Quick Survey For Newbie

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Quick Survey For Newbie

July 04, 2016, 01:55:20 pm

Thanks for the warm welcome to FOF. As I've spent time looking around I've not only developed a keen interest in Foretravel products but have also noticed how many of you have coaches from the 1990's to the earlier 2000's. So I'm I curious to ask a few questions that I hope those who see this post will consider answering. It will help us better understand the experience of buying a pre-owned Foretravel:

Was this your first Foretravel purchase?

What model year coach did you purchase?

How many miles did your coach have on it when you purchased?

How many miles do you have on this coach today?

Have you had a major rebuild of engine or transmission since purchase?

Have you done a major redecoration since purchase (floors, cabinets, upholstery, etc.?

After considering your experience with Foretravel what is the single most important factor you think a buyer of a pre-woned coach should consider?

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Thanks in advance.

Randy in Florida

Re: Quick Survey For Newbie

Reply #1 – July 04, 2016, 02:49:05 pm

Hi Randy,
We have owned two Foretravels--- actually still do. The first was a 1990 U280 Unihome, and it is a great coach still. We did do a total remodel. It had about 135k miles on it when we purchased it and now has 153k-- no mechanical problems with the Cat engine or the Allison 743 since we have owned it. No doubt it could go another 150k without issues.

Our second coach is a 1996 U320, also a great coach. Had 75k miles when we bought it and now has 85k. No engine or transmission issues, Cummins M11 with 6 speed Allison. No remodel yet, but it is in the works. Love both coaches. The 1990 U280 is now for sale, we really don't need two.

Things that have been important for us---- Foretravel, great coaches, great service, and parts available from the factory on both coaches from a great parts staff with a long history of knowledge about the coaches. If we ever bought another coach, it would be a Foretravel. They treat us like family even though we have older coaches.

Re: Quick Survey For Newbie

Reply #2 – July 04, 2016, 03:00:27 pm

Quote from: floridarandy – July 04, 2016, 01:55:20 pm

Was this your first Foretravel purchase?
After considering your experience with Foretravel what is the single most important factor you think a buyer of a pre-owned coach should consider?

Yes, our first, we bought her last year after spending A LOT of time online searching. Question two is a tough one; IMHO, in a perfect FT world, I'd buy a coach from someone on this forum, they are so darn picky, they'll tell you when they last polished the wheels! We knew not about the Forum and bought ours through RV Traders, which put us in touch with the owner. He supplied us with pics and (most importantly) a plethora of files that went back many years, including who the previous PO was ( a good forum friend, now). Having the coach inspected by a FT pro would be perfect, but (no offense to inspectors) they can't tell you when something's going to fail, as in all things in life. Learn what you like.....check your Coach Buck budget. Bottom line? These are very cool coaches!

Re: Quick Survey For Newbie

Reply #3 – July 04, 2016, 03:10:18 pm

Hi Randy, good luck with your search. The more you know, the better choice you will make.

Quote from: floridarandy – July 04, 2016, 01:55:20 pm

Was this your first Foretravel purchase? Yes, looked for three years
What model year coach did you purchase? 2001, purchased from original owner in 2011
How many miles did your coach have on it when you purchased? 41K
How many miles do you have on this coach today? 75K
Have you had a major rebuild of engine or transmission since purchase? Yes, major engine repair due to air filter failure, very rare
Have you done a major redecoration since purchase (floors, cabinets, upholstery, etc.? Lighting, residential refrigerator, TVs, satellite dish, VMSpc, headlights, taillights, MCD shades, mattress, step conversion, new drawers and drawer latches, new Delco Alternator (50% more amps), Sterling isolator and more
After considering your experience with Foretravel what is the single most important factor you think a buyer of a pre-owned coach should consider? Documented maintenance, regular use, inspection, care and attention by previous owner. Floorplan should work for you, it is not something you can easily change. Almost everything else you can.
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Randy in Florida

Re: Quick Survey For Newbie

Reply #4 – July 04, 2016, 03:14:00 pm

1. Yes
2. 97/320
3. 52K
4. Starting year 4 w/ ~65K
5. No
6. No
7. PO - (previous owner ) service/update documentation is everything. It is part of the travel history for your coach.
8. Comments: you joined FOF after GADGET did some in-depth research on Previously Owned vs New Purchase. His posts are worth reading, IMHO. These diesel coaches will go several hundred thousand miles, I believe, if you give them the TLC needed. Since I have been a part of this forum, I think alternator, fridge, A/C, and tires would have the most posting, if totals were available.

Welcome to the Forum. We are glad you are here.

Lynn and Marilyn

Re: Quick Survey For Newbie

Reply #5 – July 04, 2016, 03:29:12 pm

What they said.

I swear, in going through my four three-ring binders, after buying our coach, I really DID find a notation describing when the wheels were last polished! My kind of PO

Re: Quick Survey For Newbie

Reply #6 – July 04, 2016, 03:35:34 pm

Wow Randy your asking a lot as all of us that own these Foretravel's have learned that there is not much out the that holds a candle to Foretravel's . We bought our first Foretravel two years ago and it had 114,000 miles with a new motor . It's a u 300 40 foot with a full body paint job. We pulled it the old blue carpet and tiled the bathroom kitchen and living room. We have put 10,000 miles on her since then and have had very few problems. I do all the maintenance my self. Hope this helps, we love ours and will keep it for as long as we can.

Re: Quick Survey For Newbie

Reply #7 – July 04, 2016, 03:36:24 pm

We have had the pleasure of buying two Foretravels.

First a 93, U225, 36', on 3/11, 105,000, and drove to 115,000.
Second a 98, U295, 36, 4/13, 95,000 and now 115,000.
First was a starter to decide about having a diesel pusher, it went so well, after two great years when we were offered our newest coach, a rare mid door, we said, yes on that phone call, and have had it 3 wonderful years.

NO engine or transmissions issues other than some misc. bolt on parts, like a cross threaded fuel filter base, two senders, and the newly installed fuel shut off solenoid bracket, broke. Lastly and biggest expense was the exhaust manifold, on the 8.3 that was "repaired", for our purchase. It failed in less than 700 miles, and we had it re-done correctly. I can only think of a couple of engine, or transmission major threads on the forum is the last 6 years. One 5.9 drop a valve on a used head, and had to replace a 5.9. That is not a Foretravel issue, and the head was a used part when it was put on the Cummins engine. Roger's water and air filter, failure, but partly covered by his insurance.

For me the single item issue would be floor plan, after that paperwork, and then, appearance. As you will find a simple Stage 1, 2 or 3, the complete full body re-paint is over $20,000 at Xtreme Paint in Nacogdoches. Things like all the exterior metal is going to be what you see. Garage stored can add a priceless amount to the over all looks, that my coach will never ever again have unless stupid money is spent.
All the interior upgrade of components, appliances, fabrics are easy, and would be the same cost on any brand. We have never regretted any upgrade. People get caught up in tire and battery age, although important, to me those are a single phone call, a couple of hours of my time and a swipe of the debit card to resolve. Same with TV upgrades, as anything you buy today, is better maybe than was put in 6 months ago. We and the previous owners have done upgrades. We still have the same original high quality fabrics in our 98, on every surface. Nothing Foretravel built, has failed, every door, drawer, and cabinet works as well today as the day it was delivered to the first owners.

You have stepped on a slippery slope, enjoy the trip. And as we all find out, life is too short not to have a Foretravel!

Re: Quick Survey For Newbie

Reply #8 – July 04, 2016, 03:39:31 pm

Great Thread! Thanks for starting this one!

Re: Quick Survey For Newbie

Reply #9 – July 04, 2016, 03:43:36 pm

Was this your first Foretravel purchase? YES
What model year coach did you purchase? 1997
How many miles did your coach have on it when you purchased? 83,000
How many miles do you have on this coach today? 124,500
Have you had a major rebuild of engine or transmission since purchase? NO AND LIKELY NEVER WILL...
Have you done a major redecoration since purchase (floors, cabinets, upholstery, etc.? TV UPGRADE, MANY MINOR UPGRADES TO SUIT OUR COMFORT FOR CAMPING AND WINTERIZING.
After considering your experience with Foretravel what is the single most important factor you think a buyer of a pre-woned coach should consider? CONSTRUCTION AND CHASSIS DESIGN.

Re: Quick Survey For Newbie

Reply #10 – July 04, 2016, 03:54:03 pm

Quote from: floridarandy – July 04, 2016, 01:55:20 pm

Thanks for the warm welcome to FOF. As I've spent time looking around I've not only developed a keen interest in Foretravel products but have also noticed how many of you have coaches from the 1990's to the earlier 2000's. So I'm I curious to ask a few questions that I hope those who see this post will consider answering. It will help us better understand the experience of buying a pre-owned Foretravel:

Was this your first Foretravel purchase?
. Yes, as soon as DW saw one. NOTHING else would do
What model year coach did you purchase?
. 1995
How many miles did your coach have on it when you purchased?
. 153,000
How many miles do you have on this coach today?
. 161,000
Have you had a major rebuild of engine or transmission since purchase?
. No, rear brakes & CAC was loose.
Have you done a major redecoration since purchase (floors, cabinets, upholstery, etc.?
. Nope
After considering your experience with Foretravel what is the single most important factor you think a buyer of a pre-woned coach should consider?
. We were able to by a 20 year old coach WAY cheaper than new with features on it some new coaches still lack[/list]

Thanks in advance.

Randy in Florida

Re: Quick Survey For Newbie

Reply #11 – July 04, 2016, 04:10:24 pm

I just thought of something that affected us to this day: When we bought the coach, I missed the fact that , tho maintained well, she was ready for a complete fluid & filter re-do, including the air dryer. Rather pricey, to say the least, + finding some shop that had serviced a coach of this type. Would I be considering a coach buy, in retrospect, that invoice would be at the top of my list. If the PO had told me, I'd had split the cost with him!

Re: Quick Survey For Newbie

Reply #12 – July 04, 2016, 04:16:36 pm

Was this your first Foretravel purchase?

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Yes

What model year coach did you purchase?

2003, purchased in 2004

How many miles did your coach have on it when you purchased?

23K

How many miles do you have on this coach today?

95K, I think

Have you had a major rebuild of engine or transmission since purchase?

Have you done a major redecoration since purchase (floors, cabinets, upholstery, etc.?

yes. Recovered couch, new D/P seats, new dinette benches, new carpet, residential fridge, tile backsplashes, new Advantium, new front TV, new BR TV, added basement TV, recovered window valances, upgraded faucets, MCD blinds, headlight conversion, tail light conversion, step conversion, engine bay door conversion

After considering your experience with Foretravel what is the single most important factor you think a buyer of a pre-owned coach should consider?

Owner records. They are the best way to know if and how a coach was maintained (of course I say this because we have complete records of everything ever done to this coach

)

Re: Quick Survey For Newbie

Reply #13 – July 04, 2016, 04:20:51 pm

Wow....you guys rock. Not surprised after many enjoyable hours here. Keep em coming!

Re: Quick Survey For Newbie

Reply #14 – July 04, 2016, 04:29:14 pm

First was a 93 U280 36 foot - bought in 2005 ($50K), traded 18 months later 11/06 for a 95 U320SE 40 foot after replacing CAC and installing a Banks kit. Liked the 36 footer, love the 40 footer.
Still have the 320 - had 107K when we bought it, has 147K now. No major problems - replaced tires when we bought it and the then last year.
Replaced an engine computer last year, had brakes redone and wheel seals all around. I've replaced the propane water heater a few years ago after an electrical fire in the rear of the original. If we keep the coach after payoff next year we plan on an extensive refurb of the interior.
Ours is a rare coach with the upper side cabinets deleted in the salon and bedroom, and ginger oak plank front to rear (including the bedroom).
It also has only a Jake and no aquahot. It fits our lifestyle perfectly.
Decide what you want for length and complexity. 34/36 foot are easy to drive. 40 foot you have to swing out a lot farther and its smart to just do things a lot slower. I love the M11. We have been happy without Aquahot living in Florida and traveling in good weather with heat strips in the AC units.

The newer the coach, the more features. Whatever you decide on make sure the bones are good and remember the fluff can be done however you want.

Re: Quick Survey For Newbie

Reply #15 – July 04, 2016, 04:34:06 pm

Was this your first Foretravel purchase? - No third - 1989 OREG 36' (blew motor), 1999 U-270 36', 2000 U-320 40' with slide

What model year coach did you purchase? 2000

How many miles did your coach have on it when you purchased? 60,000

How many miles do you have on this coach today? 121,000

Have you had a major rebuild of engine or transmission since purchase? NO. Very, very very rare to have engine or transmission trouble

Have you done a major redecoration since purchase - floors (luxury vinyl replacing heavy ceramic tile), carpet in rear, Knoedler power chief drivers seat, upholstery (co-pilot seat, Pilot seat, Ekornes chair and ottoman, replaced scissors couch with full queen villa fold out upholstered to match, replace "J" lounge with Dinette upholstered to match, and walnut table - , MCD power front shade, MCD power remote entry door shade, extend A/C ducts forward to Driver Area, Chiliwhich basket weave material in front entry, Girard Awning, WineGuard Traveler, Flat Screen TV's, LED Lights, LED Taillights, roof paint, front stair modification (full body paint and headlights were on coach), Replace OEM refrigerator with Residential French Door, replace OEM Microwave with GE Advantium Convection/Microwave, add cell booster. Add outside TV where old refrigerator vent used to be.
Mechanical - new tires, batteries, air bags, Koni FSD shocks, all new fuel lines, 120K "Overhead" on engine (valve adjust) - and probably a few other things I have forgotten....

Next? Silverleaf Glass dash

After considering your experience with Foretravel what is the single most important factor you think a buyer of a pre-owned coach should consider? 1995 - 2001 Foretravel that has been used and maintained. Have a good pre buy done, check bulkheads and the expensive stuff. Expect to spend some money on maintenance as you own coach

Re: Quick Survey For Newbie

Reply #16 – July 04, 2016, 04:34:59 pm

Quote from: Dave Head – July 04, 2016, 04:29:14 pm

without Aquahot l

Re: Quick Survey For Newbie

Reply #17 – July 04, 2016, 04:47:28 pm

Randy in Florida:
1 No
2 2003
3 40,000
4 100,000
5 No
6 Yes, dishwasher, bedroom floor, TV's, upholstery, dash radio, etc,
7 suitability, get what you want and then have a good PDI

Re: Quick Survey For Newbie

Reply #18 – July 04, 2016, 04:49:58 pm

1. Yes
2. 1993 U280 SE
3. 160,000
4. 185,000
5. No
6. Yes (this was a "elective" remodel - all original items in coach were in good shape...we just wanted to upgrade)
7. Floor plan - get the one that works for you - nearly everything else can be changed/upgraded/modified/fixed after purchase.

Re: Quick Survey For Newbie

Reply #19 – July 04, 2016, 04:51:06 pm

1. No
2. '92 U-240 & '97 U-320
3, ~40,000 & ~30,000
4.110,000 &65,000
5. No & none that we have helped forum members work on in our shop.
6. No, & we don't classify floors & upholstery major
7.If you are talking about a coach and not the factory, I would say that you need to be well versed in what you are looking at because you can get a POS no matter who built it depending on upkeep.

Pamela & Mike

Re: Quick Survey For Newbie

Reply #20 – July 04, 2016, 04:59:29 pm

1. No, have 2
2. 1981 still a mystery as to model. 1999 is a U320
3. 1981 had 46,000 when we bought it. 1999 had 93,000 when we bought it.
4 1981 now has 89,000 after using it for 18 years. 1999 now has 96,500 after 7 months.
5. No for both of them
6. installed second residential fridge in the 1981. Nothing in the 1999
7. Condition, and allowing for the cost to put it in the condition you want.

Re: Quick Survey For Newbie

Reply #21 – July 04, 2016, 07:01:12 pm

Randy Welcome the our forum.
Was this your first Foretravel purchase? (No)
What model year coach did you purchase? (1994 & 2003)
How many miles did your coach have on it when you purchased? (First one had about 60K, this one had about 118K)
How many miles do you have on this coach today? (About 120K)
Have you had a major rebuild of engine or transmission since purchase? (No)
Have you done a major redecoration since purchase (floors, cabinets, upholstery, etc.? (Yes, on both)
After considering your experience with Foretravel what is the single most important factor you think a buyer of a pre-woned coach should consider? ( Buy the one you find, like and can buy the most with what you can effort; everything can be fix, be ready to spend 10K from get go, whether you spend it withing first 6 months or 12 months & if you don't consider it a bonus,)

Re: Quick Survey For Newbie

Reply #22 – July 04, 2016, 09:02:59 pm

I am still a newbie only got Toby in September.

1. Yes first foretravel first motor home and mostly great luck. ( literally bought it at the po's yard sale)

2. 1994 u280

3. Between 94 and 95 thousand miles

4. Just turned past 97 thousand miles this trip

5. Currently no however I have developed a rear main seal oil leak that I will be attending to at the end of the season because trans removal is required. Since the trans will be out and my race car driver is a transmission mechanic with his own business we will likely tear down and inspect.

6. So far the removal of the dinette to facilitate a play pen which is likely going to change to a crib.

7. Find a unit that the po loved and still loves. That will be the unit that had all Maintenance done

Re: Quick Survey For Newbie

Reply #23 – July 04, 2016, 09:09:03 pm

Was this your first Foretravel purchase? Nope.
What model year coach did you purchase? Began with a '93 U225 36', then a '95 U320 40' and now an '02 U320 40'
How many miles did your coach have on it when you purchased? I honestly don't know. It really doesn't matter ...
How many miles do you have on this coach today? I think about 140,000 ... barely broken in.
Have you had a major rebuild of engine or transmission since purchase? Nope. Great owner records and we are careful about preventative maintenance.
Have you done a major redecoration since purchase (floors, cabinets, upholstery, etc.? Oh, brother ... you bet!! Upholstery, TVs, sound system, satellite, residential fridge, Knoedler pilot seat, headlights, step conversion, toilet, other interior remodels.
After considering your experience with Foretravel what is the single most important factor you think a buyer of a pre-owned coach should consider? Buy the BEST quality rig that you can afford, regardless of age ... do your research to see what years might be best and look for one that was well loved by it's PO.

Re: Quick Survey For Newbie

Reply #24 – July 04, 2016, 11:22:14 pm

Quote from: floridarandy – July 04, 2016, 01:55:20 pm

Was this your first Foretravel purchase?
Yes
What model year coach did you purchase?
2000
How many miles did your coach have on it when you purchased?
84,000 ish
How many miles do you have on this coach today?
96 ish
Have you had a major rebuild of engine or transmission since purchase?
No
Have you done a major redecoration since purchase (floors, cabinets, upholstery, etc.?
No, PO had full body paint, headlight conversion, full tiled floor, I could see no reason that anyone would touch those beautiful cabinets.
After considering your experience with Foretravel what is the single most important factor you think a buyer of a pre-woned coach should consider?
I'm with Dave, decide what length you can live with and if 40' or more tag axle or not

Welcome to the ForeForums!
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