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Topic: I'm looking for advice (Read 790 times) previous topic - next topic

I'm looking for advice

I just joined this forum looking for as much information as I can get on Foretravels.  My lovely wife and I are considering on making the move from our beloved 5th wheel to a diesel pusher.  Foretravels have always caught my eye and they appear to be a great product.

It appears that the 2007-2009 are in my price range once I sell off our 5th wheel.  Please share your wisdom and knowledge in regards to potential problems.

Re: I'm looking for advice

Reply #1 –
I have a 95 u320 and am new to rving. However I have owned over 40 classic cars and I pay lots of attention to detail. I have attended many shows and looked at the competition. If you like quality, style, reliability, and return on investment. Foretravel is the coach for you. I wish I could trade up to a newer version like the one you are looking at. Once you closely examine Foretravel you will see what I'm talking about. And the other plus this forum has the best people to help you with any problem. Good luck on your search   
1995 U320 40', 2013 chevy sonic toad, my real love are corvettes have owned 30

Re: I'm looking for advice

Reply #2 –
2007 and newer are what I call newer generation coaches and are of the current ownership, who has brought Foretravel into the new technology era.  Foretravel is the coach to purchase.  Quality seems to not get outdated.  DAN
Dan & Shirley Stansel
2002 U295 4020 AGDS Build#6054
Towing Buick Enclave & M &  G Braking
Emerald Bay, Lake Palestine, Texas
MC# 16650

Re: I'm looking for advice

Reply #3 –
Low production numbers limits choices....:-(
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: I'm looking for advice

Reply #4 –
SiGe windows in 2009 were subject to recall due to adhesive failure - be sure this was addressed (it didn't just affect FT but any mfr that used those windows).

Not 100% positive but retarder (highly desirable, one might even say must-have, item) might have been option rather than standard in 2007 model Nimbus. 
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: I'm looking for advice

Reply #5 –
After looking a Foretravels for years, I made the decision to get my 95' 320SE based on not finding that much of a difference between it and a newer (albeit more $) offerings. 
The issue was finding one >).  Then again, if funds aren't the issue- go for it. pc
S/W Houston 95" U320C SE/40' 
Build #4778  Cummins M11
Repairs & Covered RV Parking (BAO)
PPL is close..

Re: I'm looking for advice

Reply #6 –
Welcome, Dave and Ginny. There are lots of people here with coaches from the years you are considering. Check the members map (link at the top of this page) to see if there is anyone close to you with a coach in your target range.

It looks like both Foretravel of Texas (aka the factory aka FOT) and Motorhomes of Texas (aka MOT) both have some coaches in your target range. I don't know of FOT will take your 5'er in on trade, but MOT will. I wouldn't recommend a trip to Nac now (those who live there might disagree) but if you don't sell your 5'er before then you might want to think about a trip down there when it is a bit cooler, say after Thanksgiving.

Re: I'm looking for advice

Reply #7 –
MOT will probably accept your 5er as a trade.  They took my toyhauler on trade for my 295 and gave me more allowance that I could have sold my toyhauler outright.  Ask for Mel at MOT, he will hook you up with a honest deal.
Terry and Cheryl Brown
1997 U295 36'
Build #5066
2006 Jeep TJ Rubicon
1993 BMW R100 GSPD

Re: I'm looking for advice

Reply #8 –
They have a 5th wheel toy hauler on the lot right now.  I would call them and see if they have what you want and if they will take it in trade.
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: I'm looking for advice

Reply #9 –
Frankly, being able to afford a 2007-2009 coach wouldn't mean I would look at only those years.  As far as I am concerned, once Foretravel added retarders, dual pane windows and had 350hp plus, all I would want was there.  All the rest is gravy, including the trade-offs that are inherent in slides.  I guess what I am saying is that I would look at the broader range from about 1996 to 2009, were I in your position.
The selected media item is not currently available.Brad & Christine Slaughter
Was:  1990 U280 36'
Was:  2002 U270 36' (With a bathroom door) Build #5981
Is:  2021 Leisure Travel Van Wonder 24RL
2015 Jeep JKU, 2003 S10 QC 4x4 or 2017 C-Max
Lake Havasu City, AZ (or Gillette, WY)

Re: I'm looking for advice

Reply #10 –
Refers coming from other brands  just don't understand Foretravel quality and longevity.  They often won't even consider anything more than a few years old.  Their loss.

I would rather have a 20 year old Foretravel than a brand new anything else. 
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer

Re: I'm looking for advice

Reply #11 –
Quote from: Brad & Christine Slaughter –
Frankly, being able to afford a 2007-2009 coach wouldn't mean I would look at only those years.  As far as I am concerned, once Foretravel added retarders, dual pane windows and had 350hp plus, all I would want was there.  All the rest is gravy, including the trade-offs that are inherent in slides.  I guess what I am saying is that I would look at the broader range from about 1996 to 2009, were I in your position.

 :-)
Former 2003 GV U295 (6230) (2015 - 2025)
Former 94 GV U225 (2013-2016)

Re: I'm looking for advice

Reply #12 –


I would rather have a 20 year old Foretravel than a brand new anything else.
[/quote]


quoted for truth. I really think our u280 does what we ask of it,  better, all round, than any new SOB. And if that is a gross overstatement, all I need to bring it home is to add "especially since we're all in for less than the SOB's down payment".....
Jay
1989 U280 SE, 36', 3208T Cat, build 3292

Re: I'm looking for advice

Reply #13 –
He is right. I would look at 01 up. That is when double slides started.  If slides are not an issue it will open up other years.
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: I'm looking for advice

Reply #14 –
Quote from: twobus –

I would rather have a 20 year old Foretravel than a brand new anything else.



quoted for truth. I really think our u280 does what we ask of it,  better, all round, than any new SOB. And if that is a gross overstatement, all I need to bring it home is to add "especially since we're all in for less than the SOB's down payment".....

Nothing's changed.  I built the 70's models into 80's looking coaches back then.
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: I'm looking for advice

Reply #15 –
I would submit that you could get a wonderful coach anywhere from $45,000 (you missed Gary's at a few less) to $100,000 then spend as much as $50,000 (that gets you a $20,000 full body paint job) on other upgrades and pocket the remaining $100,000.

A rejuvenated U300 would be spectacular

But you do want the retarder and ideally the 6-speed trans.
YMYV
Elliott & Mary Bray
ex. 1996 36' U295 - Build 4879
ex. 2018 Coachmen Leprechaun 319MB