Any 34' Foretravel's in Florida

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Any 34' Foretravel's in Florida

August 09, 2016, 01:07:02 pm

Greetings -

We're interested in getting a first hand look at a 34' U270 FT as part of our process of narrowing down our search. If you know someone in Florida with a 34', or someone traveling to Florida with a 34', let us know. Any model between 1998 and 2005 would be great but particularly interested in the 1998-2002 without slides. Don't want to buy the coach....just get a good look.

We live south of Tampa Bay in Sarasota but would be happy to travel almost anywhere within a day's drive to get a look at one "in the flesh".

Many thanks.

Randy

Re: Any 34' Foretravel's in Florida

Reply #1 – August 09, 2016, 02:18:46 pm

Ha! Let the bidding wars begin! Another forum friend is looking for a 34, as well. I never even knew FT made a 34 when we were looking. Good luck to both parties!

Re: Any 34' Foretravel's in Florida

Reply #2 – August 09, 2016, 03:15:29 pm

There are some very good photos of a 34' in this link: 2005 Foretravel U270 34 Priced at $ 139500

Re: Any 34' Foretravel's in Florida

Reply #3 – August 09, 2016, 05:32:28 pm

Randy.

10x more 36' to choose from than 34. Any reason not to look at 36?

Re: Any 34' Foretravel's in Florida

Reply #4 – August 09, 2016, 06:04:46 pm

No bidding war, just looking to see one in the flesh if one makes its was to Florida for a visit. It's so much better to know what you want before you look in earnest. We had a chance to visit a 36 and know that would work (in that case probably no slide) but simply want to see what's eliminated, in person, in the two feet that are lost.

Not sure what other disadvantages there might be as it appears engine and drivetrain are the same.

Re: Any 34' Foretravel's in Florida

Reply #5 – August 09, 2016, 06:16:57 pm

What is missing is WHEELBASE and some basement storage.

Re: Any 34' Foretravel's in Florida

Reply #6 – August 09, 2016, 06:20:47 pm

Plus you can find U270, U295, and U320 trim levels in a 36 footer. 34' will likely only be in a U270.

Re: Any 34' Foretravel's in Florida

Reply #7 – August 09, 2016, 07:09:35 pm

It depends on one's lifestyle. We had a 28' that fit in almost every little FS campground. The 31' was more dicey, but doable. The 36 footer is not worth trying, even in Parks that were built in the seventies, where we are now, and will not return because of the hassle getting in and out. The 34 footer might be "the pick of the litter."

Re: Any 34' Foretravel's in Florida

Reply #8 – August 09, 2016, 07:33:40 pm

Quote from: wolfe10 – August 09, 2016, 06:16:57 pm

What is missing is WHEELBASE and some basement storage.

Brett -

So what are the practical limitations, if any, of shorter wheel base? Wouldn't think much with the small decrease in size. And, some benefit from higher power to weight?

Again, all we're trying to do for the moment is eyeball one in person.

Randy

Re: Any 34' Foretravel's in Florida

Reply #9 – August 09, 2016, 07:35:21 pm

Quote from: AC7880 – August 09, 2016, 03:15:29 pm

There are some very good photos of a 34' in this link: 2005 Foretravel U270 34 Priced at $ 139500

IF we like the 34...and the whole purpose of this post is try and find one...this would have been a coach we'd have snapped up. Looks like all the aesthetic upgrades. Probably would do the slide but prefer the no slide...just didnt' make em in 2005 that I'm aware of.

Re: Any 34' Foretravel's in Florida

Reply #10 – August 09, 2016, 07:48:58 pm

To go from a 36' to 34', every inch of the "shortening" comes out of the wheelbase. Front and rear overhang are dictated by steering geometry and drivetrain.

The longer the Wheelbase/Overall Length, the better the tracking and less affected it is by crosswinds, etc.

I don't want to overplay this, but physics is physics.

Re: Any 34' Foretravel's in Florida

Reply #11 – August 09, 2016, 07:56:42 pm

Quote from: wolfe10 – August 09, 2016, 07:48:58 pm

To go from a 36' to 34', every inch of the "shortening" comes out of the wheelbase. Front and rear overhang are dictated by steering geometry and drivetrain.

The longer the Wheelbase/Overall Length, the better the tracking and less affected it is by crosswinds, etc.

I don't want to overplay this, but physics is physics.

Thanks. In a perfect world it would be nice to drive the different lengths! Not likely to happen when you can't even find em to look at!

Power to weight should better tho? How much weight do you lose in the 34 vs the 36?

Re: Any 34' Foretravel's in Florida

Reply #12 – August 09, 2016, 09:13:11 pm

Quote from: floridarandy – August 09, 2016, 07:56:42 pm

How much weight do you lose in the 34 vs the 36?

Just guessing, but I would say not a big difference. All the heavy stuff is the same in both models (engine, transmission, water, propane, fuel). What you lose is 2 feet of steel frame, plywood and fiberglass...plus some storage, and elbow room in the kitchen area.

If you compare a 34 with slide to a 36 no-slide, I'd bet weight is a tossup...and there would be more interior storage in the 36.

Re: Any 34' Foretravel's in Florida

Reply #13 – August 09, 2016, 09:48:18 pm

If power to weight ratio is of vital importance get a 36' 320. A 450 hp M-11 cummins in a 30,000 Lb coach should be quite the hot rod. (I intend to find out in the next 3-4 years). I can tell you that my 325 8.3 cummins does a great job pulling a dolly and VW Passat. Would never need any more unless a lot of mountain driving.

Re: Any 34' Foretravel's in Florida

Reply #14 – August 09, 2016, 10:14:52 pm

Kitchen space is not adequate for many in the 34'....the 36' is perfect for two people....Randy, if we weren't leaving town Sunday for 3 months (& packing/loading while dodging the tropical storm rain), I'd have you up to see my ol' girl....

Re: Any 34' Foretravel's in Florida

Reply #15 – August 10, 2016, 09:47:57 am

Quote from: Miz Dani – August 09, 2016, 10:14:52 pm

Kitchen space is not adequate for many in the 34'....the 36' is perfect for two people....Randy, if we weren't leaving town Sunday for 3 months (& packing/loading while dodging the tropical storm rain), I'd have you up to see my ol' girl....

When you're back give me a shout. It'll be an easy trip up and I'm interested to see all you've done. I know Karen will also enjoy hearing about FT from a woman's point of view.

Safe travels. See you when you're home.

Randy

Re: Any 34' Foretravel's in Florida

Reply #16 – August 10, 2016, 02:13:27 pm

From the pix of the 34' at MOT there is less bathroom and no place for the AquaHot, versus our 36'.

Re: Any 34' Foretravel's in Florida

Reply #17 – August 10, 2016, 02:33:18 pm

Tys and I looked at this 2005 34' U270 referenced in this link;
2005 Foretravel U270 34 Priced at $ 139500
In addition to the wheel base shortening, there is very little basement storage compared to a 36' non-slide. On the inside, it would not be possible to install a washer/dryer with this floor plan... but it is a beautiful coach. Perfect for vacations, and nice for the ability to maneuver and camp in tight spots, but wouldn't work for us for extended trips or full timing.
Don

Re: Any 34' Foretravel's in Florida

Reply #18 – August 10, 2016, 02:46:12 pm

Did FT ever make a 34' GV?

Re: Any 34' Foretravel's in Florida

Reply #19 – August 10, 2016, 08:23:13 pm

Quote from: mike leary – August 10, 2016, 02:46:12 pm

Did FT ever make a 34' GV?

Sold a few. Mostly OREG's.

208" WB did not drive was well as the 228". Light front end.

Re: Any 34' Foretravel's in Florida

Reply #20 – August 10, 2016, 08:32:22 pm

Quote from: Don & Tys (AKA acousticart) – August 10, 2016, 02:33:18 pm

Tys and I looked at this 2005 34' U270 referenced in this link;
2005 Foretravel U270 34 Priced at $ 139500
In addition to the wheel base shortening, there is very little basement storage compared to a 36' non-slide. On the inside, it would not be possible to install a washer/dryer with this floor plan... but it is a beautiful coach. Perfect for vacations, and nice for the ability to maneuver and camp in tight spots, but wouldn't work for us for extended trips or full timing.

That's a beautiful smaller coach, but I share Don's concerns about the lack of space both inside and outside. In addition, the 34-ft units do have a smaller wheelbase-to-overall length ratio and so I would be concerned about the ride and handling.

Even with careful planning, it's surprising how much "stuff" we take with us, and we're rally glad we have the storage space provided by our 40-ft unit. After nearly four years of ownership, we're really glad we decided to go with the 40-ft unit.

Re: Any 34' Foretravel's in Florida

Reply #21 – August 10, 2016, 10:10:06 pm

On the plus side, shorter wheelbase allows for less level campsite

Re: Any 34' Foretravel's in Florida

Reply #22 – August 11, 2016, 06:40:29 pm

34's are great. There really isn't much lost in usable interior space. In fact, somebody on here said his 34' was more spacious and better laid out than his 36' was. The bathroom layout works great.

Re: Any 34' Foretravel's in Florida

Reply #23 – August 12, 2016, 10:56:04 am

Depends on where you like to camp, as the close quarters maneuverability of the 34' is significantly better than the 36'. The national forest campgrounds I frequent are tight, and occasionally it takes everything I've got to squeeze into a site with my 34 footer.

Re: Any 34' Foretravel's in Florida

Reply #24 – October 12, 2016, 03:23:03 pm

Bumping this post in the hopes we'll get a 34' to pass through Florida this winter. We'd gladly travel to have a look. I'm pretty sure 36' will be our choice but will feel better than seeing one after the 36' is in the driveway.

Thanks

Randy

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