Foretravel with Gas Engine on Craigslist

Topic: Foretravel with Gas Engine on Craigslist (Read 1936 times) previous topic - next topic

Foretravel with Gas Engine on Craigslist

April 21, 2014, 10:46:40 am

Hello Guys,
hope everybody had a great easter weekend.

I came across the below listing and just wanted some opinion on this coach. I kinda like it because it provides me all the comfort and quality of a fore travel in a shorter (33ft) package.
Apparently a one owner coach. How does one of those handle on the roads and would i still be able to pull a car behind it?
The asking price seems a little high for a gas though.

1988 Foretravel Grand Villa Motorhome

Re: Foretravel with Gas Engine on Craigslist

Reply #1 – April 21, 2014, 12:37:10 pm

Looks clean to me and that probably explains the higher price. However, I would probably prefer to get a diesel. With only 70K miles probably has sat for a while. Though the tires supposedly are good, make sure to check the date of manufacture. I would expect to have to buy new tires and batteries. Thanks, CKS

Re: Foretravel with Gas Engine on Craigslist

Reply #2 – April 21, 2014, 03:09:46 pm

That vintage gas coach has a pretty inefficient engine and transmission. Said another way, I suspect this coach would get poorer MPG than a 40' diesel coach.

Gasoline engine technology and transmission technology has come a LONG ways since 1988!

Re: Foretravel with Gas Engine on Craigslist

Reply #3 – April 21, 2014, 04:22:13 pm

Stay far away from an Oshgosh rear engine gasser. Maybe 5 mpg, and super probe to engine problems due to heat. Rear radiator a pita.

Loved my 89 till 460 Ford blew. Should have tried harder to convert it to diesel.

Best to move on is my advice

Re: Foretravel with Gas Engine on Craigslist

Reply #4 – April 21, 2014, 04:27:55 pm

This one is a front engine (see hump between driver and passenger seat and no grill in back). But I agree-- not in the same league with the diesel powered Foretravels.

Re: Foretravel with Gas Engine on Craigslist

Reply #5 – April 21, 2014, 05:37:06 pm

Front engine in a 33' probably better than a 460 in a 36 foot rear engine.

But I would still pass and wait for a diesel in that or newer vintage

Re: Foretravel with Gas Engine on Craigslist

Reply #6 – April 21, 2014, 06:45:13 pm

Actually that's a pretty reliable nice driving coach. I sold those new.

John Deere chassis with the 460 ford drove well. 6k capacity front straight axle setup like the dodge chassis. Evidenced by 25 years of one owner. Chevy no....

Oven, triangle large shower. Two furnaces. Queen bed, separate icemaker, look to see if it has a hwh leveler control system on the floor next to the drivers chair.

Desert paint was a pretty interior color

Subject to tires and batteries probably should be replaced I would own it no problem.

7-8 mpg?

For the money and the size and to join the club and factory support that's not a lot of money.....

If I were downsizing and it had tight sidewalls and no soft floor in the hallway and the motor scoped checked good and everything worked at turned I would drive off in it personally.

Re: Foretravel with Gas Engine on Craigslist

Reply #7 – April 21, 2014, 07:10:35 pm

It's probably a very good coach. After all--it is a Foretravel!

However, having moved from a front-engine gasoline coach (built on a Dodge chassis with the 440-3 engine) to a 40 ft U320 (Cummins M-11 with 6-speed Allison) I can clearly state that there is no comparison. The U320's fuel mileage is better, the cruising (and hill climbing) performance is better, and the ride is better. In all cases the satisfaction levels with the two coaches are simply worlds apart.

I would highly recommend getting a diesel pusher Foretravel (preferably with a Cummins engine and the Allison World transmission).

Re: Foretravel with Gas Engine on Craigslist

Reply #8 – April 21, 2014, 07:33:30 pm

Wishing price is too high. Figure 5-6 mpg. Had a gas SOB and it had a love affair with every gas station it went by.

Pierce

Re: Foretravel with Gas Engine on Craigslist

Reply #9 – April 21, 2014, 10:49:57 pm

Beside being a front engine gasser, I really dont like the whippy overhand behind the rear axle. That short wheel base and the whip affect have always been un-settling to me. Have a great day ---- Fritz

Re: Foretravel with Gas Engine on Craigslist

Reply #10 – April 21, 2014, 11:12:36 pm

We are really spoiled aren't we? What if you had $10k to spend? What would you buy?

I have driven and rv'ed in this exact model coach many times. Lots of happy owners of these.

What is the owners name?

Re: Foretravel with Gas Engine on Craigslist

Reply #11 – April 21, 2014, 11:27:38 pm

I defer to Bob's experience. Nice that it was stored indoors, really makes a difference. 33' less to haul around for a gasser, not a bad entry coach, tire and battery dates critical, if ref rig hasn't been replaced, might cot you some money in near future, might not.

still think 5 - 5.5 MPG of bass is the worst part of the equation.

Looks nice in the pictures

Re: Foretravel with Gas Engine on Craigslist

Reply #12 – April 21, 2014, 11:41:45 pm

For someone wanting to get into motorhome ownership for little money, it sure seems like this would be worth considering. Especially if that person only makes relatively short, local trips.

Another thought: what the heck kind of RV can you buy for $5-10k? You can't even get a well-used trailer for that amount, much less a motorized RV. Seems like it would be a good way to dip one's toes into the lifestyle with little downside risk.

You can afford a LOT of gas when you spend such a small amount on the coach.

Re: Foretravel with Gas Engine on Craigslist

Reply #13 – April 22, 2014, 12:01:49 am

Quote from: Tim Fiedler – April 21, 2014, 11:27:38 pm

I defer to Bob's experience. Nice that it was stored indoors, really makes a difference. 33' less to haul around for a gasser, not a bad entry coach, tire and battery dates critical, if ref rig hasn't been replaced, might cot you some money in near future, might not.

still think 5 - 5.5 MPG of bass is the worst part of the equation.

Looks nice in the pictures

Seven to eight mpg is what I remember. OREG was way different.

Love to walk through one again

Re: Foretravel with Gas Engine on Craigslist

Reply #14 – April 22, 2014, 11:55:38 am

There's an '89 on Ebay right now in that price range. Interior looks a bit neglected but nothing some elbow grease shouldn't fix.

Re: Foretravel with Gas Engine on Craigslist

Reply #15 – April 22, 2014, 01:24:29 pm

FWIW,
I have already said I prefer the diesels. With that in mind, I did have some time ago a 1983 holiday rambler 33 foot 454 front engine gas motorhome. This was a Chevrolet chasis (different than the 460 ford but similar). I did not have any major issues with the engine trans or pretty much anything. I did have to change out the disc brakes, rotors, calipers, etc. That is pretty much it. Ran great. Got about 7-8 mpg. Had really plenty of power. I don't think you would have any trouble pulling a reasonable toad (not suburban). I towed a jeep cherokee. I really liked the size (am not a full timer), parts (for brakes) were cheap. It was also easy/cheap to maintain and other benefits. I can say I drove it pretty much where I wanted and did not have any real issues with it. There are reasons to consider this motorhome that make it worth looking at for the right person. My SOB front engine gasser was not a bad experience for me. So..., it really comes down to what you would like to spend and if it will do the job for you. I really like the motorhome (diesel u295) that I have and admit there are some things that I would really like to have different with that one. However, I am not willing to spend the money at this time as it pretty much does what I want it to do whenever I want it done. With that in mind, I think most of us have compromises to the ideal (and that "ideal" changes with time and experience). Best to you on whether you decide to pull the trigger on this one or not.

Re: Foretravel with Gas Engine on Craigslist

Reply #16 – April 23, 2014, 09:07:52 am

In this thread Caflashbob mentioned to look for a" soft floor in the hallway "of the FOG model being discussed. I have this model, in wonderful condition thanks to being garages it's entire life,
and have noticed a clicking sound when stepping out of of the bedroom into the hallway. I assumed it is simply where two pieces of sub flooring are rubbi
ng together. I would appreciate any input from someone familiar with this issue if it is unique to this model. I am preparing to install laminate flooring in the kitchen and hallway and would like to know what I may come across once I lift the carpet.

Re: Foretravel with Gas Engine on Craigslist

Reply #17 – April 23, 2014, 10:00:39 pm

Quote

I have this model, in wonderful condition thanks to being garages it's entire life,

If you get a chance, post some photos of your rig. I'm betting many of us would love to get a look at it.
jor

Re: Foretravel with Gas Engine on Craigslist

Reply #18 – April 23, 2014, 10:18:19 pm

Thank you guys for all the good info here. It is also nice to hear, that someone else has a coach like this. I will consider all pro and cons and will make a decision accordingly..

"Second Sail" , it would be nice to see some pix of your foretravel.

Re: Foretravel with Gas Engine on Craigslist

Reply #19 – April 23, 2014, 10:29:50 pm

Quote from: Dieselsubmariner – April 21, 2014, 10:46:40 am

Hello Guys,
hope everybody had a great easter weekend.

I came across the below listing and just wanted some opinion on this coach. I kinda like it because it provides me all the comfort and quality of a fore travel in a shorter (33ft) package.
Apparently a one owner coach. How does one of those handle on the roads and would i still be able to pull a car behind it?
The asking price seems a little high for a gas though.

1988 Foretravel Grand Villa Motorhome

A lot of people are offering opinions so FWIW, here's my 2 cents worth:
Gas engines are easier to get parts & service for than a diesel engine. Unless you're going to fix it all yourself, find a local shop that will work on an older gas powertrain.
Probably a one ton or slightly heavier chassis. Again, cheaper/easier than a diesel pusher.
LOUSY fuel economy... Buuuttt... you can get gasoline just about everywhere & if you run out its probably a self priming fue system. & for a startercoach you're buying better quality than Some Other Brand.
You're buying an older coach, be prepared to fix stuff & maybe live with some stuff staying broken due to price/part availability. If you're a capable technician, you'll do OK with that end of it. My first coach I got for free & scrapped it when I was done with it. It was particle board & glue.
Think of it this way: You're buying a vacation home that happens to be on wheels so you can change your vacation scenery frequently. As with a home purchase, you get to fix some stuff when you buy a used house. If you buy a new house, you have the builder's warranty to fall back on. Either way, don't be shocked if when you've got to fix something. Offer less if you think the tires are due to be replaced. Rubber's pricey these days! I dropped $300 for 2 new batteries & was very happy to get a good deal. Again, offer a little less & explain why. Used motor homes don't sell as quickly as a used car or used appliance. The risk is that its a Foretravel & they may decide to wait for another potential buyer! And don't be afraid to tell them that you're looking to start your motor home adventure. Chances are they want the next owner to enjoy the coach as much as they did. Its a vacation home on the lake/racetrack/seashore/in the mountains. My final point is this: the glass is always half full. Even when its half empty.... Don't look for perfect & you'll have more fun!

Re: Foretravel with Gas Engine on Craigslist

Reply #20 – April 23, 2014, 10:52:10 pm

Wow, it looks like it's in beautiful condition, especially for the price. If everything checks out okay I'd probably buy it and use the money I saved to buy a lot of gasoline for it!

Nobody mentioned this yet, but a gasser is much easier to start than a diesel in very cold weather, if that's even a factor for you. The front engine will provide a lot more heat to the defroster when driving in very cold weather too. Those are some important things I discovered while driving my diesel coach in ice storms this past winter. Also consider that a 33' coach will fit in most national park service campgrounds, which are normally limited to 35' maximum length. The front engine won't suck in all the dirt kicked up by your own tires when driving on dirt roads either... Maybe I'm the only one these "problems" apply to but I thought they were worth mentioning.

Re: Foretravel with Gas Engine on Craigslist

Reply #21 – April 24, 2014, 08:22:22 am

My experience with gas engines was with Dodge 440-3's. Not a real comparison with a Chevy but I will carry with me always the amount of time that I spent on electrical and heat problems on those gas engines.

Second, I watched a mechanic swap out an engine thru the mid door of a FT, what a chore, don't think I would ever try that.

Gary B

Re: Foretravel with Gas Engine on Craigslist

Reply #22 – April 24, 2014, 11:55:12 am

Guess it just boils down to how you plan to use it. For just short trips and putsing around, it would probably do well. For any serious cross country, up thru the mountains and running thru the heat all day, you would end up dis-satisfied short of a diesel pusher. I guess we cant have it all in one rig ---- Maybe having two rigs would be the ticket!!!! Have a great day ---- Fritz

Re: Foretravel with Gas Engine on Craigslist

Reply #23 – April 24, 2014, 12:23:05 pm

What is the normal lifespan of a gasoline engine in MH duty?

I seem to recall seeing a number of years ago that 75-100,000 miles was considered normal for a gas engine.

Re: Foretravel with Gas Engine on Craigslist

Reply #24 – April 24, 2014, 12:24:27 pm

Quote from: second sail – April 23, 2014, 09:07:52 am

In this thread Caflashbob mentioned to look for a" soft floor in the hallway "of the FOG model being discussed. I have this model, in wonderful condition thanks to being garages it's entire life,
and have noticed a clicking sound when stepping out of of the bedroom into the hallway. I assumed it is simply where two pieces of sub flooring are rubbi
ng together. I would appreciate any input from someone familiar with this issue if it is unique to this model. I am preparing to install laminate flooring in the kitchen and hallway and would like to know what I may come across once I lift the carpet.

Probably before this coach some earlier Foretravels were missing a few cross members in the hallway area that turned out to be needed to support the floor. Was fixable and probably not needed on the grand villa

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