Finally able to Check Out a Foretravel in NC

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Finally able to Check Out a Foretravel in NC

November 14, 2015, 05:59:24 pm

At long last my wife and I were finally able to see a Foretravel inside and out. We were finally able to put the pictures we have seen with an actual coach. We now understand why everyone raves about them. It was a 1993 Grand Villa, U225. My first indication of quality was just after I stepped inside. It felt rock solid, nothing like the other makers coaches we have looked at. Everything was top notch and the walnut cabinets quality. We were absolutely impressed and on the ride home decided that we will be satisfied by nothing other than a Foretravel. I would be very interested in this U225 but for the engine horsepower. Being a product of the muscle car 60s, I need horsepower and torque. I want at least 350hp, an M11 would be awesome but a 350 will work for me.

I recently ran across a post about the lack of Foretravel in the SE USA. I have found this to be very true. I am including the link to the website that I found this particular Foretravel on. The owner just relocated from Oregon to North Carolina, driving the U225 all the way. It appears to be in great shape physically and mechanically. You can contact him through the website 1993 Foretravel Motorcoach Unihome Grand Villa U-225, Class A - Diesel RV...

Thanks and Safe Travels,
Tom

Re: Finally able to Check Out a Foretravel in NC

Reply #1 – November 14, 2015, 06:18:02 pm

The pic shows a nice looking coach. What's the difference between a U- 225 and our coach?

Re: Finally able to Check Out a Foretravel in NC

Reply #2 – November 14, 2015, 06:30:11 pm

That thing looks good. I dunno about that paint and the extra heat itll transfer inside vs white gelcoat, but that 5.9 cummins is the best engine you could ask for as far as cheap operation, ease of service and being absolutely bulletproof. His price is..... about double what Id pay.

Re: Finally able to Check Out a Foretravel in NC

Reply #3 – November 14, 2015, 10:07:28 pm

Quote from: mike leary – November 14, 2015, 06:18:02 pm

The pic shows a nice looking coach. What's the difference between a U- 225 and our coach?

Big thing is the Cat in yours with a side radiator, and the Cummin in the U225, with a rear radiator.

Re: Finally able to Check Out a Foretravel in NC

Reply #4 – November 14, 2015, 11:13:12 pm

Weight/horsepower is a better predictor of acceleration, climbing power, etc., than is a pure horsepower number. The U225 is a relatively light weight (as in "not lots of pounds") Foretravel coach and the small engine may be adequate. Search the forum for "weight horsepower" for some discussions.

I really like the side radiator as compared to a vehicle with a radiator to the rear of the engine. I've seen the difference in accessibility to the engine. Also, rear radiators tend to collect more grease and dirt. I've seen a rear radiator on a relatively new SOB coach so plugged with oil and dirt on the outside that it needed to be removed in order to properly clean it. The rear radiator system is simpler because it doesn't require the hydraulic system to power the cooling fan. Either system can serve a user well if is properly maintained.

There are so many choices. People on this forum are mostly very pleased with a Foretravel that has been maintained well and fits their budget.

Re: Finally able to Check Out a Foretravel in NC

Reply #5 – November 14, 2015, 11:20:13 pm

Quote from: Dave and Dolly Cobb – November 14, 2015, 10:07:28 pm

Big thing is the Cat in yours with a side radiator, and the Cummin in the U225, with a rear radiator.

Yup, larger engine ( displacement, HP and torque), side radiator AND Allison 6 speed MD3060 vs 4 speed hydraulic.

Re: Finally able to Check Out a Foretravel in NC

Reply #6 – November 15, 2015, 12:55:29 am

I cannot imagine this coach selling for only $15,000 car54. Are you serious?

Re: Finally able to Check Out a Foretravel in NC

Reply #7 – November 15, 2015, 02:25:33 am

Beautifull coach. Who wouldn't take care of a coach that looked that good. You might not be the first one to the top of thehill. It'll look good in the rv park though.

Re: Finally able to Check Out a Foretravel in NC

Reply #8 – November 15, 2015, 04:42:22 am

We have had our coach for about 2 months and that coach was for sale a couple of months before we bought ours.

Re: Finally able to Check Out a Foretravel in NC

Reply #9 – November 15, 2015, 09:56:31 am

Quote from: tjdnc – November 14, 2015, 05:59:24 pm

Being a product of the muscle car 60s, I need horsepower and torque. I want at least 350hp, an M11 would be awesome but a 350 will work for me.

Tom,

I would encourage you to consider all aspects of each coach you inspect - if you get hung up on needing a particular horsepower rating or engine displacement, you may pass up some fine candidates. I also grew up believing "There's no replacement for displacement!", but with age has come a tiny bit of wisdom. While having the biggest engine or the most HP or being quickest off the line is fun, it is not an absolute necessity. Decide how much time you will spend driving your coach, and how much time you'll be living in it. Having the perfect (for you) floor plan might be more important than having a particular HP rating.

We started out looking at the U320 models, because I wanted the BIG engine. We ended up buying a U280, and I could not be any happier. Do I ever wish for more HP? Of course I do, but only when we are climbing long mountain grades. 99% of the time, our coach goes every bit as fast as I would want to go, regardless of how much power was available. If you eliminate (for instance) the 300hp C8.3 from your search criteria, you will overlook many fine Foretravel models.

Whatever you decide, I wish you good fortune in your hunt for the perfect coach!

Re: Finally able to Check Out a Foretravel in NC

Reply #10 – November 15, 2015, 10:59:25 am

Quote from: Dave and Dolly Cobb – November 14, 2015, 10:07:28 pm

Big thing is the Cat in yours with a side radiator, and the Cummin in the U225, with a rear radiator.

Hard to believe some egghead would design a compartment with a rear radiator!

Re: Finally able to Check Out a Foretravel in NC

Reply #11 – November 15, 2015, 11:19:33 am

Anyone see a place to eat--like a table? Must eat out ALL the time. If so then stove and microwave are unused.

We got over eating off TV trays years ago!

Re: Finally able to Check Out a Foretravel in NC

Reply #12 – November 15, 2015, 11:22:10 am

It is the booth dinette layout/SBI: 1993 U225 - U240 GV Floorplans

BTW, It lists chassis as "Roadmaster". NOT. It us a Unibody like all U225, U240, U280 and U300's.

Re: Finally able to Check Out a Foretravel in NC

Reply #13 – November 15, 2015, 11:37:49 am

Quote from: nitehawk – November 15, 2015, 11:19:33 am

Anyone see a place to eat--like a table? Must eat out ALL the time. If so then stove and microwave are unused.

We got over eating off TV trays years ago!

In 4 1/2 years of Foretravel enjoyment, and plenty of meals, breakfast, lunch or dinners, neither one of us is yet to use the table in either Foretravel for a meal. Different strokes for different folks. Granted we also have no paper plates in the coach either, but use the fine china we used at home. Along with silverware, crystal ware, real wine glasses and more we feel right at home.

Re: Finally able to Check Out a Foretravel in NC

Reply #14 – November 15, 2015, 12:26:07 pm

Quote from: HoBoJo – November 15, 2015, 12:55:29 am

I cannot imagine this coach selling for only $15,000 car54. Are you serious?

basic torsilastic suspension, loud propane generator, tiny engine, 4 speed trans, lacks all the features of the higher end FTs... I was looking at a similar vintage U240 with the 3116 cat for $11k and ended up with a 95 U300 with six speed, air leveling, unihome basements, and 350hp cat and 10kw kubota diesel gen for 24k.

Then I was able to buy a 1998 U270 36' in excellent shape off ebay for a friend, who paid $29,100 out the door from a dealer with 325hp cummins, 8kw powertech diesel gen, air suspension, all the goodies this lacks for less money!

This is waaaaaay overinflated in price for what it is. The small engine and basic 4 speed transmission arent really negatives in my opinion, they are simple and reliable. The level of features and age just dont justify a $30k price tag, ever. Especially without the air suspension. Without the air, I wouldnt consider a foretravel. Being able to level anywhere, anytime without worry of sinking into the ground or leaving marks in a parking lot is priceless.

If someone would give me $30k for my 1995 U300 I'd sell it in a heartbeat, and just hang out on ebay or craigslist until a better deal comes around. Everyone likes to think of foretravel as the greatest thing ever, but the truth is as good as they are, they depreciate as badly or worse than anything else out there.

Re: Finally able to Check Out a Foretravel in NC

Reply #15 – November 15, 2015, 12:31:07 pm

Quote from: nitehawk – November 15, 2015, 11:19:33 am

Anyone see a place to eat--like a table? Must eat out ALL the time. If so then stove and microwave are unused.

We got over eating off TV trays years ago!

Foretravel used a drop leaf table behind the passenger seat. It's in the pictures.

Travco used a lift up table with a fold down leg.

I miss the post tables the old coaches had. Anyone have the setup?

Cedar box in the closet with two table heads and two steel posts that went into plugs in the floor in front of the couch.

Post was in the corner of the small tables head so it could swing away.

Re: Finally able to Check Out a Foretravel in NC

Reply #16 – November 15, 2015, 09:19:37 pm

My first Foretravel was a 40 ft U300. It had a Detroit Diesel 350 HP.
This coach was the"silver anniversary" edition. I now have a '99 U270, 36 ft. with a Cummins 350. Now if I was talking about horse power, that Detroit 350 was a heck of lot stronger than the Cummins 350. Of course that Detroit could have been putting out 400 HP and the Cummins could actually be putting out 300 HP. dtd

Re: Finally able to Check Out a Foretravel in NC

Reply #17 – November 16, 2015, 09:12:23 am

Quote from: tjdnc – November 14, 2015, 05:59:24 pm

At long last my wife and I were finally able to see a Foretravel inside and out. We were finally able to put the pictures we have seen with an actual coach. We now understand why everyone raves about them. It was a 1993 Grand Villa, U225. My first indication of quality was just after I stepped inside. It felt rock solid, nothing like the other makers coaches we have looked at. Everything was top notch and the walnut cabinets quality. We were absolutely impressed and on the ride home decided that we will be satisfied by nothing other than a Foretravel. I would be very interested in this U225 but for the engine horsepower. Being a product of the muscle car 60s, I need horsepower and torque. I want at least 350hp, an M11 would be awesome but a 350 will work for me.

I recently ran across a post about the lack of Foretravel in the SE USA. I have found this to be very true. I am including the link to the website that I found this particular Foretravel on. The owner just relocated from Oregon to North Carolina, driving the U225 all the way. It appears to be in great shape physically and mechanically. You can contact him through the website 1993 Foretravel Motorcoach Unihome Grand Villa U-225, Class A - Diesel RV...

Thanks and Safe Travels,
Tom

Tom, I'm in Boone. We have a '93 U300 GV that I'd be happy to show you if you find yourself in the area. It is definitely not for sale. :+)

Re: Finally able to Check Out a Foretravel in NC

Reply #18 – November 16, 2015, 10:55:59 am

Quote from: tjdnc – November 14, 2015, 05:59:24 pm

I want at least 350hp, an M11 would be awesome but a 350 will work for me.
I recently ran across a post about the lack of Foretravel in the SE USA.
[/quote
To get a good one, you must be ready to hop on a plane. We did just that from Sacramento to Love Valley, North Carolina. Had to make it coast to coast so went to the Atlantic and then headed home to California.

Grew up with fast cars. Love the power of the 6V-92TA in our 1993 U300 along with the good fuel mileage. With the extra room in our engine bay, a 12 liter 8V-92TA (like a Prevost) would really do the trick but would need a lot more radiator.

Pierce

Re: Finally able to Check Out a Foretravel in NC

Reply #19 – November 16, 2015, 04:02:34 pm

So correct Pierce, yes the 8V-92 surely can be turned on large, and yes cooling needs attention, why I ran the spray on radiator, that works wonders when climbing mountains, never had temp over 198f while running over 600 hp with the 8V-92. My ISM500 will not run close to it. Just play with turbo setups, you will hit the magic number and will know it. in my case the turbo from the 6V-92 450 hp @ 1800 rpm and 9200 injectors at 2500 rpm was the magic.
massive boost numbers, blowing off the air box covers etc. Loved the days of playing with the 2 strokes.

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