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Topic: First time buyers (split from Re: Build sheet) (Read 1136 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: First time buyers (split from Re: Build sheet)

Reply #25 –
I think construction and maintenance are more important than age. Our first coach was a popular brand 1997 37' DP (diesel pusher). We enjoyed it for about four months and then saw some issues that were problems for us. The issues were design issues rather than maintenance or problems from an "old" coach. Four months later, we bought a 1997 36' Foretravel and sold the other coach. Both coaches had been maintained reasonably well, but the original construction of the Foretravel is remarkably better.

We are currently in Fairbanks, AK, in the middle of a 9,500+- mile trip. We've had one mechanical problem that was a "show stopper" for about 30 minutes. We made a temporary fix on the side of the road, and completed a permanent repair with a couple of bolts we got at the Kenworth truck dealer in Whitehorse, YT. (BTW, cost for repairs: $0.)

In four years of ownership, we've had to repair/replace some items. The cost of those repairs have been a fraction of what depreciation, or higher price, on a newer coach would cost.

Establish your purchase budget, your immediate "fix up" budget, your repair and maintenance budget, and your operating budget. Choose a coach you can enjoy and afford to use.

We may be traveling through Boise on the way home to Texas in August (crazy time to return to Texas). If you are still shopping in August, send me a PM (private message) if you would like to meet or visit by telephone.
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX

Re: First time buyers (split from Re: Build sheet)

Reply #26 –
Quote from: J. D. Stevens –
I think construction and maintenance are more important than age. Our first coach was a popular brand 1997 37' DP (diesel pusher). We enjoyed it for about four months and then saw some issues that were problems for us. The issues were design issues rather than maintenance or problems from an "old" coach. Four months later, we bought a 1997 36' Foretravel and sold the other coach. Both coaches had been maintained reasonably well, but the original construction of the Foretravel is remarkably better.

We are currently in Fairbanks, AK, in the middle of a 9,500+- mile trip. We've had one mechanical problem that was a "show stopper" for about 30 minutes. We made a temporary fix on the side of the road, and completed a permanent repair with a couple of bolts we got at the Kenworth truck dealer in Whitehorse, YT. (BTW, cost for repairs: $0.)

In four years of ownership, we've had to repair/replace some items. The cost of those repairs have been a fraction of what depreciation, or higher price, on a newer coach would cost.

Establish your purchase budget, your immediate "fix up" budget, your repair and maintenance budget, and your operating budget. Choose a coach you can enjoy and afford to use.

We may be traveling through Boise on the way home to Texas in August (crazy time to return to Texas). If you are still shopping in August, send me a PM (private message) if you would like to meet or visit by telephone.
As I think I mentioned in an earlier post (either in this thread or in an other thread), our purchase window is further out than this year. :-(  However, if you do pass through the Boise area, I would love the opportunity to talk more about Foretravel.

BTW, I agree with you on the construction and maintenance vs. age issue. I think the fact that we see so many older rigs around here that have not been cared for or simply have not aged well is what has my wife leery of considering an older coach. (That, plus the fact that we probably have not done as well as we should in caring for our current rig.)
Walt Huntsman
Boise, Idaho
no Foretravel (yet)
2007 Alpenlite Voyager 31RE
2006 Ford F-350 DRW

Re: First time buyers (split from Re: Build sheet)

Reply #27 –
Walt,

Its good that you are researching now and finding what you like, dislike, must have and would like to have. When we started looking, we knew just what we wanted. But after looking at multiple rigs, 6 trips from KC to TX (various places), endless hours on the internet, etc., etc., we have completely changed our lists for what we want. The more you learn, from these fine folks here on the forum, and in your searching, the better prepared you will be. If we had the house sold, we would be fulltiming in our rig right now. It's not sold, but we have located a rig we like. It is only 20 miles from the house. Go figure. ;D  If it is still available when our house sells, who knows, we might make it ours.

The point is that both the DW and I have changed our views as to what is most important to us. I believe that you and yours will to. The more that the other half becomes involved in the hunt, the more you will narrow it down.

As always, IMHO.

Larry
Larry Warren
1996  U320 36' SBID "Lola" sold 2020
Build #4970
Motorcade #18318

Re: First time buyers (split from Re: Build sheet)

Reply #28 –
Walt, as a side note, we have been looking at 36-40 ft models. Like the 36, but the one we have near us is 42ft w/tag. She likes it the best of all that we have looked at.

Larry
Larry Warren
1996  U320 36' SBID "Lola" sold 2020
Build #4970
Motorcade #18318

Re: First time buyers (split from Re: Build sheet)

Reply #29 –
Quote from: WaltH –
May have to see if he'd be willing to show his coach
Walt, your welcome to see our coach.  Sending a PM...
John Fitzgerald
1991 U300 (SAI) Side Aisle Island Bed 40'
Detroit 6V92 with Allison Retarder
Meridian (Boise), Idaho

Re: First time buyers (split from Re: Build sheet)

Reply #30 –
Quote from: JohnFitz –
Walt, your welcome to see our coach.  Sending a PM...
Thanks. I'd love to see it. If nothing else, perhaps I can plant the FT seed in my wife's mind.
Walt Huntsman
Boise, Idaho
no Foretravel (yet)
2007 Alpenlite Voyager 31RE
2006 Ford F-350 DRW

Re: First time buyers (split from Re: Build sheet)

Reply #31 –
Walt -

is your F-350 a Powerstroke Diesel ? Â Have you had an trouble with it?

Kid just bought an 06 crew cab 4 x 4 Lariat long bed SRW with powerstroke. Â Great truck , good fuel milage, blown head gaskets at 177K miles, lots of oil coolers and other repairs before he bought it. Â Looking at 7 - 10 K to fix the engine (right) once and for all with some bulletproof and other mods.

Wish the truck was as reliable as my FT. Â Live and learn.

Sorry to hijack the thread.....
Tim Fiedler    2025 LTV Unity MBL on Order
2000 Chevy Tracker 2 Door Convertible 4WD Now lifted 4.5"
1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston
Murphy Rebel on wheels with 175HP Titan
Cessna P337
1980 48' Westport MY (!/4 Share)

Re: First time buyers (split from Re: Build sheet)

Reply #32 –
Quote from: Tim Fiedler –
Walt -

is your F-350 a Powerstroke Diesel ? Â Have you had an trouble with it?

Kid just bought an 06 crew cab 4 x 4 Lariat long bed SRW with powerstroke. Â Great truck , good fuel milage, blown head gaskets at 177K miles, lots of oil coolers and other repairs before he bought it. Â Looking at 7 - 10 K to fix the engine (right) once and for all with some bulletproof and other mods.

Wish the truck was as reliable as my FT. Â Live and learn.

Sorry to hijack the thread.....
It is a Powerstroke Diesel, and we had lots of trouble with it the first two years we owned it. Eventually had the engine block replaced. Because we had never owned a diesel before, we bought an extended warranty when we bought the truck, which was the best thing we could have done. The first two years, we had alternator, battery, EGR valve, brakes, and engine issues. Not all of that was covered by the extended warranty, but enough was covered that we got our money back and then some. On a more positive note, since the engine block was replaced, we haven't had any trouble with the truck. That's been about 18 months now.
Walt Huntsman
Boise, Idaho
no Foretravel (yet)
2007 Alpenlite Voyager 31RE
2006 Ford F-350 DRW