked for travel. It's powered by a Detroit Diesel Series-60 and it moves very well. I've driven a few Foretravel's when Steve Mitchell at Parliament tried to sell me a 2003 Nimbus or Phenix. I agree, the Blue Bird Wanderlodge has a bus-like feel to it while the Foretravel feels lighter and more nimble. Again, it comes down to personal preference. I wouldn't fault either. I could easily own and enjoy a Foretravel. I don't want to consume your bandwidth talking about Wanderlodges so please come on over to my forum and the guys/gals and I will fill you in on every facet of ownership. Cheers!

David Brady
2002 Wanderlodge LXi,
Asheville, NC

Re: Late Model Foretravel Coaches vs. "The Competition"

Reply #31 –
David, as usual you present yourself with class and professionalism. I'm sure those curious about Wonderlodges will take you up on your offer to check out the Wonderlodge forum.

Re: Late Model Foretravel Coaches vs. "The Competition"

Reply #32 –
David,

At 47,500, you can't expect it to act like a ballerina. You must have huge brakes. Don't know if you noticed but a research company has been fitting injectors to Detroit 60 series that operate at 160,000 psi with 120 passages on each nozzle. They hope to go into production and get EPA certification. Emissions have been a problem on all the Detroits so this might be a breakthrough. 

Pierce

Re: Late Model Foretravel Coaches vs. "The Competition"

Reply #33 –
I think you hit it spot on Dave, when you are talking about BB.  You are an owner but are objective. I liked the LXI wander lodge but the M series seemed to be the final nail in the coffin for their MH division. Sad day as I really liked them and still smile when I see one.  I was at a campground when their was a rally and I got to talk to a lot of owners and they were much like the FT I have come across.

Re: Late Model Foretravel Coaches vs. "The Competition"

Reply #34 –
HI Folks:

Was surfing yesterday and found this, 1992 BB 40ft w/tag at http://www.karolinakoaches.com. Looks like extensive remodel was done to the inside. Paint also looks real good. The price is just over $48,000.

Norm

Re: Late Model Foretravel Coaches vs. "The Competition"

Reply #35 –
no matter the brand coach you own, if you spend over 6 figures, you're gonna think it's the bomb. It's kind of like being married. You're going to say your wife is the prettest, no matter how hot your best friends wife is.

Re: Late Model Foretravel Coaches vs. "The Competition"

Reply #36 –
Maybe so, but then there are the younger sisters... I'm in line for Tim Fiedler's or Gary Omel's coach when they come available (assuming I could scratch up the cash)... Either one puts mine to shame (except for gas mileage). Luckily I've got a multi-year wait for both...

Re: Late Model Foretravel Coaches vs. "The Competition"

Reply #37 –
Hmmm, is it common to line up the next caretaker of a Foretravel before your turn is up? Do you interview prospective caretakers? How far in advance? <grin>

Happy Easter everyone!

Re: Late Model Foretravel Coaches vs. "The Competition"

Reply #38 –
Of course!

Re: Late Model Foretravel Coaches vs. "The Competition"

Reply #39 –
Gary O already has a list.