Foretravel Owners' Forum For owners and Fans of Foretravel Motorcoaches September 17, 2025 ...

How would these FT fit our needs?

October 16, 2013, 09:46:36 pm

I moved this from another post to get your experienced opinion on which, if any, would be better for our needs based on the following information.  Thanks.
Initially, I started out looking at FT priced around 60-70K.  As I stated before, I wasn't crazy about the GV body style, so I didn't pay much attention to them.  After being on this forum and doing a lot of research and seeing the GVs on different posts they kind of grew on me. Specifically, the 1988 GV that Rob had for sale on this forum.  He sold it for 15K.  I began to think that I would probably be better off getting something cheaper as this would be our first MH.  Then, we could see how much we will use it what we use it for, what we like and don't like and then eventually if we wanted, we could upgrade to a newer, more expensive coach.  We are in our mid 40s so we are still working.  We will use it mostly for weekend camping trips in and around Texas.  We live in Austin.  However, I am from Louisiana and Mississippi and Renee is from Wisconsin, so probably at least one trip to each location per year.  Then, we will probably take at least a week long trip somewhere during the summers.  Having said all of that, I would like to spend less than 30K if possible.  I may spend more if I find the perfect FT.  I will tow a 2012 Jeep Wrangler that probably weighs @4500lbs.  I will also occasionally tow our boat 19' Champion Fish & Ski.  I do plan on purchasing (eventually) a stacker trailer so I can tow both at the same time.  I know that will put me at @10,000lbs total.  I know the GV are not rated to tow that.  I think that the majority of the time though, would just be the Jeep in  tow. 
There are 3 FT that I have found that I think are all good coaches.  I will list them and you can all feel free to give me your input on them.  The first is a 95 U295.  The second is a 93 GV U280 SE.  And the third is a 94 GV U300 SE.  The first two have the 8.3 300hp cummins and the latter has the dda silver 6v92ta ddec 350hp.  They all seem to be very well maintained and I have received great feedback on all of them.  The good news is they are all in Texas.  The bad news is, I'm in Afghanistan.  I will not be home until the 3rd week of November, so the only thing that I have to go by is pictures and input from everyone here on the forum.  It is quite possible that all 3 of these could be sold before I get home.  Oh, BTW, these are all 40' coaches.  OH, for those of you also looking to get into your first FT, please do not buy any of these until I have had a chance to look at them. Thanks.

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Re: How would these FT fit our needs?

Reply #1 – October 16, 2013, 10:16:36 pm

In my not very well informed opinion, especially not seeing anything of any of those choices, I think you would probably do just fine with any of them. The U300 will prolly have the biggest tow capacity. I also think you're going about this the right way, buy an older FT, use it, decide what you really need, and if necessary pull the trigger on something newer and spendier. I doubt you'll get bit by depreciation too hard, most of that's been done for you. Best o' luck!

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Re: How would these FT fit our needs?

Reply #2 – October 16, 2013, 11:04:34 pm

I second the "doing it right" comment.  Any solid older FT will serve you well (except for the 10k towing) and it will give you a good base to see what you really need/want to end up with.  My first RV was an old Dodge van conversion.  I've had various motorized RVs over the years, each telling me more about what was missing from my needs/wants.  We're all different, but spending less than $30k should get you a good entry level FT, and from there you can see what you might be missing and you cannot lose $30k when you decide what to move up to. 

I loved my 36' 1990 U280 and put 50,000 miles on it.  During that time, The only things I found lacking were that I learned I wanted dual-pane windows for when I was in too-hot or too-cold climates.  I also learned I wanted another 2 gears (and retarder) as I came down hills.  I also learned that a 6-gallon water heater was sufficient for our needs, and I did not want the complexity and maintenance of the Aqua-hot water/heating system.  Were I to actually have one of those, I'd probably love it...but it falls into the category of "never had it, never missed it" now.  So I bought a 36' 2002 U270 and have put about 30,000 on it.

The 10 gallon heater I now have is "extra".  I now have 400HP, but I was actually content with my 250HP CAT 3208.  I don't drive much over 62...just not in a hurry any more.
Both coaches had the 8 airbag stability that is FT; they both have incredibly nice interiors, convection microwaves, nice counters, and lots of amenities.  I really miss the tambour cabinet doors from my U280.

You likely cannot go wrong with any of the choices you are considering, just give some attention to see how well they were cared for. 

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Re: How would these FT fit our needs?

Reply #3 – October 16, 2013, 11:16:51 pm

As complete and total motor home novices ... and not particularly mechanically inclined ... we started with a '93 U225 Grandvilla 36'.  We learned and learned and learned.  We used it for trips of just a weekend or a few weeks, and then began spending several months.  We towed a '98 Jeep Wrangler and never felt underpowered, even with the 5.9 liter Cummins.  We "upgraded" to a '95 U329 40' when we began full-timing ... no problems.  5+ years later, we are on coach #3, a 2002 U320 40' w/ 1 slide.  You are smart to start in a sensible price range and learn as you go.  Have fun!!

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Re: How would these FT fit our needs?

Reply #4 – October 17, 2013, 12:41:54 am

I know you are wanting 40; I don't think 4' gives you any more room for sleeping. Since you are not full timing I think you are not doing yourself a favor by dismissing the 36'.
I purchased mine just this June and since then I have already spend 7+K on it & I still have few things to do by Christmas. Had I not purchased mine (or i could sell it) I would go after this "1996 Foretravel U270 For Sale in Brandon, Fl. $43,500" or Gary's 95 with almost my eyes closed. I am sure when you get back home there will be few good ones still out there; you have enough time to do your homework. IMO you already made the best choice when you decided to get a FT.
I know lot of folks are saying get a entry model and then you trade up ... yes you can, but some of the silly expenses are never recovered; at the start it takes a lot; taxes, liquids, inspection, small items adds up. Then you do thinks for pice of mind and some thinks it needs and some thinks you want to do. As you said at the start of your journey you had a 60K budget ... IMO 35-50K buys a great FT ... don't short change yourself, if you can effort it, you won't be sorry.
Get home safe. I am in Keller, TX I will be in Lulling, TX for Christmas (50 mil from Austin) if you would like and we can match our time I'll be happy to show you mine and we can go ride around a bit. I am sure there are others on this forum will do the same for you. Come home safe and stay safe while you are there. Thank you for all you are doing there.
AL

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Re: How would these FT fit our needs?

Reply #5 – October 17, 2013, 01:34:35 am

Al,

  Thanks for the kind words.  I will be safe and do my best to get home safely. I am looking forward that ride in your GV.  I would not say that I have discounted a 36' FT.  I think that I would prefer a 40', but I if I found a 36' that I loved, I would get it.  I think the 2 GV 40' that I  am looking at are the cleanest GVs that I have seen (with nice upgrades).  Of course, just looking at pictures does not tell the whole story.  I certainly appreciate you, as well as others, for sending me recommendations for FTs that you know are out there.  Please, keep them coming. 

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