New to This Forum and Researching a DP for Full-Timing

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New to This Forum and Researching a DP for Full-Timing

September 01, 2014, 02:22:20 pm

Hello,

I joined this group sometime ago but have never made it back until recently to start doing any reading and research.

After 32 years of active service (prior Navy; retired Coast Guard) I am close to winding down my Coast Guard civilian career and hope to retire for good in 2018. Our current plan is to sell our house early (late 2015/early 2016) and to purchase the rig we intend to go full-timing in and live in it until I retire. We have been members of Escapees since 2004 and had always thought that we would buy a Volvo and a fifth wheel (we always wanted a new Teton but, with them out of business, have become very interested in New Horizons and Continentals).

Over the past year something has changed (can't really put our fingers on it) and we have become more interested in a diesel pusher than in a fiver. We have looked at several 2014 Newmar coaches and really like them. We haven't seen an Entegra yet but like what we see/read online (although they do not have a floor plan that really works for us). Through the weeks and months of research we have slowly come around to the idea of buying a very nice used DP rather than new so that we can get more bang for our buck and to enter full-timing with something that is not going to be losing 10's of thousands of dollars in depreciation our first few years out. This led us to Country Coach and this is where I have been focused primarily now for the past 4-5 months.

In reading about Country Coach I kept seeing people mention Foretravel as a coach to look at if we were going to be looking at this level of coach. Little did I know that Foretravel is "almost" in our backyard as we live down in Houston. Sooo...now I am researching all I can find on Foretravels so that I can start making some comparisons. The fact that Nacogdoches is only 2.5 hours from our home will make it very convenient to go look at some Foretravels. Also, the fact that Foretravel is very much in the production business, as well as service, is a plus over Country Coach who, although still providing service, is not in production mode and seem to have an uncertain future...time will tell I guess.

We will probably be looking at the 2010 and older models but most likely will not begin a serious search for our DP until mid-2015. This gives us plenty of time to research and gather any information available. Part of that research will be to read as much of this forum as possible and to ask questions occasionally as they come up. Thank you in advance for what I am sure will be a very educational time for my wife and me.

Regards,

Larry and Jan Steinmetz
Friendswood, TX

Re: New to This Forum and Researching a DP for Full-Timing

Reply #1 – September 01, 2014, 08:29:53 pm

Larry and Jan, welcome. We're kinda like the brown water Navy here. Be prepared to look around and peek - it won't be long and you'll have one too.

Have Rudy show you his 95... You will be amazed.

EMCM(SW) retired.

Re: New to This Forum and Researching a DP for Full-Timing

Reply #2 – September 01, 2014, 08:35:13 pm

All I know is that the more I read the more I want one.

Re: New to This Forum and Researching a DP for Full-Timing

Reply #3 – September 01, 2014, 09:00:39 pm

Welcome Larry and Jan.

Re: New to This Forum and Researching a DP for Full-Timing

Reply #4 – September 01, 2014, 09:11:40 pm

If I were you and lived that close to Nac, you should consider going up there and looking what's on the lot at mot and fot. It's sort of like being a judge in a beauty contest, they all look good. Happy hunting and good luck.

Re: New to This Forum and Researching a DP for Full-Timing

Reply #5 – September 01, 2014, 10:17:20 pm

welcome, you will find lots of knowledge here and plenty of friendly folks ready to help. Â Make sure you visit both Motorhomes of Texas and Foretravel while you are up in Nacogdoches - and also make sure to get a factory tour. Â Make some relationships sooner rather than later, so that you see all the coaches that come into FOT and MOT, not just the ones that make it to the web site - a lLOT of inventory is sold before it gets put up on the web.

You won't be disappointed in a FT. Â I have a friend that has a Volvo and high end fiver, with a Subaru. Â Tows it as a triple on the interstate. Â Watching him set up and later get ready to leave made me weary. Â If you don't change camp sites often, that is a pretty interesting option, but a used FT is a great way to go and minimize the depreciation hit.

Re: New to This Forum and Researching a DP for Full-Timing

Reply #6 – September 02, 2014, 07:38:29 am

Howdy Larry and Jan,
Thank you for your service to our great country and welcome to the Foreforums. You'll find a wealth of knowledge and great advice here. Since you're looking at Foretravels you're definitely on the right track. Good luck and enjoy the search,
Dave and Nancy A

Re: New to This Forum and Researching a DP for Full-Timing

Reply #7 – September 02, 2014, 08:54:26 am

Tell the sales staff at both places in Nac and they will feed you what they have coming in. It is correct that a lot of coaches never make the web site. Most of the time you can get the history of a used coach you are looking to purchase. They will inspect but you do the same. It is always the expensive items like batteries, tires, TVs, refrigerators and ck every system. Stay in the coach two nights at location of purchase to find any bugs that seem to exist. Drive around the loop. Get your Drivers License upgraded while in Nac. Talk to other owners for tips. This is the best forum on the net.

Re: New to This Forum and Researching a DP for Full-Timing

Reply #8 – September 02, 2014, 09:05:04 am

Larry,
Welcome aboard. You will find most of us inclined to recommend a Foretravel, so understand where we're coming from.

Regardless of the age, a Foretravel is constructed & assembled one-by-one by the same group of folks that have been at it for many years. The quality and craftsmanship is second to none, except maybe for the ultra-high-end coach converters. For the price it cannot be beat. I've owned Forrest (The 1997 Foretravel) for 11 years now (2nd owner) and the unit is still rock solid from the foundation of a custom chassis to the coach works inside. Does not mean that there is no maintenance involved.

Going from a Fiver to a DP is a style preference, and I believe you understand this. The Volvo-Fiver combo you mentioned is likely more expensive to maintain than the Foretravel.

Also a last word of wisdom...if yer gonna full-time...have an exit strategy.

Best of luck in your pursuit.

Re: New to This Forum and Researching a DP for Full-Timing

Reply #9 – September 02, 2014, 10:10:25 am

Quote from: Dave Head – September 01, 2014, 08:29:53 pm

Larry and Jan, welcome. We're kinda like the brown water Navy here. Be prepared to look around and peek - it won't be long and you'll have one too.

Have Rudy show you his 95... You will be amazed.

EMCM(SW) retired.

Thanks for the welcome Dave and we are really looking forward to our research and ultimate purchase.

Funny you mention brown water...as the Chief, Domestic Vsl Inspections here in Houston most of the fleet my shop deals with is brown water. We get a fair number of deep draft (blue water) but they are mostly foreign vessels and the responsibility of a different shop.

Re: New to This Forum and Researching a DP for Full-Timing

Reply #10 – September 02, 2014, 10:11:41 am

Larry and Jan, just to give the idea of a used Foretravel some perspective, we have been pretty much full timing in a 1993 Foretravel, U300 for over five years. The chassis and power train is in great shape. Ours was completely refurbed at the Foretravel factory in 2009 so it is very luxurious on the inside and now outside. Naturally many of the interior systems, TV's, Convection Oven, Air Conditioners and Furnaces and the chassis wear items, tires air bags, batteries, brakes pads and shocks have been replaced over 21 years but now we have a million dollar coach for around $50,0000 that will provide reliable living and transportation for another 20 years.

One little tip for evaluating RV's, have your bride sit on the bed while you walk around the coach. Most RV's, even with leveling jacks, will "Rock and Roll" when others move around. Our airbag Foretravel chassis is so solid it barely moves. This not only indicates a quality chassis, it keeps your spouse happy when you get up early or come to bed late.

Keep in mind that RV's have many complicated systems that when they fail become very frustrating. Having a viable manufacturer with intimate knowledge of your coach and one reasonably close to you will be a big benefit.

Re: New to This Forum and Researching a DP for Full-Timing

Reply #11 – September 02, 2014, 10:19:40 am

Quote from: WaltH – September 01, 2014, 08:35:13 pm

All I know is that the more I read the more I want one.

Good luck Walt with your research.

I have been reading about full-timing and rigs since 2004 albeit most of that time it was researching 5th wheels. I am pretty happy that the bell started ringing in my head regarding Foretravels...hopefully we will find something that will be the ideal full-time coach for us.

Re: New to This Forum and Researching a DP for Full-Timing

Reply #12 – September 02, 2014, 10:29:49 am

Larry & Jan,

Many Military types here on the Forum. "Full-Timer" means many things to different people. Biggest challenges we faced was the "stuff", our kids asking us if we're crazy but for us its FUN! Remember whatever coach you decide on make it yours. You will find many, many beautiful modifications described here both DYI and at the mother-ship. All are part of "your journey".

Good Luck, God Bless

Oh and remember happy hour starts anytime after 3pm

Re: New to This Forum and Researching a DP for Full-Timing

Reply #13 – September 02, 2014, 11:02:53 am

Another welcome, Larry and Jan! It sounds to me like you are on the right track. Once we figured out that, no matter what sort of coach we picked for our full-time coach, something would tow something else we realized that the 5'er we had thought would be right wasn't, and the MH we thought was too expensive to drive was actually cheaper. Generally, a MH is a better choice for people who move frequently, and a towable is a better choice for those who stay put for long periods of time.

Take a look at Foretravel Specifications, Floor Plans, Photos & Brochures by Year for lots of good information. Since there are only so many ways to arrange the interior of a box into living space you can get ideas for floor plans that will work for you by looking at any MH - even one that is a refugee from a junk yard. If the plan seems to work for you check the above site to find the Foretravel that has a similar plan. Remember that different manufacturers may use different standards, so don't assume that all counters are the same height, for example. A common plan has a couch on one side and chairs on the other. It usually doesn't matter which is on which side, but if you find that you have a preference you will know what to look for.

Since you are in the Houston area you can spend a couple of hours at PPL for the floor plan searching. Then on to Nac and look at the Foretravels. FOT generally has the newer coaches and MOT the older ones, but once you have a good idea of what you want you should let both places know and they will watch for you. Also let this group know, as sometimes someone is thinking about trading but hasn't advertised their coach yet.

Enjoy the research and the hunt.

Re: New to This Forum and Researching a DP for Full-Timing

Reply #14 – September 02, 2014, 12:11:42 pm

Quote from: Forewheelers – September 01, 2014, 09:11:40 pm

If I were you and lived that close to Nac, you should consider going up there and looking what's on the lot at mot and fot. It's sort of like being a judge in a beauty contest, they all look good. Happy hunting and good luck.

This is high on our list and will probably be something we do within the next month or two.

Re: New to This Forum and Researching a DP for Full-Timing

Reply #15 – September 02, 2014, 12:23:02 pm

Quote from: Tim Fiedler – September 01, 2014, 10:17:20 pm

welcome, you will find lots of knowledge here and plenty of friendly folks ready to help. Â Make sure you visit both Motorhomes of Texas and Foretravel while you are up in Nacogdoches - and also make sure to get a factory tour. Â Make some relationships sooner rather than later, so that you see all the coaches that come into FOT and MOT, not just the ones that make it to the web site - a lLOT of inventory is sold before it gets put up on the web.

You won't be disappointed in a FT. Â I have a friend that has a Volvo and high end fiver, with a Subaru. Â Tows it as a triple on the interstate. Â Watching him set up and later get ready to leave made me weary. Â If you don't change camp sites often, that is a pretty interesting option, but a used FT is a great way to go and minimize the depreciation hit.

Thanks for the welcome aboard. You make a very good point about getting to know the folks involved with Foretravels early so that there is a relationship of sorts already established...this is something we need to start working on.

In that vain...is there a salesperson anyone would recommend? I talked to a Newmar salesman a few months ago but got the distinct feeling this was not the type of person that would be around if we went back in a year when we were ready to purchase. Besides...he wasn't overly helpful so not someone I would consider giving my business to anyway.

If we go the Volvo route, it will have a Smart Car loader built on the bed of the trailer. Neither my wife nor I are Smart Car fans so this is one reason we are starting to move away from the Volvo/fiver idea.

Re: New to This Forum and Researching a DP for Full-Timing

Reply #16 – September 02, 2014, 12:55:42 pm

Quote from: Carol & Scott – September 01, 2014, 09:00:39 pm

Welcome Larry and Jan.

Thank you...very happy that all my research (admittedly on Country Coaches) has led me to Foretravel.

Re: New to This Forum and Researching a DP for Full-Timing

Reply #17 – September 02, 2014, 12:56:32 pm

Quote from: LJSteinmetz – September 02, 2014, 12:23:02 pm

Thanks for the welcome aboard. You make a very good point about getting to know the folks involved with Foretravels early so that there is a relationship of sorts already established...this is something we need to start working on.

In that vain...is there a salesperson anyone would recommend?

At FOT we prefer dealing with Tyle Fore and at MOT we prefer Mel Cordray. Not that the other folks aren't good at what they do, but Tyle and Mel have always been happy to answer questions and never once seemed like we were bothering them (unlike one of the other guys at FOT who once asked if we were "visiting our parents or just kicking tires?"

)

Re: New to This Forum and Researching a DP for Full-Timing

Reply #18 – September 02, 2014, 12:58:56 pm

Quote from: Dave and Nancy Abel – September 02, 2014, 07:38:29 am

Howdy Larry and Jan,
Thank you for your service to our great country and welcome to the Foreforums. You'll find a wealth of knowledge and great advice here. Since you're looking at Foretravels you're definitely on the right track. Good luck and enjoy the search,
Dave and Nancy A

Hello,

Thanks for your comments on my service and, yes, it is a great country! The more-and-more my wife and I read about Foretravels the less we are thinking about Country Coaches (there is no other coach we are considering). In the end, it may come down to availability, costs, timing, etc. but we are not in an incredible rush so we can take our time.

Re: New to This Forum and Researching a DP for Full-Timing

Reply #19 – September 02, 2014, 01:10:50 pm

Quote from: Peter & Beth – September 02, 2014, 09:05:04 am

Larry,
Welcome aboard. You will find most of us inclined to recommend a Foretravel, so understand where we're coming from.

Regardless of the age, a Foretravel is constructed & assembled one-by-one by the same group of folks that have been at it for many years. The quality and craftsmanship is second to none, except maybe for the ultra-high-end coach converters. For the price it cannot be beat. I've owned Forrest (The 1997 Foretravel) for 11 years now (2nd owner) and the unit is still rock solid from the foundation of a custom chassis to the coach works inside. Does not mean that there is no maintenance involved.

Going from a Fiver to a DP is a style preference, and I believe you understand this. The Volvo-Fiver combo you mentioned is likely more expensive to maintain than the Foretravel.

Also a last word of wisdom...if yer gonna full-time...have an exit strategy.

Best of luck in your pursuit.

Thanks for the welcome. Yes, I belong to several forums related to hobbies and other things and know how people (OK...me included

) can be very passionate about whatever it is that they own, support, etc. One thing I can say about Foretravel is that I found very favorable comments made about these coaches on other forums and by people who, at least by their signatures, didn't even own one. This spoke volumes to me about the quality of Foretravels.

Regarding an exit strategy...that is something that we continue to struggle with. We will be selling our house and, although we won't have to clear out the bank account to buy a coach, it will take tapping into a good portion of our retirement funds and possibly even financing a portion of the coach. We are going to try to make the financed part as small as possible but we do want to keep some of our retirement funds for later on. Living in a coach for the last 2-2.5 years before I retire will also allow us to put more into savings or pay down (off) the coach loan. What I do know is that I don't want to work until I am 70 and want to see as much of this great country as we can while we still have decent health. But yes...an exit strategy is very important to us...we just haven't settled on what shape we think it will take (and it may change once we are on the road so we are trying to not have it ALL figured out before we head out).

Re: New to This Forum and Researching a DP for Full-Timing

Reply #20 – September 02, 2014, 01:16:18 pm

Quote from: Kent Speers – September 02, 2014, 10:11:41 am

Larry and Jan, just to give the idea of a used Foretravel some perspective, we have been pretty much full timing in a 1993 Foretravel, U300 for over five years. The chassis and power train is in great shape. Ours was completely refurbed at the Foretravel factory in 2009 so it is very luxurious on the inside and now outside. Naturally many of the interior systems, TV's, Convection Oven, Air Conditioners and Furnaces and the chassis wear items, tires air bags, batteries, brakes pads and shocks have been replaced over 21 years but now we have a million dollar coach for around $50,0000 that will provide reliable living and transportation for another 20 years.

One little tip for evaluating RV's, have your bride sit on the bed while you walk around the coach. Most RV's, even with leveling jacks, will "Rock and Roll" when others move around. Our airbag Foretravel chassis is so solid it barely moves. This not only indicates a quality chassis, it keeps your spouse happy when you get up early or come to bed late.

Keep in mind that RV's have many complicated systems that when they fail become very frustrating. Having a viable manufacturer with intimate knowledge of your coach and one reasonably close to you will be a big benefit.

Very good points Kent...thanks! The more I read about those that have done major rehabs of their FTs the more interested I become. I do know the one big concern for my wife is space. She wants a very nice looking coach but she is not too terrible concerned about glitz and glamour but she does want a decent amount of square footage (read slides) and storage. Somewhere in there may be a compromise between a more affordable, older coach that we can customize to fit us and that has an adequate amount of HP and space/storage.

Re: New to This Forum and Researching a DP for Full-Timing

Reply #21 – September 02, 2014, 01:25:06 pm

Quote from: fouroureye – September 02, 2014, 10:29:49 am

Larry & Jan,

Many Military types here on the Forum. "Full-Timer" means many things to different people. Biggest challenges we faced was the "stuff", our kids asking us if we're crazy but for us its FUN! Remember whatever coach you decide on make it yours. You will find many, many beautiful modifications described here both DYI and at the mother-ship. All are part of "your journey".

Good Luck, God Bless
Oh and remember happy hour starts anytime after 3pm

Thank you!

We have been talking about full-timing since 2004 so the kids are pretty conditioned to it. Still, now that we are on the home stretch they do make the occasional comment e.g. "Dad, aren't you going to miss your big garage with the nice workshop"? or "Mom...you love your garden...what are you going to do once you are cooped up in that RV"? In all honesty, they are pretty supportive. My son is in the Coast Guard so it would make it a lot easier to see him wherever he is stationed. Our daughter lives here in Houston so we will either make fall/winter trips back down here or have her meet us in some cool spot somewhere in the U.S.

It will be a time of change for all of us but, being a military family for so long, it is something we have done many times.

Re: New to This Forum and Researching a DP for Full-Timing

Reply #22 – September 02, 2014, 01:55:09 pm

Quote from: LJSteinmetz – September 02, 2014, 10:19:40 am

Good luck Walt with your research.

I have been reading about full-timing and rigs since 2004 albeit most of that time it was researching 5th wheels. I am pretty happy that the bell started ringing in my head regarding Foretravels...hopefully we will find something that will be the ideal full-time coach for us.

Good luck with your search. I have been thinking and dreaming about full-timing since I first became aware of the concept six years ago. I've been wanting to go ever since.

My wife and I agreed that a motorhome would be the way to go, and I have since set my sights on a Foretravel when the time comes.

Re: New to This Forum and Researching a DP for Full-Timing

Reply #23 – September 02, 2014, 02:55:20 pm

Larry & Jan - Welcome,

I'm a "newbie," basically in your shoes, since we plan to purchase a used FT late next year. However, I've never contemplated a 5ver, since we've owned Class Cs in the past and simply enjoyed the experience more. Also, a DP fits what we intend to do in our travels across our great country. We looked at Newmar, Entegra, and Tiffin and I've done the factory tours. However, what interests me are the amount of FT still on the road that are early '90s. That speaks a lot for the durability of a product which, by it's name, is for Recreation. Although, like you and a number on this site, we'll full-time for awhile (anywhere from 1-5 years), with an exit plan likely in Nashville (daughter is there and, as many know, a great State for Retirement).

Certainly keep us (me) updated on your research and what you find at FOT & MOT since I'll be right behind you. It is appealing to buy a solid $100K coach and put $50K to reno it, as needed, to make it your own. Like you, I'm asking lots of questions ...

Plenty of Vets here, but sorry, former Army here, although I've been with the "G" since leaving the Army in '87 and will retire the end of next year to hit the road.

Cheers,
Tim

Re: New to This Forum and Researching a DP for Full-Timing

Reply #24 – September 02, 2014, 03:52:49 pm

Quote from: LJSteinmetz – September 02, 2014, 01:16:18 pm

Very good points Kent...thanks! The more I read about those that have done major rehabs of their FTs the more interested I become. I do know the one big concern for my wife is space. She wants a very nice looking coach but she is not too terrible concerned about glitz and glamour but she does want a decent amount of square footage (read slides) and storage. Somewhere in there may be a compromise between a more affordable, older coach that we can customize to fit us and that has an adequate amount of HP and space/storage.

One thing easily overlooked is that you lose storage when you have slides, a tag axle and an aqua hot. The older coaches without slides hold the most cargo. Everyone has their needs or desires but from our experience the reliability of a coach without slides and Aquahot outweighs the convenience of having them.

Regarding exit strategy, when we sold our big house we never intended having another hosue. But two years later found the perfect little cabin in the woods so we bought it for part time use and for when our health limits our ability to travel. When we sold the big house we gave away tons of stuff but I am very glad we kept at least some of the basics and my tools in storage. That saved us from having to purchase a lot of new things to replace the things we had just given away. Life changes very rapidly so hedge your bets a little bit.

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