Late Model Foretravel Coaches vs. "The Competition"

Topic: Late Model Foretravel Coaches vs. "The Competition" (Read 2678 times) previous topic - next topic

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

Reply #25 – March 28, 2013, 01:00:53 pm

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 – March 28, 2013, 01:40:06 pm

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 – March 28, 2013, 11:25:11 pm

Quote from: Tim Fiedler – March 28, 2013, 08:14:25 am

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 – March 29, 2013, 03:24:53 pm

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 – March 29, 2013, 04:01:47 pm

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 – March 30, 2013, 04:31:05 pm

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 – March 30, 2013, 04:46:42 pm

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 – March 30, 2013, 07:58:07 pm

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 – March 31, 2013, 08:04:24 am

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 – March 31, 2013, 07:17:23 pm

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 – March 31, 2013, 07:54:42 pm

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 – March 31, 2013, 08:28:46 pm

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 – March 31, 2013, 08:37:09 pm

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 – March 31, 2013, 09:26:35 pm

Of course!

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

Reply #39 – April 01, 2013, 07:45:26 am

Gary O already has a list.

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

Reply #40 – April 01, 2013, 07:47:15 am

I have had two people ask me if my coach is for sale too. Maybe one day but right now I want to run it a lot more.

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

Reply #41 – April 01, 2013, 09:29:46 am

Our coach is an '89 and we have three different parties telling us that when we sell to please call them first. That does say something about Foretravel quality and design.

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

Reply #42 – April 01, 2013, 12:18:09 pm

Quote from: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart – March 30, 2013, 07:58:07 pm

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

Thanks folks, you guys run what I think is one of the best motorhome forums on the internet. I've been watching for some time and am always amazed how you all seem to pull in the same direction. Well done!

Thanks Pierce, I'll look for a link to the new injector technology. All of the Series-60 equipped wanderlodges are non-egr engines, this includes the LXi's produced in 2003. For 2004 Wanderlodge switched to the Cat C13 engine with it's ACERT technology which was introduced to meet the EPA '04 emissions regulations for on-highway trucks. Happy Motoring!

David Brady
'02 Blue Bird, Wanderlodge LXi
Asheville, NC

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

Reply #43 – April 01, 2013, 12:51:06 pm

Quote from: travelite – April 01, 2013, 12:18:09 pm

Thanks folks, you guys run what I think is one of the best motorhome forums on the internet. I've been watching for some time and am always amazed how you all seem to pull in the same direction. Well done!

Thanks Pierce, I'll look for a link to the new injector technology. All of the Series-60 equipped wanderlodges are non-egr engines, this includes the LXi's produced in 2003. For 2004 Wanderlodge switched to the Cat C13 engine with it's ACERT technology which was introduced to meet the EPA '04 emissions regulations for on-highway trucks. Happy Motoring!

David Brady
'02 Blue Bird, Wanderlodge LXi
Asheville, NC

Their video seems pretty optimistic but at that pressure, perhaps the figures are not too far fetched. Here is the link to an article: Green Diesel Corp Fuel Injectors - 160,000 PSI Diesel Injector - Diesel Power They seem to have it working in other diesels besides the 60 series and claim it can be a retro fit at 5% of a new engine cost compared to 25% for the injection systems on today's diesels. A lot to expect.

Pierce

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

Reply #44 – April 01, 2013, 09:06:53 pm

I had the coach up to Preston today for an inspection, so decided to stop by school on the way home since one of the janitors is retiring at the end of the month and will be full-timing in a 5'er. One of the teachers also wanted to see it, so we gave a quick tour. They couldn't believe that the coach is 20 years old this month. Then I stopped by the bus garage, and a driver and the mechanic came out to see it. The driver really wants something like what we have. I think he's a couple of years away, but I wonder if we might not have found the next caretaker of our coach. When I first started looking the mechanic suggested I stay away from the two-cycle Detroits, but he seemed pleased with what we have.

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

Reply #45 – April 02, 2013, 03:49:11 pm

Quote from: kb0zke – April 01, 2013, 09:06:53 pm

I had the coach up to Preston today for an inspection, so decided to stop by school on the way home since one of the janitors is retiring at the end of the month and will be full-timing in a 5'er. One of the teachers also wanted to see it, so we gave a quick tour. They couldn't believe that the coach is 20 years old this month. Then I stopped by the bus garage, and a driver and the mechanic came out to see it. The driver really wants something like what we have. I think he's a couple of years away, but I wonder if we might not have found the next caretaker of our coach. When I first started looking the mechanic suggested I stay away from the two-cycle Detroits, but he seemed pleased with what we have.

Your 6V92 (Silver 92) is not the engine as the earlier "two-cycle Detroits" that he is thinking of. That engine is way advanced and fixed as compared to the early 6V92s the he is referring to. The silver 92 did not even need a diaper under it to catch leaking oil like the old Detroit Diesel two cycles did.

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

Reply #46 – April 02, 2013, 06:06:03 pm

After he told me that a couple of years ago, I did some research on the Detroits and found just what you said. As a result, I was not afraid of getting a 6V92 or even an 8V92 (common on the 'Birds that we were considering).

Jo Ann got the plates today and I put them on, so we're completely legal. Can't wait for the first trip!

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

Reply #47 – April 02, 2013, 06:13:23 pm

The 6V-92 is the better of the two, no issues with the rear main bearing, heavier oil etc.

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

Reply #48 – April 02, 2013, 06:19:19 pm

You will love the first trip and will remember it for a long time.

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

Reply #49 – April 02, 2013, 10:34:22 pm

That mechanic probably drove a stick 8V-71 and stalled it at an uphill intersection then rolled backwards causing the engine to start but run backwards. They can really make a mess when that happens. The air cleaner turns into the muffler.

Pierce

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