Pro's & Con's of purchasing a 1991 Foretravel 3600 SB

Topic: Pro's & Con's of purchasing a 1991 Foretravel 3600 SB (Read 1577 times) previous topic - next topic

Pro's & Con's of purchasing a 1991 Foretravel 3600 SB

February 15, 2014, 06:23:54 pm

Hello Everyone:
I'm a new guest member and I have the opportunity to purchase a 1991 Foretravel Unihome 3600 SB. The dealer is asking $17,000.00 and I'm not sure what the true market value is. The coach has 115,000 miles on it and it looks good. I have owned two coaches (not Foretravel) in the past that were not DP's. Any help, advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Paul & Boo Boo (my mini schnauzer)

Re: Pro's & Con's of purchasing a 1991 Foretravel 3600 SB

Reply #1 – February 15, 2014, 08:32:49 pm

Welcome!

It sorta depends on if that is the price range you want to be in. Newer has more amenities, but my first Foretravel was a 1990 and I loved it as I put 50,000 miles on it before moving to a newer coach.

Check the age of tires and batteries, as those are big expenses. As others have stated, plan on another $5k-$10k to make whatever you find into what you want with modifications, updates, repairs.

Lots to pour over here on the forum, with lots of helpful answers. You can check out the specifications and lots of other things by doing a Google search for "Barry Foretravel". Barry has amassed a huge amount of information about specifications for the years.

If you need dual pane windows, they won't be on a standard 1991. If you need tons of towing capacity (GCVWR - GVWR), you won't find it there. If you want 400HP or more, it isn't there, and neither is a transmission retarder. But those extras cost a bit, and you may well not need them.

Enjoy the search!

Re: Pro's & Con's of purchasing a 1991 Foretravel 3600 SB

Reply #2 – February 15, 2014, 08:52:41 pm

Paul,
First welcome to the forum, you'll find alot of great info. and helpful people here to help answer all your FT questions.
My first coach was a diesel pusher SOB (Some other Brand) You will like alot of things about the diesel pusher. No noise in the cockpit, and just the fact the load doesnt bother the diesel.

With that said I will also tell you the reason I sold and moved to a Foretravel was that the coach I had came with a Cummins 5.9 suffient if you stayed out of serious mountains. 4 speed auto as opposed to the 6 speed in the Foretravel.
In my opinion it had insuffient braking as well and certainly no retarder.
So, I am not sure which engine this coach has but these are a few things to ponder.

Re: Pro's & Con's of purchasing a 1991 Foretravel 3600 SB

Reply #3 – February 15, 2014, 09:17:10 pm

DO not be afraid of the miles or the age. These coaches are made to last. Now that being said you need to check on the maintenance and as was said above the tires and the batteries. Not as many batteries in that year so not as big a problem. You might need a newer charger converter. I would say if it meets your needs and you look it over then you should look closely at it.

Re: Pro's & Con's of purchasing a 1991 Foretravel 3600 SB

Reply #4 – February 15, 2014, 09:31:11 pm

Another welcome, Paul. A year ago we bought our 1993 U300. We did a lot of research to make sure that we were really looking for the right coach for our needs. Once we got down to focusing on individual coaches with the intent to purchase one of them we started asking some very pointed questions. We wanted a wide-body, so that narrowed things quite a bit. We didn't want slides, so that put an upper limit on our searches. We preferred the Unihome (Grand Villa) to the Unicoach (bus), but not by a great deal. We paid somewhat more than that for ours, but it is a 40' and two years newer.

If there is a Motorcade number on the coach (numbers above the windshield and matching numbers on the rear) someone here may be able to tell you more about it. There are those on this forum who own coaches like what you are looking at, and can give you specific advice.

Don't leap before you look, but don't wait too long, either. The good coaches sell quickly.

Re: Pro's & Con's of purchasing a 1991 Foretravel 3600 SB

Reply #5 – February 15, 2014, 09:35:57 pm

Paul,

What engine? Cat 3208 was much preferred over the DD 8.2 V8 4 stroke (not to be confused with the two stroke DD's).

Re: Pro's & Con's of purchasing a 1991 Foretravel 3600 SB

Reply #6 – February 15, 2014, 11:50:53 pm

Quote from: wolfe10 – February 15, 2014, 09:35:57 pm

Paul,

What engine? Cat 3208 was much preferred over the DD 8.2 V8 4 stroke (not to be confused with the two stroke DD's).

Yes, I have a 1991 but I'm not sure what a Unihome 3600 SB is? (I know it's 36 feet long) Could be a U225, U240, U280, or U300 (or even something else - Foretravel is known for doing custom stuff)

Re: Pro's & Con's of purchasing a 1991 Foretravel 3600 SB

Reply #7 – February 16, 2014, 01:56:40 am

Probably this one..?

1991 FORETRAVEL UNIHOME 3600SB

Re: Pro's & Con's of purchasing a 1991 Foretravel 3600 SB

Reply #8 – February 16, 2014, 02:01:05 am

Mmmm, or..?

36ft Foretravel Diesel Pusher 300 HP Cat Everything Works CLEAN!

Re: Pro's & Con's of purchasing a 1991 Foretravel 3600 SB

Reply #9 – February 16, 2014, 08:04:48 am

Same one-- look at the sofa upholstery fabric.

Also discussed here: 91 Grandvilla listed on Tampa Bay Craigslist

Brett

Re: Pro's & Con's of purchasing a 1991 Foretravel 3600 SB

Reply #10 – February 16, 2014, 08:03:38 pm

Looks like a 4 speed transmission and probably 250 hp 3208 Cat engine

Re: Pro's & Con's of purchasing a 1991 Foretravel 3600 SB

Reply #11 – February 16, 2014, 08:30:28 pm

1991 WILL be the Allison 4 speed-- the 6 speed was not out then. Very reliable, but I agree more gears is better.

Nothing wrong with the Cat 3208-- the better 4 stroke engine of that era.

Brett

Re: Pro's & Con's of purchasing a 1991 Foretravel 3600 SB

Reply #12 – February 16, 2014, 09:03:37 pm

Just talked to a Bluebird/Wanderlodge owner while we were in Death Valley. He had a 200 HP 3208 non-turbo CAT in his first B/W and said it re-defined the word slow but was very reliable. Not bad as a lot of B/Ws are 45K lbs gross.

Our 746 Allison could use another gear between 3rd and 4th but does 57 mph in 3rd so really not too much to worry about. More gears are sure better. Look at the automatic transmissions in the high end cars today. Eight speeds are becoming commonplace.

Pierce

Re: Pro's & Con's of purchasing a 1991 Foretravel 3600 SB

Reply #13 – February 16, 2014, 09:36:21 pm

What is the suspension system?

Re: Pro's & Con's of purchasing a 1991 Foretravel 3600 SB

Reply #14 – February 16, 2014, 09:44:50 pm

John,

According to the Foretravel specs page on Barry's site for a 91 3600SB it should be a 36' with twin beds and side bath. I believe this one should listed as an SBID or side bath, island bed, and dinette. 1991 Foretravel U280 Specifications

Jerry aka Murph

Re: Pro's & Con's of purchasing a 1991 Foretravel 3600 SB

Reply #15 – February 16, 2014, 10:04:10 pm

Thank you for the warm welcome and to everyone who replied to my questions. Scheduled to meet with the dealer tomorrow. I have the checklist in hand and I feel better prepared. As Brett and Dave Larose pointed out, there were two different ads placed on Craigslist/Tampa. In my search, I found a third ad posted approx. 25 days ago on Craigslist/Sarasota for the same coach with an asking price of almost $13,000.00. I'll check for any additional upgrades, such as the dual pane windows and the manufacturer of the chassis. Also need to inquire about the suspension system and the correct model number. As soon as I complete my homework, I will return with the final verdict.

Re: Pro's & Con's of purchasing a 1991 Foretravel 3600 SB

Reply #16 – February 16, 2014, 10:08:46 pm

The 1990s Foretravels have some definite advantages over newer coaches.

1. They can be lighter, narrower and lower. Newer coaches are generally 106" wide while a 1991 coach is going to be six inches narrower. They can also be lower (U225s and U240s come in just under 11' tall) and lighter. Depending upon where you are going to go these can be major advantages. Low bridges and narrow roads in New England, for instance.

2. They can get excellent fuel economy. 11 to 12 mpg is not at all uncommon. This, coupled with 100-gallon fuel tanks can give you an easy 700 miles between fill-ups and that, coupled with GasBuddy can get you to cheaper fuel while keeping to your schedule.

3. These older coaches used parts that are still available by suppliers.

4. Foretravel is still in business and there are still people there who were around when your 1991 motor home was built.

Craig

Re: Pro's & Con's of purchasing a 1991 Foretravel 3600 SB

Reply #17 – February 16, 2014, 10:34:26 pm

Teddyspapi,
Chassis/suspension is by Foretravel (8 air bag) which is very good. Has manual air leveling (via three levers on floor to left of drivers seat - can be seen in one of the pictures) that is very simple and no electronics to worry about. I wouldn't expect dual pane windows, but I do see what looks like an upgraded gas cooktop without a gas oven. That is something that wasn't done standard until several years later. Most people do find just using the convection microwave for oven cooking which is why they stopped putting them in many coaches.

You might want to ask about the mark that is visible on the driver's side storage bay door (it's visible in two photos so I know it not a photo blemish) - looks like it could be fiberglass damage verses a topical mark. Either is fixable but gives a negotiating point if you get that far.

This coach (a U280) is 8 foot wide - Foretravel for the next year (1992) went to a wide body for the U280/U300 models. I would try to verify that it has a CAT 3208 which is standard. The U280 is just like the "top of the line U300" except for the smaller engine and propane generator. Interior features are generally the same between the two.
It looks like a pretty good coach to me, but an inspection for the power train, rust, bulkheads and any evidence of water leaks or unattended roof cracks would be needed.

Re: Pro's & Con's of purchasing a 1991 Foretravel 3600 SB

Reply #18 – February 16, 2014, 10:57:09 pm

I would add that most if not all of the RV stuff (heater, water heater, toilet, A/C, etc. is still repairable or easily replaceable with newer stuff. Exceptions might be refrigerator (exact fit).

Check age of tires and Batteries, they can be big $$ relative to this purchase price. I am not a fan of the Oshkosh chassis, sorry, my experience getting parts and support was poor to non-existent

good luck and Welcome to the Forum!!!

Re: Pro's & Con's of purchasing a 1991 Foretravel 3600 SB

Reply #19 – February 18, 2014, 09:17:00 am

Good Morning Everyone. Completed a thorough review of the 1991 Foretravel yesterday. Thanks to all the information I obtained here, I was able to determine this coach wasn't for me. Coincidently, the salesperson claimed they were on the phone with someone who was going to purchase it sight unseen. From what I observed, the coach required extensive attention, new tires, cleaning (to be expected) and who knows what else as the batteries were dead and nothing in the coach could be tested. Additionally, the salesman was new and was unable to answer most of my questions.

So the search continues....

Re: Pro's & Con's of purchasing a 1991 Foretravel 3600 SB

Reply #20 – February 18, 2014, 09:34:18 am

Sorry that was not the "right" coach. Just don't get caught up in a "right now" coach.

As to tires and batteries. Know those items dollar costs and figure it into the offer. They are so easy to get, just money, and you start fresh, all in one day's time!

In the two coaches I have bought, I have had to replace some batteries the first year. First a set of 8D's that did not come back from the consignment lot abuse. On this newer coach, a dead cell on one of the engine starter batteries that were 4/08 installs. You take your chances on anything. But new tires and batteries on day one give me 5-7 to 10 years of service without worry hopefully.

What sometimes happens is poor quality or condition batteries can get swapped into a used unit to make the sale. Go back in the back and see the batteries being charged that are going back into some coach to make a sale. We have seen coach photos of minimum number or sizes in ads. CalflashBob, mentioned a number of times, at his dealership, they installed new batteries in any used coach. Not many dealers think like that to build there business.

That the "salesman" was new, and could not answer your questions is no surprise. I rarely meet any that know Foretravels. There are just too many brands, and models for anyone to know much about a used coach on their lot, unless it is the main brand they sell.

As to these classic Foretravels selling for so little, wow, what a bargain when looked at against the original sales prices, or dollar per pound, or compared with a used pickup truck. I have paid that much for a number of used motorcycles. My new 04, Z71, loaded Avalanche with topper listed for more than what I paid for my coach last year. To me an amazing bargain in older FT's, when compared to any new BMW motorcycle on the floor, on a dollar per pound basis.

Re: Pro's & Con's of purchasing a 1991 Foretravel 3600 SB

Reply #21 – February 18, 2014, 09:47:22 am

Guess I will add-- don't rule out a coach for the wrong reason(s). Not suggesting you have, but look more for "good bones" and signs that the coach has been properly maintained than whether easily replaceable components need to be replaced.

If batteries are discharged, jump start the generator and let it run while you check systems-- both 12 VDC and 120 VAC.

I like to see people "back into" a reasonable offer. Determine a value to you for the coach in "fixed up" condition. Subtract what needs to be done (including complete fluids change unless there are records showing this does not need to be done).

And, as Dave said, in the hundred or so Foretavels I have looked at personally or inspected for clients, I could count on one hand the number of salesmen who really knew Foretravels. Once out of Nacogdoches, don't expect expertise on Foretravels at the salesman level. BTW, this can work to your advantage, as often the sales managers don't know the coaches either and often appraise them lower than actual value.

Re: Pro's & Con's of purchasing a 1991 Foretravel 3600 SB

Reply #22 – February 18, 2014, 07:29:06 pm

Quote from: Tim Fiedler – February 16, 2014, 10:57:09 pm

I would add that most if not all of the RV stuff (heater, water heater, toilet, A/C, etc. is still repairable or easily replaceable with newer stuff. Exceptions might be refrigerator (exact fit).

Check age of tires and Batteries, they can be big $$ relative to this purchase price. I am not a fan of the Oshkosh chassis, sorry, my experience getting parts and support was poor to non-existent

good luck and Welcome to the Forum!!!

Freightliner took over the Oshkosh chassis,

I had my front end machined out to take off the shelf Ford Parts,

A good mechanic, Will find parts from other vehicles that will fit, A good mechanic is also hard to find in this day and age,
Here, Whats an Oshkosh, Never heard of it,

Affiliate Notice