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Topic: Am driving my last Foretravel !!!!! (Read 7892 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Am driving my last Foretravel !!!!!

Reply #150 –
I agree it is a good idea, but would probably need an administrator to keep the " my hinge broke" or " my gauge doesn't work any more" from diluting the main problems.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Am driving my last Foretravel !!!!!

Reply #151 –
Gadget talks of a list and another earlier post touched on it too

I asked that earlier also in the thread and a year or so ago in another thread.

It seems a limited appetite for such a list for several reasons, some practical and some accuracy.  However something of similar help already exists...it is the Forum.  If a member is looking at a particular model, ask for opinions, experiences, on the forum.  I imagine some replies will be private messages for a variety of good reasons.  I cited for an example that Michelle forewarned me on one model year to be aware of the PTO matter, factor into cost....but it was not even implied to not buy it.

 I hope such dialogues as herein are not misleading or misunderstood or motives in play and thus some conclude that these are not the coaches to own or buy.  They are fine albiet complex machines.

Mike
2001 U320 4010 Build 5878 (Gus)
Wrangle Unlimited Toad
Nacogdoches

Re: Am driving my last Foretravel !!!!!

Reply #152 –
I agree with Mike, ask/search for answers about a specific coach.  You will find out what owners have experienced.

I think a list of known problems gets too general and moves from personal opinion and experience to general opinion attributed to the Forum as a whole.  Some years may have had an issue with xyz but not all coaches.  If not worded carefully a post could be seen as way too inclusive.  Very few have broad knowledge outside of the coaches they have owned so such a list would likely be opinion usually unsupported by detail and facts.

What ever coach someone chooses to get serious about an independent qualified inspection should get done or at a minimum go through the 100 point PDI check list.  When we bought ours there were lots of stuff on those that I had no idea what it was or where.  Our inspector found a list of things, the owner fixed all of the significant ones. Things like weak lift struts, not.

Be a knowledgable buyer or bring someone who is along.  No matter what, every used coach is going to have its own issues that show up for you as you start using it.  Know that that will happen, be prepared, have budget money set aside for that, fix it and move on.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Am driving my last Foretravel !!!!!

Reply #153 –
How about a time line showing when and how many various models were produced.
1988  40' Grand Villa Cat 3208t

Re: Am driving my last Foretravel !!!!!

Reply #154 –
Quote from: NancyS –
How about a time line showing when and how many various models were produced.

Foretravel History
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Am driving my last Foretravel !!!!!

Reply #155 –
                               When all the smoke clears away from all this , what does it come down to . ?  What jumps in my face is simply "CUSTOMER LOYALTY "or  in this case the lack of .  When top management does not give a shi_P- about the older coaches , or much of any thing else before him it didn't take long for Foretravel owners to get a handle on what has taken place . When you think back as to what got this thread started and to think that a simple first class stamp mailed to each owner of the coaches that were in fact going to have a PTO failure leaving them stranded on the side of the road . Even a phone call would have done the job for me , heck even a post card , not to mention all the times I was in their shop and not one  word was ever spoken to me about it . What kind of loyalty is that . ??? How do they expect people to come back and buy another coach ???  Phyllis and I have looked at all new I_Hs that were on the lot for the last 4 years . All that kept things from happening was , the colors  or the floor plan --- and now along comes that PTO thing . Yes ,---that did indeed pee on my Wheaties . Just how much is a loyal customer expected to take and still stay loyal ?????                                Brad Metzger
Brad Metzger
2010 Phenix 45'

Re: Am driving my last Foretravel !!!!!

Reply #156 –
Unfortunately, Brad, I believe you nailed it. 

It used to be, The Foretravel of old, cared for repeat Foretravel buyers, both of new and used coaches. Most of us would be looking to Foretravel for our next coach, if it was made.

Fortunately for me, I have a very well built 38' coach from 2003, one of the best years in my opinion. It should last me. I wouldn't buy anything 45' long or on a Freightliner or Spartan chassis so long as this one is healthy. If I ever need to find a replacement, I would be looking at a Foretravel made before around the same era, not at anything they currently make.

What's really sad is that C.M. Fore bought Travco to get Motorcade. This to encourage customers to buy Foretravel after Foretravel. The current management no longer appears to be interested in repeat business, and Motorcade membership is dwindling.

Sad
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: Am driving my last Foretravel !!!!!

Reply #157 –
Quote from: Brad Metzger –
...When top management does not give a shi_P- about the older coaches , or much of any thing else before him it didn't take long for Foretravel owners to get a handle on what has taken place...

Because we will eventually downsize (years and years from now) our next RV will be a Born Free unless that new management team screws up that brand.  We thought in between, our "next" would be another FT but, sadly, that seems less and less likely.  One thing we do know, the more we spend the more support and service we expect.  Not sure where we may find that... 
The selected media item is not currently available.

Mark & Mary Benko
Former coach: 2005 U295 3823
Jeep Cherokee, Honda Fit

Re: Am driving my last Foretravel !!!!!

Reply #158 –
Loved my Born Free and I just sold one and will probably get another soon.
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: Am driving my last Foretravel !!!!!

Reply #160 –
Looks like the Realm is not selling. No retarder and not a Foretravel chassis, big deal breakers for most Foretravel owners.
'07 Phenix Double slide, Bunk beds, 42'
'14 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon

Re: Am driving my last Foretravel !!!!!

Reply #161 –
Quote from: Darrell LeBeau –
Looks like the Realm is not selling. No retarder and not a Foretravel chassis, big deal breakers for most Foretravel owners.


My point exactly.  Any manufacturer can slap a box atop a Spartan chassis and call it a luxury motor coach.  Nothing much to differentiate Foretravel from the rest of the pack.
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: Am driving my last Foretravel !!!!!

Reply #162 –
Left turn awhile ago.  This has become irrelevant.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Am driving my last Foretravel !!!!!

Reply #163 –
I think this thread has gone on long enough and I am spending too much time erasing messages.
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